W4 - Building Australian midwives’ connection with Ukrainian refugee women: An interactive creative workshop

Abstract

A pregnant woman on a stretcher guarding her baby in utero whilst smoke billows from a maternity hospital in the background or a mother swaddling her infant, face fixed with vacant expression. The whole world has seen these images, but they do not tell the full story of the women and children caught in the largest humanitarian crisis in Europe since World War II. As Ukrainians seek refuge in Australia, we will start to see the true toll of trauma, abuse and exploitation that occurs through displacement due to war. This all bears a significant impact upon the health and wellbeing of refugee women and children within the Australian community and in the healthcare services we provide. As a first generation Australian- Ukrainian midwife I understand how certain customs and traditions play a pivotal role in Ukrainian culture which directly impacts upon the treatment of women during the perinatal period. Through the making of traditional Ukrainian ‘Motanka’ (Folk dolls) that symbolise fertility and unity, the aim of this workshop is to explore the culture and customs of Ukraine to better understand how midwives can work with Ukrainian refugee women in a culturally respectful and safe manner. Throughout this hand on interactive workshop, you will: • Utilise evidence-based information about Ukraine and its people to highlight potential and actual healthcare needs, disparities, and priorities. • Explore strategic and sustainable solutions to potential problems faced by Australian midwives when working with Ukrainian refugee women and children. • Work together to create priority goals for the provision of culturally safe and respectful midwifery care to Ukrainian refugees This hands-on interactive workshop will suit healthcare providers who would like to experience creating a traditional Ukrainian doll whilst connecting with the Ukrainian people through the exploration of their culture, spiritual beliefs, and maternity healthcare needs.