New service for Quirindi region’s mothers and Aboriginal babies

6 April 2010

A new service for mums and Aboriginal babies is now available in Quirindi, Werris Creek and Caroona, offering free community-based care during pregnancy and the early postnatal period.

This service is open to Aboriginal women, or women who have an Aboriginal partner, who want to start a family or are pregnant. Women may refer themselves to the service at any stage.

The Aboriginal and Maternal Infant Health Service (AMIHS) is committed to improving the health of Aboriginal families and babies in NSW, by providing a high quality service that is culturally sensitive, woman-centred, based on primary health care principles, and provided in partnership with Aboriginal peoples.

The team consists of an Aboriginal Health Education Officer Annette Smith and Midwife Janey Kelly. Both Annette and Janey are committed to working together with women in the community to provide the best possible outcomes for mothers and babies.

Services provided include:
• Regular pregnancy ‘check ups’ (antenatal visits)
• Pregnancy testing
• Listening to baby’s heart beat
• Blood pressure testing
• Information about staying healthy in pregnancy; choices during labour and birth; becoming a parent; the new baby; contraception and new families.

“All of these services are offered in the family’s home, at the hospital or wherever the woman feels comfortable,” Annette said.

“AMIHS is a confidential service which provides the highest standard of care to mothers and babies, and will help to ensure these women feel empowered and have control over their health and wellbeing every step of the way.”

Aboriginal women, or those with an Aboriginal partner, can self-refer themselves to the Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Service by calling (02) 6746 0215.

AMIHS works very closely with other health professionals and agencies for example, diabetes educators, general practitioners, physiotherapists and child and family health professionals to ensure mother and baby have access and support when they need it.

(Ref: HNE-2216)

Contact: Carisa Green

Phone: 0428 106 183