Second and third trimester
The health and wellbeing of Aboriginal people is strongly connected to culture, Country, family and community including during pregnancy and birth.
In Victoria, maternity care providers must ensure their services and environments are culturally safe and respectful. This means a woman's identity, culture, and beliefs are recognised and respected, where she feels free from discrimination, and racism, and has access to culturally grounded care that meet their individual needs. It validates the whole person and acknowledges their physical, mental, emotional, spiritual, social and cultural needs.
Maternity care should support your choices, respect your culture and help you make informed decisions that feel right for you and your family.
Considerations for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women
Aboriginal cultures are diverse and every woman’s preferences, beliefs and practices are different. However, for some Aboriginal women, pregnancy and birth are considered “women’s business” with important roles for female family members and Elders in providing guidance and support.
During the second and third trimester, many women may value strong connections with family, community and Country as well as opportunities to share knowledge and prepare for birth in culturally meaningful ways. You may wish to have trusted family members or support people involved in your care and decision-making.
Creating a culturally safe maternity experience
Whether you are using public or private maternity services in Victoria, you have the right to feel culturally safe, respected, and supported.
This might include:
- access to Aboriginal health workers, liaison officers or culturally specific models of care
- being able to involve family members, Elders or support people in your care
- care that respects your cultural beliefs, practices and preferences
- having information explained clearly and in a way that feels safe and respectful.
You can ask your midwife, doctor, GP or maternity service for a referral to an Aboriginal health worker, Aboriginal health practitioner or Aboriginal Liaison Officer at any stage of your pregnancy, birth or postnatal care.
If there are cultural practices or preferences that are important to you during pregnancy, birth or after your baby is born, you are encouraged to talk with your maternity care provider about your birth preferences. They can work with you to help make your birthing space and care experience as culturally safe and supportive as possible.For more information about Aboriginal specific models of care see Maternity models of care in Victoria.