Being able to provide practical hands on support for women throughout their pregnancy was a strong motivation when Chelsea Winder made the switch from obstetrics to midwifery early in her career.
When women are at their most vulnerable, you are really there empowering them all the way.Chelsea Winder
Chelsea works with Indigenous women through maternal health organisations across NSW, holding workshops about perinatal care.
Smoking is the number one contributing factor for Indigenous women in having poor health outcomes... What the statistics show right now is that 47 per cent of Aboriginal women still smoke in pregnancy compared to 12 percent of non-Aboriginal women.
Some risks associated with smoking during pregnancy include miscarriage, still birth, placental abruption, placenta previa, and pre term birth before 37 and 28 weeks.
But this information is not always reaching Indigenous women, who can feel alienated by broader anti-smoking campaigns, or who see smoking as a way to reduce stress.
Chelsea has found that a holistic approach leads to much greater success. Creating safe spaces for Indigenous women to learn about pregnancy and postnatal care is essential when delivering information about the risks of smoking.
When I'm working with mob, there's this unspoken kind of bond and connection. There's a feeling of safety and they trust you.
Listen to the full interview between Chelsea and Dr Mikayla.
BLA.C.K. Medicine is a health podcast for Indigenous peoples by Indigenous peoples, hosted by Dr Mikayla Couch. Follow the podcast on the SBS Audio App or your preferred podcast app.
