Aboriginal maternity care providing a strong start in life at KEMH

King Edward Memorial Hospital is proud of its Aboriginal Maternity Group Practice, which provides culturally appropriate models of maternity care for Aboriginal families at King Edward Memorial Hospital.

Known as Ngangk Maawit Mia, or Mother Baby House, it ensures continuity of care with a dedicated team of midwives.

It also provides non-structured drop-in breastfeeding clinics in a casual and relaxed setting.

Since it was established in 2023, it has welcomed more than 200 babies into the world.

Small but mighty, the team of six midwives is led by clinical midwife specialist and Ballardong Noongar woman Mel Lynch.

“I always had a passion for continuity of care and for Aboriginal healthcare,” Mel said.

Recognised for her drive and passion, Mel has won a NAIDOC award and WA Nursing and Midwifery Award in Aboriginal healthcare at the WA Health Excellence Awards, recognising the progressive nature of this service to help bridge the gap.

“This service has been heavily researched and designed with the help of Aboriginal mothers, senior women, and Elders, as well as practising midwives” she said.

A decade of research led to the development of this service and looking at ways to help close the gap.

Through interviews with Aboriginal mothers, senior women and Elders, as well as practicing midwives, the team collected evidence of the various challenges associated with providing safe maternity care for Aboriginal women.

“We know that closing the gap begins with a strong start in life,” Mel said.

Closing the gap initiatives aim to improve health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People

The service focuses on children being born healthy and strong and helping them to thrive in their early years.

“A child’s earliest years undeniably shape their life chances and opportunities, and we feel privileged to be able to provide this service to the community,” Mel said.