ACT Health Introduces New Initiatives to Support Pregnant People and New Parents
ACT Health has recently launched three groundbreaking initiatives aimed at providing essential support to pregnant individuals and new parents in the region. These initiatives are set to revolutionize the landscape of maternity care and parenting resources in Canberra.
In Brief:
ACT Health’s new initiatives include:
- Maternity in Focus survey – collecting feedback on ACT public maternity care
- INFANT program – offering first-time parents free support with feeding and playing with their babies
- My Pregnancy Options website – a comprehensive resource covering pregnancy, abortion, and contraception options in Canberra
Maternity in Focus Survey
The recently launched Maternity in Focus: ACT Maternity Survey is now actively seeking participation from women and birthing individuals in the region.
This survey aims to gather valuable insights into the experiences of individuals receiving maternity care in the ACT public health system. It provides a platform for individuals to share feedback on their pregnancy, birth, and postnatal care experiences.
According to Chief Nursing and Midwifery Officer Marina Buchanan-Grey, the survey is open to all individuals who give birth in the ACT through public maternity care, including non-ACT residents. The survey is ongoing and can be accessed both online and through physical postcards.
Key highlights of the Maternity in Focus survey:
- Open to individuals giving birth in the ACT after 1 September 2024
- Opportunity to provide feedback on maternity care experiences
- Accessible online or through physical postcards
Parents are encouraged to actively participate in shaping the future of maternity care in Canberra through the Maternity in Focus survey.
INFANT Program for New Parents
The innovative INFANT program is designed to offer crucial support to first-time parents in navigating the challenges of feeding and playing with their babies.
INFANT, which stands for INfant Feeding, Active play, and NuTrition, provides a structured framework for parents to engage with various aspects of infant care.
Key features of the INFANT program include:
- Guidance on introducing solids and managing food refusal
- Strategies for promoting active play and limiting screen time
- Interactive group sessions at different milestones of the baby’s development
Community partner Capital Region Community Services facilitates these informative sessions across multiple locations in Canberra, offering valuable insights and support to new parents.
My Pregnancy Options Website
The newly launched My Pregnancy Options website serves as a comprehensive resource hub for reproductive health services in the ACT.
Developed in collaboration with Women’s Health Matters and funded by the ACT Government, the website offers accurate and reliable information on pregnancy, contraception, and abortion options in the region.
Key features of the My Pregnancy Options website:
- Accessible information on reproductive health services
- Pro-choice stance on pregnancy decisions
- List of healthcare providers offering abortion services
Individuals seeking to make informed choices regarding their reproductive health can rely on the My Pregnancy Options website for credible information and support.
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