Corka bubs, Deadly mums and Strong families

Connecting pregnant women with support for stress, yarndi and alcohol

 

The pregnant woman is surrounded by her family, friends, community, and service providers to give her support. Surrounding the woman are negative and positive energy flows. Her strengths are given by those who care for her during pregnancy, they are to keep her safe and protected and reassured for a safe and healthy birth.

The colours in this painting represent women and families - yellow, orange, and mauve.

Maude Parker, Pee Wee paintings December 2021

What is this study about?

This research project will aim to co-design an enhanced antenatal care package to help reduce the harms associated with cannabis use, alcohol use and social stress among pregnant Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their significant support person/partner.

The care package will be provided in two Aboriginal antenatal clinics in two hospitals - the Women’s and Children’s Hospital in Adelaide, and the Lyell McEwin Hospital in Elizabeth.

What does this study add?

The project addresses a major gap in current service capability and aims to empower Aboriginal pregnant mothers and their support person to give the next generation the best start in life. This study will target healthy early life, with subsequent generational impacts on chronic disease, preventable illness and social and emotional wellbeing. Led by Aboriginal researchers, we will use a strength-based partnership approach with maternal, child and family health services, drug and alcohol services as well as with Aboriginal families and communities to translate our findings into better outcomes for Aboriginal families.

ACRA

Aboriginal Communities and Families Health Research Alliance

‘A healthy and equitable future for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Families’

 What’s next?

This is an exploratory 2-year research project using a ‘Plan-do-study-act (PDSA) process. There will be various methods and activities to capture the information and follow through the PDSA process. These include co-developing questions about cannabis for the existing Grog Survey App (the ‘App’) with services and community. The care package will consist of access to the Grog App to understand drinking and drug use patterns, an Aboriginal Advocacy worker (skilled in substance use) and Family Legal representative. The researchers will assess the uptake, feasibility, and viability of the care package.

We aim for system change so that Aboriginal pregnant mothers can have better access to the services that will benefit themselves, their families and give their children a better start to life.

Where can I read more?

 
 

Use of cannabis during pregnancy and birth outcomes in an Aboriginal birth cohort: a cross sectional population-based study

Brown SJ, Mensah F, Ah Kit J, Stuart-Butler D, Glover K, Leane C, Weetra D, Newbury J, Yelland J. BMJ Open 2016;6(2), e010286

Read full text
 

Who can I contact for more information?

Yvonne Clark
Karen Glover