Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Families

We acknowledge all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the traditional custodians of this land and pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging. 

Evidence 

https://www.iuih.org.au/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/Lancet-EClinicalMedicine-BiOC.pdf 

Sue Kildea, Yu Gao, Sophie Hickey , Sue Kruske, Carmel Nelson , Renee Blackman, Sally Tracy, Cameron Hurst, Daniel Williamson, Yvette Roe 

This study looked at a program called Birthing in Our Community to help improve the health of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies in Australia. The program combines culturally safe care, family support, and medical services. Researchers found that the program reduced premature births and helped more mothers and babies stay healthy. It shows how important it is to provide care that respects culture and works closely with families. 

https://www.uwa.edu.au/news/article/2024/november/trust-meaningful-conversations-key-to-improving-first-nations-preterm-birth-outcomes 

Education 

A full-term pregnancy usually lasts around 40 weeks, but sometimes babies are born before they reach 37 weeks. When this happens, it’s called preterm or premature birth. These tiny babies are still developing, so they might need extra help to grow strong. They often have  

• small lungs that need support with breathing,  

• have a hard time staying warm, and  

• may struggle with feeding  

• gaining weight.  

Because of this, premature babies are often cared for in a special crib called a “humidicrib” that keeps them warm and safe, almost like being back in the womb. 

Sometimes, babies are born right on time but still need extra care because they’re not feeling well. A baby born sick might have  

• trouble breathing,  

• feeding, or  

• keeping their temperature steady. 

 Doctors and nurses work hard to give these babies the best care possible to help them recover and grow stronger. 

When your baby is born early or sick, they often need to be cared for in a big hospital in the city. This means you might have to travel far from your home, family, and community, which can make things feel even harder. It’s normal to feel lonely, sad, or worried being away from the people you care about. Remember, though, that you’re making this journey because it gives your baby the best chance to get stronger. 

If you need any support, you can reach out to a number of services at the hospital including 

• A social worker,  

• Aboriginal Health Worker,  

• An interpreter,  

• Welfare officer 

These people will be able to help you in getting help with accommodation, finances, social support, transport, food and support if you have other children. 

In the hospital, your baby will be in the Neonatal Intensive care unit (NICU) or the special-care nursery (SCN), where nurses and doctors can watch over them and give them all the support they need. This can feel very difficult because you might not be able to hold or cuddle your baby as much as you’d like, and it’s normal to feel sad, worried, or even frustrated.  

Even if you can’t always hold your baby, being nearby and spending time in the neonatal unit with them can make a big difference. When you visit, you can talk softly to them—they know your voice, and it can help them feel safe. You might be able to touch your baby gently or hold their hand, which can help you both feel closer. Nurses may also help you with “skin-to-skin” time, where you hold your baby on your chest. This special time helps them feel calm and loved and is great for your connection with them. 

Each hospital has different rules on the number of visitors that can come see your baby. Ask the nurses to see who can come in and when.  

Empowerment  

While you’re away from home, looking after yourself is very important. Try to rest, eat, and take time to feel calm when you can. Even though it’s hard being away from your community, know that you are not alone. Many families have had to make this journey, and the strength you have inside will help you and your baby through this time. 

Many hospitals have people you can yarn with if you’re feeling worried or need someone to listen. 

Remember that your family and community are still with you in spirit, even if they’re far away. You are on this journey with love and support around you, and that love gives strength to both you and your baby.

Useful Links 

The Australian Preterm Birth Prevention Alliance (APTBPA) 

https://pretermalliance.com.au/about-preterm-birth/preterm-birth-in-aboriginal-populations 

Miracle Babies Foundation 

https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/culturally-appropriate-maternity-care-reduces-indigenous-preterm-birth-rate-by-half/gjj5fh 

https://www.miraclebabies.org.au/content/ruralregional-families/gmuta8 

Women and Infants Research Foundation 

https://wirf.com.au/GLUtest_Aboriginal_mothers 

13 Yarn 

https://www.13yarn.org.au/ 

Birthing on Country  

https://www.birthingoncountry.com/ 

Rural on Health 

https://www.rrh.org.au/ 

Baby coming you ready 

https://babycomingyouready.org.au/ 

Gidget Foundation 

https://www.gidgetfoundation.org.au/becoming-a-parent/expectant-parents-from-first-nations-communities