General News
7 June, 2024
Mum’s the word
PREMIER Jacinta Allan had the opportunity to meet locals benefitting from the successful ‘Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies’ program during a visit to South West Healthcare yesterday.
The Premier said she was thrilled to be able to tour the Warrnambool health facility and see first-hand how the program was providing new mums the support they need to give their babies the best possible start to life.
“The Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies program offers community-based care and support during and after pregnancy,” Premier Allan said.
“Boosted by $5.7 million in the Victorian Budget 2024/25, the program is delivered right across Victoria and has helped more than 6,800 women over the past five years.
“This investment will support 500 pregnant women in regional Victoria to access this very important program – giving them the best chance to improve health outcomes for their babies.”
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies is a free service for women during their pregnancy and up to six weeks postpartum, and is tailored to support women who are juggling other factors such as poor mental health, language barriers or socio-economic factors.
The program supports pregnant women – specifically those not engaged with maternal and child health services by connecting them with community health services that deliver antenatal care, maternal and child health nursing services, psychological support, allied health programs, dental care and birth education.
This ensures that all women, no matter their background, are aware of the services they might need to ensure their child has the best start in life.
“Every mum and bub deserves the best start to life no matter where they live and that’s why we are making sure more women can access this really important service,” Premier Allan said.
Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said the program was making a real difference for women in Warrnambool and across the region.
“The program is helping women navigate the early days of motherhood and linking them with critical health and social services,” Ms Ermacora said.
Warrnambool mum Angel Hickman, who welcomed daughter Casey just on three months ago, said the program had been extremely beneficial.
“It’s great to have these support services locally and I’m very appreciative of the staff here who have really helped us both,” she said.
