Funding for research to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies

A La Trobe University research project that aims to improve outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander mothers and babies has received $2.9 million in Federal Government funding. 

Led jointly by La Trobe’s Professor Della Forster from the Judith Lumley Centre in collaboration with community Elder Aunty Gina Bundle, the research team will work with a number of communities in Victoria to implement and expand culturally safe continuity of care for women having an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander baby. 

This project builds on the work La Trobe has previously undertaken with the Victorian Aboriginal Community Controlled Health Organisation (VACCHO) and three major hospitals to develop its care model, which links women with the same midwife who cares for them throughout their pregnancy, birth and postpartum period.  

“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander families experience a higher burden of poor perinatal outcomes and increased risk of child protection involvement than other Australian families,” Professor Forster said 

“Culturally tailored continuity with a known midwife during pregnancy, birth and postpartum improves outcomes, but very few women can access this care.” 

More than 1000 women and families have experienced this "gold standard" maternity care since this Victorian-based work started at three partner sites.  

Professor Forster said babies whose mothers received care in the program were more than twice as likely to be born healthy and 40 per cent less likely to be born early. 

The team will now work with more maternity and local Aboriginal health services in Victoria, including two in regional areas, to provide an additional 1600 women the opportunity to choose this type of care during pregnancy.   

Professor Forster said the program could help close the gap in maternal and infant health outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. 

“There is significant potential for immediate, major and transformative health gains,” she said. 

“Our vision is that all women having an Aboriginal or Torres Strait islander baby in Victoria each year have access to this model, tailored to local needs, implemented in collaboration between the maternity service and local Aboriginal health service.” 

Professor Forster is a leading international researcher in maternal and infant care. She has a joint appointment as the Professor of Midwifery and Maternity Services Research with La Trobe and the Royal Women’s Hospital. 

The project will also see collaboration between La Trobe’s Judith Lumley Centre and the Gabra Biik, Wurruwila Wutja Indigenous Research Centre. 

Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research and Industry Engagement, Professor Chris Pakes said the research would have a significant impact. 

“The important research being undertaken by Della and her team in partnership with Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities, underscores the impactful health and wellbeing projects being undertaken at La Trobe,” Professor Pakes said. 

Professor Forster secured funding thanks to a 2024 Medical Research Future Fund (MRFF) Maternal Health and Healthy Lifestyles grant. 

The MRFF provides financial assistance to support health and medical research and innovation, with the objective of improving the health and wellbeing of Australians.