Partnership to support indigenous mothers and new-born babies

SOUTHERN Cross University has partnered with Bullinah Aboriginal Health Service to strengthen its Birthing on Country initiative, aimed at improving care for Indigenous mothers and their newborns.

The five-year SISTABIRTH project will focus on maternity and child health outcomes in Aboriginal communities and will include culturally specific smoking cessation support through the university’s SISTAQUIT program.

Project lead Kym Yuke said the model was about ensuring culturally safe care from pregnancy through birth and beyond.

“Birthing on Country models of care enable women to feel culturally safe when receiving maternity care, which leads to a better start in life for Indigenous mums and bubs,” she said.

She said the project would use grassroots research to tailor services to the needs and traditions of each community.

“This approach will identify location-specific traditional and contemporary practices and priorities,” she said.

“It means the final plan will reflect the wishes of each community, led by Indigenous voices and knowledge.”

The inclusion of localised smoking cessation support was also a key feature.

“Smoking cessation is a vital component that should have a great impact on improving infant birthweights and maternal wellbeing,” Ms Yuke said.

Since Southern Cross University was awarded the project in 2023, it has appointed Indigenous and non-Indigenous midwives and Aboriginal Community Advisors to lead clinical services and community consultation.

A Birthing on Country book is also being developed, sharing stories from women of different generations, with photography by Indigenous artist Bobbi Lockyer.

The university will also offer $2500 travel support for eight midwifery students to undertake placements at SISTABIRTH sites, along with two $10,000 scholarships for Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander health graduates completing honours research into Birthing on Country.