Singleton program supports culturally diverse mums

Wednesday 16 November, 2011

A new service to support mothers from culturally diverse backgrounds is starting up in Singleton.

The Mums, Obstetrics and Multicultural Services (MOMS) Program is a successful Hunter New England Health initiative, already operating in Maitland and Newcastle, which brings pregnant women and new mothers from diverse cultures together to support each other and learn about their health and the health of their baby.

HNE Health Multicultural Health Liaison Officer Jing Jiang said it is very important women from all backgrounds have good access to information and services.

“Women from diverse cultural backgrounds find it more challenging to access health services,” Ms Jiang said. “Often they speak very limited English, or no English at all so it can be difficult for mums to communicate with health professionals about their pregnancy.

“The MOMS Program links these mums in with HNE Health’s interpreter service, so they can talk about their needs and receive the care they need and go on to be happy, confident mums.

“We arrange to see mum-to-be at their antenatal clinic and speak to them in their first language to make sure she has everything she needs,” Ms Jiang said.

“After the baby is born we visit the woman in hospital and continue to contact her for up to six months after the birth by email, over the phone or in person to see how they’re doing and offer help if they need it.”

Ms Jiang said the mental health of these women, as well as their physical health, is important.

“Women from diverse backgrounds are at greater risk of post natal depression because they often don’t have family support and their parenting traditions may be vastly different to the Australian parenting style,” Ms Jiang said.

“Not being familiar with how Australia's health system operates can also add stress to their situation, and that’s why this service is so important women can have access to the MOMS Program and our interpreter services – so they can get help when they need it.”

If any mums from the Singleton area would like to be part of the program they can contact Jing Jiang on (02)4939 2406 or ask your midwife about the program.

Contact: Emma Gibbs

Phone: (02) 6767 7137