Today as we celebrate National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Children’s Day, we’re also shining the spotlight on our Aboriginal Midwifery team.
Children’s Day is a time Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families and communities, and all Australians celebrate the strengths and culture of our children. It is an opportunity for us to show our support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, as well as learn about the crucial impact that culture, family and community play in the life of every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander child.
Tamara Porter and Yolande Grenfell from our Aboriginal Midwifery team play an important role in giving First Nations babies born in our catchment the best start in life.
“We cover all the mainstream education like birthing and breastfeeding,” says Yolande. “But our yarning group also incorporates cultural activities. We do weaving, belly casting, and we have Elders in to speak, and we have possum skins that we craft with the mums and the babies.”
By incorporating activities such as belly casting, possum skin crafting, and placental burials, the Aboriginal Midwifery team helps mothers feel more comfortable and connected to culture, Tamara explains.
“We try to offer different opportunities for them to either continue what they’re already doing culturally, or to learn and understand more about who they are,” Tamara says.
This year to date, we have delivered over 100 Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander babies across Monash Health sites. As we celebrate Aboriginal Children’s Day, we reflect on this year’s theme “Little voices, Loud futures”. By listening to the voices of community and Aboriginal leaders, we strive to provide culturally safe care for all First Nations kids.
You can download the Aboriginal Midwives and Bubup Clinic Brochure for your ward.
