The Galiwin'ku Baby Hub is a wellbeing centre set up like a house where young parents, families and babies up to three years old can relax, learn about health practices, nutrition and be supported to thrive. Baby Hub targets community needs in collaboration with Miwatj Health Aboriginal Corporation to provide practical support to young mothers, parents and carers with underweight and anaemic babies in a home-like environment.
There are about 100 children aged 0-3 in Galiwin'ku with health issues such as anaemia and growth faltering. The underlying cause of these issues include diet and feeding behaviour, food insecurity, home environments, parenting support needs, recurring illness, infections and in some cases maternal health issues. Many children experience infections in their first year of life and weight drops at around 5 months.
The Hub runs targeted sessions like solid food and iron rich cooking and education on brain development, skin health, home environments and more. Yolngu workers lead and adapt education in language so it has meaning. The team works with the midwife and run weekly sessions to support pregnant women to be strong and healthy and get ready for when the baby comes. Emotional wellbeing activities connect women and talk about challenges and identify supports and personal strategies for mothers
- Reduction in anaemia and growth faltering in babies - Increased knowledge of early childhood development and positive parenting practices - Increased confidence to care for children - Parents adopt healthy behaviours at home including breastfeeding and complimentary feeding practices - Increased leadership capacity of Yolngu staff to report on outcomes and make decisions. - Social and emotional wellbeing through activities with families (bush trips).
