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WIRF is one of Australia's leading organisations that is dedicated to improving the health of women and infants.

Dr Bernardo Dewey

Dr Bernardo Dewey - Research Acceleration Award Recipient

Dr Bernardo Dewey

Research Acceleration Award Recipient
  • RESEARCH PROJECT:

    Understanding Aboriginal men’s involvement in antenatal care for stillbirth prevention

    The loss of a baby to stillbirth is a profoundly tragic event that affects parents, families and communities. Our own research in Western Australia has shown that stillbirth rates among Aboriginal people are two to three times higher than among non-Aboriginal populations.

    The reasons for this disparity are complex and multifaceted, including differential access to culturally safe antenatal care. There is a critical need to generate evidence that supports the development of Aboriginal-specific stillbirth education and awareness initiatives, including those that target Aboriginal men. The role of men in supporting the wellbeing of pregnant women and newborn health should not be underestimated, with a growing body of research highlighting strong associations between low paternal support and adverse birth outcomes.

    Despite the recognised and widespread benefits of timely and appropriate antenatal care, there remains a drastic shortage of culturally safe antenatal care interventions that include Aboriginal men. This project represents the first step toward our broader vision of supporting the capacity of Aboriginal men to improve maternal and newborn health. This vision addresses concerns raised by our Elder network and community partners.
     
For over 40 years, WIRF has conducted and supported research to improve the health of women and infants.

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Women and Infants Research Foundation
Carson House, King Edward Memorial Hospital
374 Bagot Road, Subiaco, WA 6008

Telephone: 08 6458 1437
Fax: 08 6458 1642
Email: info@wirf.com.au

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