A 31-year-old Cape York woman, battling multiple chronic conditions, felt less alone and more confident navigating complex medical appointments during her fifth pregnancy - even while spending most of it in Cairns away from her support group.
With her partner in the Australian Navy and away for long stretches, she carried the full weight of family life.
At 22 weeks, health complications brought the expectant mother to Mookai Rosie Bi-Bayan (Mookai Rosie) and into the First 1,000 Days program, where she could be close to care.
"I wasn't alone and felt truly cared for," she said. "The pregnancy massages were amazing, and having all the support in one place made everything easier.
"I could see a Centrelink officer there and have a social emotional wellbeing worker support me at my appointments."
Her journey is one of many that showcase how the First 1,000 Days program empowers parents, families, and children during this critical period - from conception to a child's second birthday.
The program, which is funded by Northern Queensland Primary Health Network (NQPHN) and delivered by Mookai Rosie, helps parents and children during this critical time to access a range of support, including pregnancy care, birthing, post-birth care, and child development.
Mookai Rosie Maternal Health Clinical Lead Kim Mitchell said ensuring continuity of care for chronic conditions was a priority.
"We helped the expectant mother with transport, appointments, and managing her diabetes with the Cairns diabetes team," Ms Mitchell said.
"Her blood pressure was checked daily, and when our midwife confirmed pre-eclampsia, we adjusted her treatment with the hospital doctors to keep her and her baby safe."
Recognising the mother's exhaustion, the team encouraged self-care and cultural connection through activities at Mookai Rosie.
"We made sure she had time for herself while her daughter attended playgroup," Ms Mitchell said.
"She also joined a mothers' group, led by a First Nations artist, and took part in arts and crafts.
"Cultural birth attendants provided support with nourishing meals, massage therapy, relaxation techniques, antenatal breastmilk expression to ensure her baby had colostrum after birth, and guidance to help her feel nurtured and connected to culture."
Postnatally, the Mookai Rosie team, through the First 1,000 Days program, continued to provide essential care for both the mum and her newborn daughter.
"We helped her establish exclusive breastfeeding, discussing how it could reduce her daughter's risk of diabetes and other chronic diseases," Ms Mitchell said.
"Our midwife did seven-day checks for both mum and bub, inserted her chosen contraception, and monitored her blood pressure and medications.
"We also reviewed safe sleeping, home safety, and infant care, including massage, settling, and bathing at her request.
"She received a newborn baby bag, breastfeeding resources, and a quilt, while we observed bub's development and provided guidance on supporting her growth."
