Indigenous care the focus for International Midwives Day
4 May 2009
Midwives will come together to celebrate their work, focusing on the care they provide to the all women, including Aboriginal women and their babies, during International Midwives Day tomorrow (Tuesday 5 May).
This year the theme for International Midwives Day is ‘Aboriginal Midwives for Aboriginal Women’, and our staff will share their ideas and successes in caring for all women, including the Indigenous community, during a videoconference seminar which will link midwives across the entire HNE Health Area.
Director of Nursing and Midwifery Services Chris Kewley said the seminar will showcase how HNE Health midwives continually enhance culturally appropriate care.
“Our health service has the highest number of births of Aboriginal children of all health services in NSW, so we have a strong commitment to attracting, supporting and retaining Aboriginal midwives because we know how important they are for us to be able to provide ongoing culturally appropriate care,” Mr Kewley said.
“We offer a range of Aboriginal maternity services across our Area, including the Birra-Li Aboriginal Birthing Service, which offers comprehensive antenatal and postnatal care to women as well as cultural advocacy during birthing. Birra-Li midwives, child and family health nurses and Aboriginal health professionals work in partnership to provide a comprehensive service across the Newcastle, Port Stephens and Lake Macquarie.
“Recently, the Birra-Li Service has been successful in receiving additional funding and we are in the process of appointing a lactation consultant, social worker and community development officer to serve the Aboriginal women and their families.
“The Birra-Li team are based in the community so that access for the service is more appropriate for Aboriginal women’s needs.”
Mr Kewley said along with celebrating the work of HNE Health midwives, International Midwives Day is also a chance to showcase midwifery as an attractive and challenging career choice.
“Midwives enjoy a high level of work satisfaction and a rewarding career path within the public and private sectors,” Mr Kewley said.
“They are passionate about their work and providing the best possible service to ensure the health of mothers and their babies.
“International Midwives Day gives us and those who have been cared for by a midwife an opportunity to provide recognition and appreciation for the skills and commitment of our dedicated midwives."
Please see following page for information on International Midwives Day events happening at hospitals and health services across the HNE Health Area.
Contact: Emma Gibbs
Phone: (02) 6767 7137 or 0428 114 767