How a Simple Tool Is Empowering First-Time Aboriginal Mothers

Earlier this year, researchers from Western Health and Deakin University co-designed a set of Maternity Discussion Cards to empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and families during their maternity journey.

Two months after launching the innovative cards, the Galinjera Maternity Program at Joan Kirner Women's and Children's Hospital – which is made up of a team of dedicated midwives offering care to our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander maternity patients – is seeing positive results in fostering culturally safe conversations with Aboriginal women and families.

The cards, designed together with Aboriginal families, have proven particularly valuable for first-time mothers who are embracing open discussions about everything from finances to family stresses.

"When the women know that they've been designed specifically with the community by Aboriginal families who have been through similar journeys, they're much more intrigued,"

— explains a Galinjera midwife.

Following an enthusiastic reception at April's Melbourne Academic Centre for Health Aboriginal Showcase where Research Fellow in Aboriginal Health Tanya Druce presented, 200 card sets were printed for use in the hospital. The cards have also been made available digitally through EVE, Western Health's pregnancy app.

Based on valuable feedback from our Koori maternity service worker and Galinjera midwives, meaningful improvements were made including removing red from the colour-coded design as it can be interpreted as danger, and enlarging the ring binding the cards for better usability.

The response has been overwhelmingly positive, with one midwife noting: "You could see the delight on the faces of the women I gave them to. They took them home like a treasure."

Midwives are excited about potential future uses in antenatal education programs. The cards continue to demonstrate the power of community-led, culturally responsive healthcare tools in building trust and improving outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families.

Read more about this initiative here: Discussion cards prompt culturally safe conversations.