The Ceduna Aboriginal Family Birthing Program has welcomed a new Aboriginal and Maternal Infant Care trainee to support expectant Aboriginal mothers in the community.
Country Health SA (CHSA) Director of Nursing at Ceduna District Health Services, Andrew Lane, said the trainee would work closely with the current Aboriginal and Maternal Infant Care (AMIC) worker who has recently completed their higher qualification.
"Our Aboriginal Family Birthing Program (AFBP) has been operating since 2010, which provides Aboriginal women with continuity of care during pregnancy, birth and for six weeks in the postnatal period," Mr Lane said.
"Mothers are encouraged to have multiple antenatal visits to increase birthweight for their infants and give them a healthier start to life and our trainee will provide culturally sensitive support to expectant mothers throughout their pregnancy.
"The partnership between the Aboriginal woman, local Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Service, AMIC worker and AFBP Midwife is the key to the success of the program that improves the overall health of the infant.
"We are aiming to minimise risk factors and increase positive health in pregnancy and birth outcomes for both the mother and infant, and our new trainee will be a valuable asset to Ceduna District Health Services."
CHSA Aboriginal Family Birthing Program Manager, Wendy Thiele, said the program is highly valued by the Aboriginal Community, has been well evaluated and received awards for its innovation and birthing outcomes.
"Aboriginal women receiving care through the birthing program are more likely to access care earlier in their pregnancy, attend more antenatal care appointments, and deliver infants to full-term and at a healthy birth weight," Ms Thiele said.
"We are assisting Aboriginal women to stay connected with their family, culture and community while supporting cultural practices that contribute to positive outcomes.
"It is also important that we build on the existing strengths, knowledge and skills of Aboriginal women and their families, including fathers, to ensure they are comfortable receiving care within our health service.
"We hope to increase the positive experiences of Aboriginal women in a health environment and offer exceptional support to both the families and their babies."
The AFBP has built a reputation amongst the Aboriginal Community across the state for providing a culturally safe, clinically robust and quality service.
