THE success of a program pioneered in Mildura will soon roll out to Swan Hill and surrounding areas.
Mallee District Aboriginal Services (MDAS) have introduced a program proven to help vulnerable and disadvantaged Aboriginal families.
Known as the Early Years Program, it aims to work closely with Aboriginal families expecting a baby.
With statistics revealing that the rates of perinatal infant mortality and low birth weight for Aboriginal babies were around double that of the rest of the population, it was necesary a program like this was introduced.
Aboriginal women are three times more likely to smoke while pregnant, and only 32 per cent of mothers still breast feed their babies at six months, compared to 50 per cent of non-Aboriginal mothers.
The pilot program saw 10 “high-risk” mothers and their families work with MDAS and practitioners.
MDAS early years manager Danielle Dougherty said the program showed remarkable results.
“Of the families involved in the pilot, 90 per cent of women carried their babies to term, and all received ante-natal care, 70 per cent continued to breastfeed after three months or more, 100 per cent were fully immunised and attended all key age and stage maternal and child health visits,” she said.
“That partnership with a single, specially-trained practitioner starts right from when the pregnancy is confirmed and gives mums and their families the chance to develop a strong and trusting relationship with that practitioner.”
Using the ‘attachment theory’, Ms Dougherty said they focused on strengthening the connection and empathy a parent feels for their baby during pregnancy and the early years.
“That is the real strength of this approach. The mothers and families develop a strong and meaningful connection with their baby that allows empathy and supports nurturing,” she said.
With a 50 per cent increase in the number of Aboriginal births in the region over the past three years, Loddon Mallee Aboriginal Reference Group chairperson Rudolph Kirby said such issues could not be ignored.
“They are statistics that we can’t ignore any longer, particularly if as a community we want to be serious about closing the gap for Aboriginal people,” he said.
“This is a big commitment, but it is one we have to make. We are investing right at the beginning of life by making an investment.
We provide direct and measurable outcomes for both Aboriginal families and the wider community.”
