Boodjari Yorgas Midwifery Group Practice
In Noongar language, Boodjari means pregnant and Yorgas means women.
Midwifery Group Practice
The Boodjari Yorgas Midwifery Group Practice is offered by the Armadale Health Service to women who prefer to be cared for by the same midwife in a culturally safe way throughout their pregnancy.
Your main care will be provided by a midwife in partnership with a GP Obstetrician or Specialist Obstetrician.
The program allows Aboriginal women having babies to build a strong, trusting relationship with their known midwife and have optional support from our Aboriginal Health Officer and Grandmother Liaison Officers.
What are the benefits of the program?
The program began in 2007 as a community initiative.
Research has shown that care from a culturally specific program improves the experience for Aboriginal women and their families including:
- A non-judgemental space
- An awareness of historical, cultural and social issues that impact the health of Aboriginal women and families
- Flexible appointment times
- Assistance with transport
- Assistance with baby items
Booking into the program
The program is available to all women having an Aboriginal baby within the AHS catchment area.
It is important to see a doctor or midwife as soon as you think you are a pregnant and regularly throughout your pregnancy.
How can I book into the program?
- A walk-in visit to the clinic
- A referral from your GP
- Transfer of care from another hospital/program
- Transfer of care from AHS antenatal clinic
- Self-referral to the program
- If you have any medical or pregnancy complications that cannot be managed at AHS, the team may support your transfer to a higher-care hospital.
How will I be cared for through the program?
Your antenatal appointments are arranged with your midwife at our clinic located at the Community Health Centre at the hospital. You will be able to see an obstetric doctor at the hospital as part of your care.
Your main midwife will aim to provide your labour and birth care. If they are unavailable, another of our midwives will support you.
If you have a normal birth without complications, you can expect to be discharged between six to 12 hours following birth with support in your home from the midwives. Your midwife will provide care at home and ensure you are connected with a Child Health Nurse. There is an Aboriginal Child Health Service available if you wish to consider this option.
Our team looks forward to meeting with you and your family to provide culturally safe pregnancy, labour and postnatal care.
Armadale Health Service respects and acknowledges the Whadjuk people as the traditional custodians of the land on which we work, and of elders past and present.