Bayside's culturally safe maternity care
Third time’s a charm with four local mums all returning to the Birthing in Our Community (BiOC) program at Redland Hospital for their third pregnancies - that’s 12 beautiful Redlands Coast babies.
Led by a team of midwives working in close partnership with Yulu-Burri-Ba Aboriginal Corporation for Community Health, BiOC provides culturally safe care for First Nations women and their babies.
The program offers home visits, birthing on country at Redland Hospital and ongoing postnatal care.
Clinical Midwife Shae Temple said the model allowed women to have the same midwife throughout their pregnancy, birth and early parenting journey.
“We often care for more than one baby in the same family,” she said. “That continuity means we understand each family’s history, culture and preferences. It helps build trust, improve birth outcomes, and support informed choices.”
For Mount Cotton mum Shari Wilcox, whose partner is Aboriginal, having the same midwife across pregnancies was invaluable.
“It makes such a difference to have someone who knows you and what you want,” she said. “Here, the care is consistent, and you feel supported the whole way through.”
Clio McKinnon, a proud Wiradjuri woman and mum to Reef (1) and Fraser (6 weeks), said the program made her feel welcome from day one.
“It’s so accepting, they really listen and respect your culture,” she said. “It’s been beautiful both times, and I’ve loved having my midwife alongside to guide me.”
Mikela Law, whose husband is Wakka Wakka from Cherbourg, said the personal connection was what stood out.
“With my second and third babies, I could call my midwife anytime … even to say I’d had a positive pregnancy test and wanted her again!” she said. “It was so reassuring, especially after I’d had complications in a previous pregnancy.”
For Amber Mazoletti, a Yamatji woman whose children also have connections to Noongar and Wakka Wakka heritage, the cultural safety of the program was key.
“There’s just more support, and you feel at home because people understand you and can relate to you,” she said. “It’s great having your own midwife the whole way through.”
Shae said culturally responsive care was central to BiOC.
“We see firsthand the difference it makes for families bringing new life into the world,” she said. “We’re honoured that our local families trust us during such an important time."