In this feature, CityNews speaks to businesses and services in the Canberra region dedicated to supporting mums with pregnancy, birth, babies, kids and beyond.

Being a parent is one of the most rewarding experiences, but it can also be one of the most challenging, especially for new parents navigating their way through a whole new lifestyle.

New additions to the family similarly bring great changes, with a lot of new products and services needed.

Culturally safe and accessible maternity care

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Service’s midwifery program aims to remove barriers that prevent women from accessing maternity care by providing culturally safe, non-judgemental and flexible care, says CEO Julie Tongs.

“We focus on the clinical, cultural and spiritual needs of Aboriginal clients, families and the community and the midwifery program welcomed 68 babies into the community in 2020 and 2021,” says Ms Tongs.

“The midwifery team offers antenatal and postnatal care, community at home support, baby health checks, breastfeeding support, immunisations, and a range of women’s health services.

“Our midwives work closely with ACT hospitals, and assist in ensuring continuity of care between Winnunga Nimmityjah AHCS and hospital services”.

Ms Tongs says Winnunga also has a comprehensive child immunisation program they encourage patients to access.

“This also allows us to follow up on our patients’ progress with postpartum recovery, and to assist them with any needs in relation to caring for their infants,” says Ms Tongs.

“It is vitally important for high-risk clients to have access to Aboriginal specific, culturally appropriate midwifery services, as many choose not to access mainstream services without support.”

Winnunga Nimmityjah Aboriginal Health and Community Services, 63 Boolimba Crescent, Narrabundah. Call 6284 6222 or visit winnunga.org.au

Program uses sport to develop skills for kids

Owner of the ACT chapter of Ready Steady Go Kids, Leonie Collis says the goal of their multi-sport program is to get kids moving and interested in being active from a young age.

Running year-round, the indoor program allows children aged one and a half to six to have a go at soccer, tennis, hockey, AFL, cricket, basketball, athletics, golf, rugby and tee-ball.

“The program covers all the gross motor skills associated with sports – catching, throwing, bouncing, kicking, batting, running, balance as well as spatial awareness” says Leonie.

“Getting their gross motor skills up means kids gain confidence, which they bring with them to school sports and PE sessions. 

“We’re open for enrolments all the time, parents can book their free trial any time.”

Leonie says parents are encouraged to get involved with the 45-minute classes, and that each child is able to attend one free session to ensure it’s suited to them.

She also says they take the program to Early Learning Centres.

“During the sessions there’s lots of socialising going on through lots of group activity,” she says.

“The kids get the opportunity to be amongst each other and make friends in the class, which is always great to see.”

Ready Steady Go Kids, visit readysteadygokids.com.au

Lollies to build memories and bonds

Lolly Swagman has been excitedly exploring new tastes for nearly three decades, says owner Ian Richardson.

Located in the heart of the Southern Highlands, the lolly shop stocks all-time favourite treats and the latest trending tastes from around the world.

“Flavours and sweets are great memory-building things for people,” says Ian. 

“At the moment we’re tracking down some summer flavours, things like peach, and the crisper, brighter watermelon flavours, because there tends to be more emphasis on those lighter flavours as the weather gets warmer.”

Ian says there are always new flavours to explore, and with more than 1300 different types of treats, there is truly something for everyone, making it the perfect excuse to go on a special roadtrip with mum.

“It’s a happy place with kids excitedly exploring for new tastes, older people reminiscing and sharing in the thrill of finding a favourite and the great stories that go with them,” he says.

“We often see people who’d come as children now bringing in their own children and sharing their experiences, which is lovely to be allowed to join in on. It’s nice to have that history.”

Lolly Swagman, 11 Old Hume Highway, Berrima. Call 4877 1137, or visit lollyswagman.com.au