Djab Wurrung woman Kristen Munro is full of praise for the cultural safety she experienced during her second pregnancy at Mercy.
Kristen is one of 700 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women who participated in a landmark La Trobe University study aimed at improving pregnancy outcomes and midwifery care for First Nations’ mothers and their babies, who are more likely to be born preterm and to spend time in a special care nursery.
Women who participated in the study were paired with a primary midwife who supported them throughout the pregnancy, the birth and for periods of postnatal care.
Kristen Munro with husband Joel Munro and their two sons Cooper (left) and jack (right)
Kristen says she felt safe and supported throughout her pregnancy.
“My Aboriginality was known; it was front and centre,” Kristen says.
“Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers visited me regularly to ask how I was going. There was a connection and an immediate feeling of support.”
Mercy Health has Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers at both of its Victorian hospitals and strives to provide culturally safe and welcoming care for all of our patients.
Kristen experienced complications throughout both pregnancies, but says the cultural and emotional support she received during her second pregnancy enabled a better birth outcome.
Jack receiving kangaroo cuddles with Kristen in the Special Care Nursery at Mercy Hospital for Women
The three-year maternal study involved a partnership with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation, as well as Mercy Hospital for Women, Royal Women’s Hospital and Joan Kirner Women’s and Children’s Hospital. The study was published in The Lancet earlier this year.
Last reviewed November 2, 2022.