4 November 2009

A new service is now offering community-based pregnancy care for mothers and Aboriginal babies in Maitland and the Coalfields.

Local Aboriginal women or those women with Aboriginal partners can access the Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Service (AMIHS) during their pregnancy and for care after the birth of their baby.

Naae-Wanni [pronounced Nay-wah-nee] means ‘Mother and Baby’ and is the name provided by the Aboriginal community for the new service.  Outreach antenatal clinics will be offered at community venues in Maitland, Woodberry, Cessnock and Kurri Kurri.
 
Naae-Wanni will be officially launched Wednesday, 4 November 2009.

Based at The Maitland Hospital, the service is provided by an Aboriginal Health Education Officer and a Midwife, working together with women in the community and other health professionals to provide high quality care in order to achieve the best possible outcomes for mothers and their babies.

Aboriginal Health Education Officer Eleanor Swan said the team was committed to improving the health of Aboriginal families and babies.

“The service offers women the opportunity to enjoy care that is aimed at meeting the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families in a culturally sensitive and personalised manner,” Ms Swan said.

Midwife Megan Long said pregnancy care occurs throughout the pregnancy and after the birth, until the baby is eight weeks old.

“Our aim is to provide care to families and help them in their journey toward a happy and safe birth, whilst feeling supported in the health care system.”

The service takes a flexible and holistic approach to the care provided, which includes:

• Pregnancy testing
• Regular pregnancy ‘check ups’ (antenatal visits)
• Listening to baby’s heart beat
• Blood pressure testing
• Information about staying healthy in pregnancy, choices in labour and birth, becoming a parent, the new baby, contraception and new families
• Additional referrals to other health professionals if required (for example: diabetes educators, GP’s, physiotherapists and child and family health professionals)

“We work very closely with other health professionals and agencies to make sure women have access to the care they need, when they need it.” Ms Long said.

Appointments can be made through Naae-Wanni on 4939 2494 or the Antenatal Clinic at The Maitland Hospital on 4939 2468.

Contact: Frances Holz

Phone: 4939 2216