Enhancing culturally appropriate care for mums and families

When Pascoela Martins and her partner Napoleão Guterres found out they were expecting their second child, they knew they wanted the team at the Royal Hospital for Women to provide Pascoela’s antenatal and maternity care.

The East Timorese couple had their first child at the Royal in 2022 while Napoleão was completing his Master’s studies at UNSW Sydney.

Pascoela received additional support for both her pregnancies from Galuh Sapthari, a Cross-Cultural Worker at the Royal. Galuh works with families and the Royal’s clinical teams to help support culturally appropriate care, and one of a handful of Cross-Cultural Workers in the state dedicated to supporting maternity, child and family health.

Galuh describes herself as an “allrounder”. As a migrant herself, she knows navigating our healthcare system can be challenging.

“Different cultures have different approaches to antenatal and maternity care. With my clients, I explain how antenatal care is provided at the Royal and let them know what to expect in each trimester. My role is to build trust, provide reassurance and ultimately empower women,” explains Galah.

“I facilitate antenatal classes tailored to culturally and linguistically diverse families, encourage them access interpreters if English isn’t their first language, and also refer them to other services like women’s, child and family health nurses in their local area.”

Having a baby can be an isolating experience, particularly for women who might be separated from their extended family. Galah helps to connect her clients with others who come from the same cultural background.

“When I’m coordinating a tour of the birth unit or an antenatal session, I’ll always look for opportunities to connect families from the same cultural background.”

“It’s so rewarding to support women and families through this life-changing experience,” Galah added.

Pascoela and Napoleão welcomed their second baby, Rellian, in November 2024 and they couldn’t have spoken more highly about the care they received at the Royal with the support of Gulah.

“We are deeply grateful for the incredible care, kindness, and support we received during our journey at the Royal, culminating in the birth of our second child,” said Napoleão.

“We are particularly grateful to Galuh who played a pivotal role in the births of both of our children. Galuh was there when our first child was born, and with the arrival of Rellian, we were fortunate to receive the same exceptional support.

“Her compassion, dedication, and understanding of the unique challenges faced by families from overseas were as impactful as ever. Galuh’s efforts are a testament to the value of cross-cultural services in helping families like ours feel at home, even in a foreign country,” added Napoleão.

The Cross-Cultural Worker in Maternity & Child & Family Health Services provides a free and confidential service for women and families from migrant and refugee backgrounds, and international students.

More information on Cross-Cultural Workers in Maternity, Child and Family Health Services

Pictured below: Pascoela, Napoleão and their two children (centre); Lactation Consultant, Katy Hunt (far left); and Cross Cultural Worker, Galuh Sapthari (far right) at the Royal Hospital for Women.

 

Martins Guterres family at the Royal Hospital for Women