“If it wasn’t for Kate being with me in the surgery room, I wouldn’t have been able to do it.”
- Jakaya Dixon, mum to Baby Oketi
Baby Oketi at birth
Access to relevant healthcare services during such a vulnerable time in your life is important to all women. This is something that Jakaya Dixon knows all too well. Young, afraid, and confused, Jakaya’s pregnancy journey took a challenging turn when she found herself hospitalised for diabetes-related issues.
“During my whole pregnancy, I was very stubborn and felt like I didn’t need any help,” Jakaya recalls, “I’ve already gone through so much when I was younger, and I found it hard to put my trust in people.”
This was when she met Kate, a dedicated midwife from Westmead’s Dragonfly Clinic who provided crucial support during this trying time. Through it all, Kate remained by her side, offering guidance and encouragement, ensuring Jakaya received the best possible care.
“If it wasn’t for Kate, I wouldn’t know what I was doing”, Jakaya states. “She always talked me into doing the right thing. She even went so far as to drive me to my appointments when I had no access to a car and was physically challenged by the pregnancy.”
Jakaya with little Oketi
Your contribution can help us bridge the gap in healthcare disparities and ensure that individuals like Jakaya and Oketi receive the support and resources they need to thrive. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and their families.
The Dragonfly Midwifery Clinic staff including Midwife Kate (second from the right)
In Parramatta, where Aboriginal care is scarce, Dragonfly aims to fill a crucial gap in providing not only medical assistance but also a sense of belonging and cultural understanding. As a representative for the system, Midwife Kate recognises the need to continuously prove the trustworthiness of healthcare providers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. "Many of us at the clinic have to prove ourselves to them, since all of them have been through many challenges already," emphasises Kate, acknowledging the necessity of building trust and rapport with their patients.
A vital part of the Dragonfly team are the Obstetricians who also get to know the women and build trust. Dr Bakal, Dr Ushmi and now Dr Gus provide the essential continuity of medical care which contributes to the smoothness of the journey through the Maternity Care system.
"In the face of discrimination and inequity, Dragonfly strives to soften the blow. We don’t just offer medical treatment but also compassion, understanding, and respect," assures Kate. Jakaya's journey is a testament to the resilience of Aboriginal women and the importance of creating healthcare systems that prioritise their needs and honour their rights.
The health disparities faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities remain severe, requiring systemic changes and adequate funding. Even daily essentials such as soaps, toothbrushes, and new clothes are things that many women from these communities are struggling to afford. From basic necessities to comprehensive healthcare services, Dragonfly aims to be the driving force that helps provide women and children the care that they deserve.
