Empowering and uplifting women isn’t just part of Koori Midwife Danielle’s job – it’s her
calling.
At Bayside Health Peninsula, she provides prenatal and antenatal care to Aboriginal and
Torres Strait Islander women and their babies.
The Koori Maternity Service program delivers flexible, culturally appropriate care to eligible
women, including mothers of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.
“I support women throughout their journey – whether they have a pregnancy-related
question or need help connecting with support services. I’m someone they can turn to and
feel comfortable sharing their experiences with,” she explains.
Her work can involve collaborating with social workers, arranging financial supports,
connecting women with community groups, or helping incorporate meaningful cultural
elements into their birth experience.
There are often higher social risks for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander patients, and
Danielle plays an important part in helping address these challenges.
“Many of these women feel a stigma that the hospital isn’t a safe place. By working with
them early in their pregnancy, I can build rapport and help them feel more comfortable. It
means they have someone they know and trust within the hospital environment.”
“There’s a lot of generational trauma in their families – if they don’t feel safe and respected
in their needs, they won’t come to the hospital.”
To help build this trust, Danielle also meets women halfway by offering care outside the
hospital setting, including home visits or attending doctor’s appointments alongside them.
“It’s about meeting their individual needs to ensure they’re receiving the proper care for
their babies.”
At Bayside Health Peninsula, Danielle provides culturally safe, person-centred care that
encourages women to feel supported, empowered, and connected throughout their
pregnancy journey.
“I love working with women – I love sharing their journey and getting to know them,” she
reflects.
“Providing care in our amazing service, in our beautiful birth and clinical rooms here,
empowers me to walk alongside them.”
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, Danielle’s work stands as a powerful reminder
of the importance of looking after women – honouring their strength, listening to their
needs, and ensuring they always feel safe, respected, and supported.
To learn more about the pregnancy clinics at Bayside Health Peninsula including our Koori Maternity Service, click here.