Native birthworkers guide alaska mothers through pregnancy with cultural support

In the midst of Alaska's pandemic surge, Mary Sherbick yearned for connection and cultural understanding as she navigated her high-risk pregnancy. The Yupik woman found solace in online talking circles for Alaska Native women, organized by the Alaska Native Birthworkers Community (ANBC).

Anbc fills a critical gap in maternal care for indigenous mothers

For Sherbick and many other Alaska Native mothers, the ANBC provided invaluable support, bridging the gap between traditional knowledge and modern healthcare. The community of Indigenous birthworkers offers free birth-related services tailored to the unique needs of Alaska Native women, who face disproportionately high rates of pregnancy-related mortality.

Before giving birth in 2021, Sherbick attended a prenatal plant medicine workshop, learning to prepare herbal teas and infusions rooted in Indigenous knowledge. She used these remedies to manage her anemia, a common issue affecting many Alaska Native women.

On a daily basis, ANBC's work spans birth preparation groups, on-call support, and a 24/7 referral hotline for mothers in active labor. The organization's team, predominantly based in Anchorage, also provides support to rural mothers who often must travel for care.

A 2025 study revealed that 43.3% of Alaska Native births occur in hospitals, highlighting the urgent need for culturally sensitive care. ANBC's holistic approach, grounded in ancestral wisdom and understanding of systemic racism, empowers Alaska Native mothers to reclaim their agency and sovereignty in the face of historical trauma and ongoing health disparities.