The Həłmxiłp Indigenous Birth Justice staff say that childbirth is a process that requires community and spiritual perspectives. This belief can be seen in the care that Həłmxiłp provides.
Həłmxiłp was established in 2022 and was given a space for practice in 2023. The organization specializes in doulawork, which is physical and emotional support and advocacy that is provided before, during and after birth by a trained nonmedical professional.
While doulawork might be at the heart of Həłmxiłp’s mission, they offer support for all stages of life, whether it be parenting, coming of age or menopause.
Co-director of Həłmxiłp Indigenous Birth Justice and Colville Confederated tribes member of the Methow, Moses/Columbia, Wenatchi and Entiat bands, Ami Palmanteer, offers the inspirations around the birth of this organization.
“With my family, I never had a doula,” Palmanteer said. “I struggled with breastfeeding. My mom breastfed, but she never taught me how or would help me with it. And we just never really talked about anything like changes in your body, all the things you just like feel weird about.”
Palmanteer also mentions the inspirations for her co-director, Danica Parker, in creating Həłmxiłp.
“She sees that there’s a need for what we do in our indigenous community in the city,” Palmanteer said. “ So it’s really just been her passion. And then it just kind of fell into my life. And I’m like, oh man, this is really needed here and it’s where I need to be.”
Həłmxiłp Indigenous Birth Justice Center also reserves their space in collaboration with the Elk Soup nonprofit organization. Sponsored by Elk Soup, men’s group meetings are held monthly at the Həłmxiłp center as a means to empower men and benefit families.
Jeff Ferguson, co-founder of Elk Soup, says he recognizes the importance of Həłmxiłp when it comes to empowering Indigenous families.
“They have a good understanding of that disconnect that was instilled with Western medicine and Western practices,” Ferguson said. “And they have a real good grip on what the needs are.”
In collaboration with the Spokane Tribal Network and other Indigenous birth justice networks within the area, the Həłmxiłp Indigenous Birth Justice network offers training to aspiring doulas. They’ve reached a current milestone of 48 graduates, with Sierra Sanchez being among the first cycle.
“It’s so beneficial having a doula, or having another woman in the room while a person is giving birth,” Sanchez said. “It’s already scientifically proven that it lowers the risk of C-section and improves birthing outcomes and breastfeeding. We’re there before the birth, and after, to make sure things are going well for you.”
Sanchez also addressed the role of Indigenous culture in Həłmxiłp’s services.
“For indigenous clients, it makes them feel safer and more respected, like they’re more in control of their experience,” Sanchez said. “A lot of times, we see disrespect or coercion, so being able to hold onto what cultural pieces we can throughout the process really helps maintain identity.”
While Həłmxiłp is strong in cultural values and shows pride in their practices, they make it known that all families and birth-givers are welcomed with open arms.
“We don’t require you to prove anything to us,” said Palmanteer. “It just feels really natural and healing to a lot of people here. I love for people to come and learn about what we do, to know what’s out there, and know what’s possible.”
