More support for local expectant mothers
Handy health resources for local expectant mothers are now available at pharmacies and supermarkets in Wangaratta, following research done by the Health Promotion Teams at Northeast Health Wangaratta (NHW) and Gateway Health, about the local pregnancy journey.
Results showed that there was a multitude of information about the stages of the baby’s growth and development, however little to no information for the expectant mother about the medical aspect of pregnancy; what tests to have, when to have them and why to have them as well as what local services are available to assist women through their pregnancy.
‘Often the information that was given was limited, confusing and used medical language that many people can’t understand’ said Jess Colman, Health Promotion Officer at Gateway Health.
In response to these findings, Gateway Health and NHW developed a local Pregnancy Journey Map. The maps were developed in collaboration with our local midwives and lactation nurses at NHW. ‘This is a simple resource that explains a woman’s medical journey through pregnancy using local services, such as the Midwifery Group Practice (formally community midwife program) and antenatal clinic/shared care,’ Ms Colman stated.
These resources have been updated to reflect the changes in antenatal care and to include the most up to date information. We have also extended the availability of this information with maps now available in pharmacies and local supermarkets near pregnancy testing kits. ‘We know that the sooner women have access to the information, the better it is for them to receive the best care for their pregnancy and make informed decisions’ says Laura Tonkin, Health Promotion Officer at NHW. ‘Having accessible information when women are purchasing their pregnancy tests provides immediate information, including antenatal care options’ says Ms Tonkin.
A breastfeeding app was also developed in 2017 to complement the journey maps and is currently being updated, with an anticipated completion date of the end of 2020.
Visit the Northeast Health Wangaratta website for more information about having a baby and our Maternity Services
Photo by the Wangaratta Chronicle