Ten Birthing on Country services across the country will be funded for a further three years, the federal government has announced, in a model of care which helps around 1100 First Nations women each year.
The $44.4 million investment to extend the culturally-led maternity services will see funding primarily delivered through Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Services.
Birthing on Country services support First Nations women through pregnancy, birth and early infancy, combining clinical care with cultural support and connection to community.
The government says around 1100 women access the programs each year, with research showing First Nations-led continuity of care models can significantly improve outcomes for mothers and babies.
Studies have linked the approach to a 50 per cent reduction in preterm births, increased attendance at antenatal appointments, higher breastfeeding rates and lower levels of child protection involvement.
The announcement has been welcomed by service providers, including Central Australian Aboriginal Congress, which runs the Alukura Midwifery Group Practice in Mparntwe/Alice Springs.
More than 220 women have given birth through the service since 2023 in a program that brings together Aboriginal maternal support workers and midwives while also connecting women with broader health and wellbeing services through Congress.
Congress General Manager of Health Programs, Marah Prior, says the model is producing encouraging results. It is a service which brings together Aboriginal maternal support workers and endorsed midwives to offer women "culturally responsive care throughout pregnancy, birth, and postnatally".
"This bi-cultural model ensures continuity of care, giving Aboriginal women, including those with high-risk pregnancies, the support they need through their entire journey," Ms Prior said.
"The early outcomes we are seeing are promising, with lower rates of pre-term births, healthier birth weights, and fewer hospital interventions. This is why investing in Birthing on Country models is so important. It's showing real, positive outcomes for our women and their babies."
Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, argued the funding would help continue a model that was already delivering positive results.
"For the 1,100 women who access Birthing on Country services each year, this care supports healthier pregnancies, stronger connections and better outcomes for their babies," the minister said in a statement.
"Closing the Gap means backing what works, listening and working with communities, and investing in care that helps First Nations women have safer pregnancies and gives their babies the strongest possible start."
Special Envoy for Remote Communities, Marion Scrymgour, said culturally appropriate care during pregnancy and childbirth was critical for Aboriginal women and their families.
"Giving birth is a critical time in a woman's life and it is important that Aboriginal expectant mothers have access to healthcare that is culturally appropriate, and also that they receive care by people who understand the woman's cultural background and connection to country," she said.
"Children are our future and providing the next generation with the culturally appropriate care they need at birth, we give them the best possible chance at success as they grow."
