Boodjari Bidi pregnancy clinic welcomes Aboriginal women
AHP Kira Prosser (centre left), in front of her original artwork displayed in the Boodjari Bidi clinic, with maternity patient Charlene (centre right), and clinic midwives.
A culturally safe and accessible pregnancy clinic providing care for Aboriginal women and their families is available at Fiona Stanley Hospital (FSH).
The Boodjari Bidi clinic, meaning ‘the pregnancy path’ in Noongar language, was renamed with community consultation and offers culturally safe pregnancy care by midwives supported by Maternity Aboriginal Health Practitioners (AHPs).
Charlene, who is also an AHP at the hospital, is currently pregnant and attending the safe and welcoming clinic.
“The Boodjari Bidi program has provided me with culturally safe and supportive care throughout my pregnancy, while also monitoring and promoting the health and wellbeing of me and my baby,” Charlene said.
Formerly named the Aboriginal Maternal Health Program (AMHP), FSH A/Coordinator of Nursing and Midwifery Sara Veness said Boodjari Bidi is more than a service – it is a shared journey that supports First Nations women and their families in a way that honours culture and builds trust, and connection.
“Our Boodjari Bidi pregnancy clinic is a space built on respect and cultural safety,” Sara said.
“Building community connections and involving Aboriginal members in the redesign of the maternity service for their women was important in providing this culturally safe care. Our midwives provide antenatal evidence-based best-practice maternity care, supported by AHPs and the wider Aboriginal Health Strategy team.
“Our AHPs follow women in the clinic right through their pregnancy journey and can be present through the birth and for postnatal follow up. They also support women and families who have babies in the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) and paediatric ward.”
“We walk alongside our women and families. We hold space for their stories, advocate for their needs and make sure culture is not just respected but celebrated,” Kira said.
“Every moment we spend yarning or sitting beside a mum, dad or nan matters. It is how trust is built, and trust is so important when providing culturally safe care.”
An official community opening of the clinic was held last week to strengthen relationships with Aboriginal women and community members, alongside WA health leaders, the Aboriginal Health Strategy team, and maternity staff. The opening timed with FSH delayed NAIDOC week celebrations.
“Midwives in the Boodjari Bidi clinic provide antenatal continuity of care to women accessing the service which FSH hope to expand in the future,” Sara said.
“FSH and South Metropolitan Health Service are committed to improving health outcomes for Aboriginal women accessing our maternity services.”
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