Armadale: Maternity program pairs Aboriginal mums-to-be with culture-specific care

A GROUP of Armadale Hospital midwives are aiming to close the gap in Aboriginal maternity care-one newborn baby at a time.

The Boodjari Yorgas Midwifery Group Practice is a maternity program that offers local Indigenous mothers culturally appropriate antenatal, labour and postnatal care and support.

The program was part of a four-year Murdoch University study that found more Indigenous midwives and culture-specific care were important in improving maternity care and childbirth outcomes for Aboriginal women and their babies.

Aboriginal health officer Christine Parry said the Boodjari Yorgas had five midwives, two Aboriginal grandmother liaison officers and an Aboriginal health officer.

“We have a strong focus on outreach – we spend time in the local Nyoongar community speaking to expectant mothers and their families and following up with mothers in their homes once their babies are born,” she said.

“Research has shown that care from a known midwife during pregnancy, labour, birth and after a baby is born results in improved outcomes for mothers and babies.

“Boodjari Yorgas Midwifery Group Practice aims to empower Aboriginal women to make informed choices and decisions towards improved outcomes.”

The Boodjari Yorgas program is available to all Aboriginal families.

Call 9391 2910 for more information.