Birthing on Country
Your birth is a ceremony to welcome new life into the world. You deserve to feel your culture and customs are respected and the care you receive supports the Birthing on Country principles where culture, community and self-determination are at the centre.
This is your journey – strong in culture, supported by community and centred on you and your baby thriving together.
Your family and support people
Your family, Elders and support people are important. You can find ways to include them in your birthing experience that feel right for you including cultural practices, traditions and ways of knowing in your labour and birth.
It is important to be aware of the visitor policy for your intended place of birth. You can discuss your needs with an Aboriginal Health Liaison Officer (AHLO).
Culturally safe care
Hospitals have a responsibility to provide care that is culturally respectful, safe and responsive to the needs of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families. This includes recognising the importance of family, culture and connection to Country in care experiences.
To support this, hospitals offer additional services such as Aboriginal Health Liaison Officers, who advocate for patients and help navigate the health system, as well as connections to Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations (ACCOs) and Koori Maternity Services. These supports play a key role in ensuring Aboriginal families feel heard, respected and empowered throughout their care journey.
You can ask your maternity care provider to refer you to these services at any stage of your pregnancy, birth or postnatal care. These supports play a key role in ensuring Aboriginal families feel heard, respected and empowered throughout their care journey.
Not all midwives working in Aboriginal specific care models will identify as Aboriginal but they will provide you with culturally safe care.
Giving your maternity care provider a birth goals or birth preferences document helps them prepare for anything outside standard care. It is a good way to make sure your wishes are understood and respected before labour begins.
Find culturally safe maternity care for Aboriginal women, babies and their families.