Pregnancy Support for Refugee and Migrant Women

The challenges of preparing to birth in a new country can be overwhelming, especially when the language and culture is different.  Making informed choices about where and with whom to birth can be difficult for all women, especially so if there is a language barrier.  The focus of this innovative Pregnancy Support Service for Refugee and Migrant Women is to ensure that the women understand what their options are, and are supported along the way. 

There are two childbirth educators employed who see women by appointment in two locations; from ISHAR in Mirrabooka and in CMWA's North Fremantle office.  The service also includes the support of a free intepreter if required.  Volunteer midwifery students and doulas have been linked with the women to allow them continuity of care across the pregnancy, birth and early post natal period.  Read this article to get more of a flavour of this amazing project.

• To access the service in the Northern suburbs, please ring ISHAR on 9345 5335
• To access the service in the southern suburbs please ring CMWA on 9430 6882.

CMWA's Perinatal Support Project for Refugee and Migrant Women is supported by funding from Lotterywest.

Recently Lotterywest commissioned photographs of the program and generously provided us with copies.  All of the women in this image had support from either a volunteer midwifery student or a volunteer doula.