Yolngu woman Gypsy Lee Murray-Yunupingu reflects on her first two months as the Aboriginal Postnatal Engagement Officer at Mercy Hospital for Women (MHW) — a ‘point of call’ for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families, in their postnatal journey.
The Postnatal Engagement Officer is the face-to-face contact for Nangnak Wan Myeek (Nurture, Care, Look after Me and Mine), at MHW. The program provides care and support to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families after the birth of their baby, both in the hospital and out in the community.
Referrals are usually made by the Aboriginal Hospital Liaison Officers, and the Nangnak Baban Murrup (Nurturing Mother’s Spirit) clinic.
Gypsy says achieving success in her role has been made easier thanks to the ongoing support from staff at MHW, the Aboriginal Programs team, and Austin Health’s Ngarra Jarra unit.
Postnatal Engagement Officer Gypsy Lee Murray-Yunupingu at Mercy Hospital for Women.
“I have already developed a great rapport with everyone — they have all been really welcoming and kept me in the loop about anything I need to know,” Gypsy says.
“The Nangnak Wan Myeek Program is set up really well. First Nations women are offered a referral to the program after they birth, continuing culturally safe care into their postnatal journey.”
Gypsy is committed to deepening this collaborative approach to Aboriginal health at MHW.
“I hope to work closely with the Aboriginal Programs team and the wider community so that mothers receive the cultural, social, emotional and practical support they need after having a baby.”
Gypsy is currently studying a Bachelor of Midwifery part-time at Flinders University and has four years experience working in Aboriginal health. Her goal is to become a qualified midwife with a particular focus on Aboriginal health.
Last reviewed April 4, 2023.