Positive Birthing Program recognised on the national stage

WA Country Health Service (WACHS) midwife Kasey Biggar has been recognised on the national stage for her use of telehealth technologies during the COVID-19 pandemic to expand birthing education programs to country parents.

Acting Coordinator of Parent Education Kasey Biggar was awarded Best Paper for Case Studies and Clinical Reports at the 2022 Success and Failures in Telehealth Conference.

The paper, titled COVID-19: A Silver Lining for Birth Education in the Country, detailed Kasey’s successful use of telehealth to expand the program into country WA.

The innovative action meant country parents to be were able to feel supported, educated and safe to birth close to home despite the limitations and lockdowns caused by COVID-19.

Since its inception, the program has halved intervention rates for births in country hospitals and has expanded both its virtual and face-to-face classes.

“The height of COVID-19 impacted our entire community, but by harnessing the technology at our fingertips we could ensure even our most remote parents felt safe as they navigated the path to parenthood,” Kasey said.

“Families receive support through their antenatal education as well as follow-up support after the birth of their baby, allowing for referrals to specialists services, additional support and friendly contact for families who need it.”

The success of the program has since seen face-to-face classes begin in Busselton, Broome, Esperance, Albany and at the Newman Neighbourhood Centre.

WACHS Coordinator of Midwifery Kate Reynolds said the award was a testament to Kasey and the entire midwifery and telehealth teams.

“We are proud that our staff are considered to be national leaders in antenatal and postnatal care, and they continue to be recognised for their innovation in patient centred care,” she said.

“It’s no secret COVID-19 had a major impact on the way we provided healthcare to our country communities, but our staff always find ways to ensure continuity of care and support their communities.

“Kasey and her team are pioneers in this space and an example of the innovation and dedication of all our clinicians.”

The WACHS Positive Birthing Program (incorporating the Hypnobirthing Australia series) includes: The, Positive Caesarean Program, Positive Indigenous Program and WACHS’s own Fourth Trimester, Breastfeeding and Early Parenting Program. The programs are recommended for all pregnant families, not just those becoming parents for this first-time.