Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health
The Aboriginal Maternal and Infant Health Outreach Programme is an initiative of North Coast Area Health Service, currently operational in the Ballina, Coffs Harbour, Macksville and Kyogle areas.
Staffed by registered nurse/midwives and Aboriginal Health Education Officers who work in partnership with current antenatal/postnatal care providers, to improve the birth outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (ATSI) mothers and babies.
Some of the services offered include:
- Antenatal care coordination and follow up
- Immediate post natal home visiting, as needed
- Antenatal education and Information
- Referral, coordination and streamlining between antenatal care providers
The programme aim is not to duplicate services, but to coordinate and compliment existing models of care, and thereby provide a culturally acceptable, appropriate and accessible service to aboriginal women, that will hopefully improve the accessibility of antenatal services for ATSI women.
Good antenatal care has been shown to have a positive impact on the birth outcome for all women, especially in respect of increased birth weight, reduction in the number of premature babies, and other risk factors.
For more information about services call the followng numbers
Ballina and Kyogle - Ballina Community Health, 6686 8977
Coffs Harbour - Galambila - 66520800 or mobile 0408 617 391
Macksville - 6568 2677