Inaugural Parliamentary Friends for Maternal Health Forum The first Parliamentary Friends Forum for Maternal Health was held on 7 September 2023. Thank you to Ms Alicia Payne MP (member for Canberra), Dr Helen Haines MP (Member for Indi) and Mr Liew O’Brien MP (Member for Wide Bay) for establishing Parliamentary Friends for Maternal Health. The

Parliamentary Friends for Maternal Health A cross Parliamentary Friends for Maternal Health is committed to ensuring that Australian women experience respectful maternity care. Media representatives are advised of the Launch of the Parliamentary Friends for Maternal Health. This initiative is sponsored by Ms Alicia Payne MP (member for Canberra), Dr Helen Haines MP (Member for

Happy Father's Day Today, we acknowledge the caring fathers that can be great supports throughout pregnancy, birth and beyond and that becoming a father can the most significant transition of their adult lives. Respectful maternity care is respect for women’s’ choices and preferences, including companion of choice during maternity care. Studies have shown that the

The Paradox of Care Maternity care has become risk-averse. This has led to escalating medical interventions that may be unnecessary, unwelcomed and have unanticipated consequences. The World Health Organisation states - 85% of births do not require interventions. “The paradox is that in trying to eliminate risk, we create other risks”  The medical approach in

 2023 Theme - Indigenous Youth as Agents of Change for Self-determination I believe it was during the 1970s or 80s in Australia that a series titled ‘Disappearing World’ was televised (some of the episodes are now available to view on Youtube). As the title suggests each week focused on indigenous groups from varied and international

Lets make breastfeeding and work, work! WHAT WE KNOW… Globally half a billion working women lack access to the needed workplace provisions to provide breastmilk to their children (paid maternity leave, flexible working environment, space to express milk) Allowing women to take the time to breastfeed or express breastmilk whilst at their workplace, or at

Partnering with the woman who declines recommended maternity care In the absence of a national standard for declining recommended maternity care, we share with you the Queensland Health Queensland Health has developed resources to support women and their clinicians to jointly plan maternity care when women are, or are thinking about, declining recommended maternity care.

The humanistic approach - relationship based care New research is very relevant to maternity care where the focus on physical health and the baby dehumanises the mother treating her as a vessel or a baby-making machine. We love the concept of whole person care that recognises the multiple dimensions of personhood, sensitivity to another’s needs;

Your Body. Your Birth. Your Choice. We are pleased to inform you of our most recent project - the Your Body. Your birth. Your choice, video series. The series is based on the principles of Respectful Maternity Care. We aim to provide you with the knowledge to achieve respectful maternity care through supporting your capacity

Women value kindness “I was so in awe of the midwives and their kindness and skills and so supported by them in both birth and post birth care that I transitioned as smoothly as possible.”  “My expectations were surpassed by my birth centre midwife, she was amazing, kind, compassionate and collaborative.”  “A little less treating