Celebrating 18 years of helping Aboriginal mums and bubs
6 November 2024
The community, Aboriginal Elders, health care professionals and families who have used the Malabar Midwifery Group Practice have celebrated 18 years of the service providing culturally respectful pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care to Aboriginal families.
Affectionately known as ‘Malabar Midwives’, the service has supported the births of over 1,500 babies since it was established in 2006.
The service provides pregnancy, birth and postnatal care to Aboriginal women, and women with an Aboriginal partner, who choose to give birth at the Royal Hospital for Women.
Malabar Midwives has a unique way of working that promotes flexible and culturally respectful midwifery care, and is available to Aboriginal women and families from anywhere in NSW who seek out the service.
Skye Parsons, Director of Aboriginal Health for the district, said women engage in antenatal care much earlier at Malabar compared to standard maternity care due to the provision of culturally appropriate care.
“Continuity of care midwifery models have the ability to change the experience of healthcare for Aboriginal women and families.”
The midwives work alongside an Aboriginal Health Worker in a continuity of midwifery model of care, which supports women getting to know the midwives during their pregnancy journey.
Four midwives work on a rotating 24-hour roster so women have a known midwife to provide care around the clock. Two midwives in the team are proud Aboriginal women.
The Hon. Ryan Park, Minister for Health, said the Malabar Midwifery Group Practice is an exceptional model of care that other services seeking to establish pregnancy, birthing and postnatal care for Aboriginal women and families can learn from.
“The service is an outstanding example of the success that can be achieved when health professionals work collaboratively with communities to find the best solutions for their health care needs.”
Donna Garland, General Manager of the Royal Hospital for Women, said the key to the service’s success is the strong relationships the team forms with the women and families in their care.
“Women from all over NSW travel to Sydney to attend Malabar Midwives, which is a testament to the solid reputation the team has developed across Aboriginal communities. Women become part of the Malabar family. Many have returned for subsequent pregnancies and refer their family and friends to the service for their own pregnancy care.”
Proud Wonnarua woman, Trudy Allende is the Aboriginal Health Worker at Malabar Midwives. Trudy believes the team gives the local Aboriginal community the service and care it deserves to support best outcomes for mothers and babies.
“We know the women and families in this community and are able to support their voice within the health system. It’s an incredibly dedicated team and it’s a tribute to the service to have been around for 18 years.”
