MotherSafe is marking its 25th anniversary of providing dedicated and compassionate care to hundreds of thousands of NSW families.
Funded by the NSW Government, the free, comprehensive telephone and face-to-face counselling service has received more than 400,000 calls over the last 25 years, from women and healthcare providers seeking health advice through pre-conception, pregnancy and breastfeeding.
NSW Minister for Health, Ryan Park extended his gratitude to MotherSafe staff for their important role in providing evidence-based information and counselling about exposures during pregnancy and breastfeeding, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, street drugs, infections, radiation and occupational exposures.
“Preconception, pregnancy and breastfeeding are crucial times for the health of women and babies. Having access to clear, evidence-based advice on medications and other exposures is critically important for expectant and new mums,” said Minister Park.
“I want to thank the many dedicated MotherSafe staff who have helped hundreds of thousands of NSW women give their babies the very best start to life.”
The service was expanded in 2022 to provide specialist support to pregnant women experiencing severe effects of nausea and vomiting of pregnancy and hyperemesis gravidarum, which are the main causes of hospitalisation in the first half of pregnancy.
Hyperemesis gravidarum is a condition that causes severe nausea and vomiting during pregnancy for around 1 in 100 women during pregnancy.
Women living with hyperemesis gravidarum during pregnancy are often so sick they can’t go to work, care for themselves or someone else.
Through MotherSafe, women with hyperemesis gravidarum are assessed for the severity of their symptoms and given evidence-based information regarding available treatments to help manage their symptoms.
“Hyperemesis gravidarum is the number one cause for hospitalisation in the first half of pregnancy. MotherSafe has helped many women manage the significant physical symptoms and emotional distress that comes with this condition,” said Mr Park.
The expanded service has been particularly important for women living outside of metropolitan Sydney or who may be too unwell to travel, to access tailored advice from a MotherSafe consultant.
“We are proud to have supported the physical and emotional wellbeing of women and families across NSW over the past 25 years,” said MotherSafe Director, Dr Debra Kennedy.
“MotherSafe provides advice to women who are concerned about medications, infections or exposure to occupational hazards before and during pregnancy, and while breastfeeding.”
Women, families and healthcare professionals can contact a MotherSafe consultant by calling 1800 647 848, or visit the MotherSafe website to access a range of factsheets.
