West Pilbara Childbirth Education Tour

In 2011 CMWA received funding from Communities for Children – West Pilbara – to deliver a range of childbirth education programs to students, families and professionals in Tom Price, Onslow and Karratha.  Two of our Educators, Ruth McIntosh and Melanie Gregory, made their first foray into the West Pilbara in late June.  They visited Tom Price delivering a Choices in Childbirth session at Nintirri Women’s Health Centre as well as an Active Birth Workshop train the trainer followed by an Active Birth Workshop for clients.  A Core Life Childbirth Education session was held at Tom Price High was held on Monday, where the Empathy Belly (which can be strapped on to demonstrate the weight a pregnant woman has to carry around) was a great hit.  The first tour also took in Onslow and Karratha, where talks were held with Midwives, Aboriginal Health Workers, Hospital staff etc to plan the next tour.  An article appeared in the Pilbara Echo.

Mel and Ruth have since departed for their second tour, heading to Onslow and Karratha from 17-21 August. This time they will be hosting a pregnancy information session in Onslow, as well as an Active Birth Workshop Train the Trainer at Karratha Hospital.  The next swing is planned for late September/ early October.

EDUCATORS

Ruth is a Midwife with more than 20 years experience in both the UK and Australia.  Ruth is also a qualified Lactation Consultant and has a special interest in supporting new mothers in the first year.  Ruth has worked at CMWA for the last 4 years, delivering childbirth education and one on one lactation consultations to 100’s of women.

Melanie trained in the UK as a Childbirth Educator through the National Childbirth Trust (NCT).  Melanie has also taught physics and human biology at High School. As well as undertaking school talks on the subjects of pregnancy, parenting, and sexual health she has done training in Core of Life Childbirth Education.