Birthing program delivers difference in community

The results are in. A new study has revealed women in our Birthing in Our Community program are 50% less likely to have a premature baby, and more likely to be able to breastfeed. They are also more likely to access antenatal care than those using standard maternity care.

These findings from The Lancet Global Health journal were announced yesterday. They relate to the program we deliver in partnership with IUIH and the Mater Mothers’ Hospital.

The program is open to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who are eligible to birth at Mater Mothers Hospital. The women will have access to their own midwife (provided by Mater) throughout pregnancy and at birth. They will also have access to an Aboriginal family support worker and health team (provided by IUIH and ATSICHS Brisbane).

ATSICHS CEO Jody Currie said the impact of families accessing culturally safe care around birth could not be underestimated.

“Birth is a sacred time. It is bub’s first connection with culture, community and country. Enabling our families to access the right support for their birth in a safe environment makes so much difference – and has a lifelong impact,” she said.

“The Birthing in Our Community model is currently only available to women living in the South Brisbane area. We know the model and the program works. What we really want to see now is women have the opportunity to access this program and its impact, regardless of where they live.”
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In addition to the key finding of the reduced risk of pre-term birth, the study also found that women accessing the program are:

• Less likely to need a Caesarean delivery
• Less likely to have their baby admitted to the neonatal care nursery
• More likely to attend 5 or more antenatal appointments
• More likely to exclusively breastfeed on discharge
  

To read all the findings visit: https://bit.ly/30V31rt

If you’re expecting, check out Jajumbora Midwifery Hub.