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Maternal and infant conditions

WIRF is committed to improving the health of mothers and infants through targeted research into a range of maternal and infant conditions. We focus on identifying early indicators of complications and developing innovative solutions to improve outcomes for both mothers and their babies. This includes research into conditions that affect women before, during, and after pregnancy, such as cardiovascular issues and breastfeeding challenges.

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Maternal and infant conditions

Maternal and infant conditions projects

WIRF supports research that enhances early detection and treatment of maternal and infant conditions, ensuring that women receive the best possible care throughout pregnancy and beyond. By addressing conditions such as preeclampsia, breech births, and breastfeeding-related complications, WIRF aims to reduce long-term health risks and support the overall wellbeing of mothers and infants.

    Preterm birth prevention program lowers rate of early births by up to 10%.

    Enable us to fund innovative research and vital support services

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    Reframing ‘Irregular’: Not Rare, Not Insignificant, No Longer Overlooked
    News 5 mins read

    Reframing ‘Irregular’: Not Rare, Not Insignificant, No Longer Overlooked

    On Friday 28 August 2026, WIRF welcomed more than 150 guests to its annual WIRF Scientific Dialogue, with this year’s theme being Reframing ‘Irregular’: Not Rare, Not Insignificant, No Longer Overlooked.

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    $500,000 research boost to tackle critical health challenges facing women and babies
    News 4 mins read

    $500,000 research boost to tackle critical health challenges facing women and babies

    WIRF has awarded $500,000 in research funding to support 10 innovative projects tackling critical health challenges affecting women, babies and families.

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    A community woven together by yarn, kindness and care
    News 4 mins read

    A community woven together by yarn, kindness and care

    The Knitting for Newborns campaign brought together knitters, volunteers, families and supporters from across Western Australia in a celebration of compassion and community. Through handmade gifts, essential donations and fundraising efforts, the campaign helped support vulnerable mothers and babies while highlighting the lasting difference that small acts of kindness can make.

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    Perth medical researchers working on artificial placentas for premature babies
    News 1 min read

    Perth medical researchers working on artificial placentas for premature babies

    For babies born way too early, the challenges are huge. Their lungs are not well developed, their skin is very fragile and they are far from ready to face the outside world. A WIRF research project is working on trying to help those babies through building an artificial placenta.

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