is the first stillbirth guide in the country and it was designed by and for Aboriginal families.
Its creation came from the mind of Wergaia/Wemba Wemba midwife Skye Stewart, after witnessing the gap in stillbirth rates between Indigenous and non-Indigenous people and the impact it left on communities.
Ms Stewart has now been awarded Midwife of the Year at the 18th HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards. The awards acknowledge the outstanding contribution of the country's nurses, midwives, nurse educators, researchers, and personal care workers’ dedication to improving health outcomes.
The guide is a resource that Aboriginal families can turn to for additional cultural support during an emotional and often traumatising time.
It includes advice on how to approach tough decisions, preparing for birth and provides spaces to write out thoughts and communicate wishes to extended family.
Ms Stewart, who is based in Woomelang in rural Victoria, said she sees creating the guide as part of her role as an Aboriginal midwife in community.
"My cultural role and responsibility as an Aboriginal midwife is to do what I can to ensure that Aboriginal mothers and their babies stay safe, alive, well, and together,” Ms Stewart said.
“To be recognised with this award means I've paid attention to where it matters, and I am doing what I am supposed to be doing. The award is a privilege, and I feel incredibly honoured and humbled.
“My work is rewarding because it supports families experiencing vulnerability at an acutely distressing time."
Although grateful to be recognised, Ms Stewart said it was during the creation of the guide that she experienced the most rewarding moment.
A mum told me: ‘You have to make this, Skye. No one is doing it for us. Take our voices and put them where people can listen so you can support our families.’
Ms Stewart said she plans to use the prize money to continue her work, including printing a children’s book and a suite of resources for families, siblings, and children affected by stillbirth, another first of its kind, supporting Aboriginal children during such a difficult time.
