The mother-of-two is one of 250 women who have used the Aboriginal Medical Service’s Murundhu dharaa birth program since it began operating 18 months ago.

The midwife-led program incorporates antenatal, birth and postnatal care.

Mrs Newman chose the service for the birth of her second daughter, Mahli, who is now six weeks old.

During her pregnancy, she was cared for by midwife Tracey Foster, who visited her at her home and at work.

Mrs Foster was present when Mrs Newman went into labour, and stayed for Mahli’s delivery at Orange Base Hospital.

“My husband’s Aboriginal and, for him, it was important they [the midwives] were understanding and that we knew them,” she said.

“It was wonderful to have Tracey there right from the start.”

Mrs Newman said having the same midwife the whole way through her pregnancy had improved her experience this time round.

Mrs Foster has visited Mrs Newman regularly since Mahli’s birth, to provide vaccinations and postnatal care.

“I’ve found it a lot better this time, especially with the after care, if I’ve had any problems with breastfeeding and things like that I’ve been able to call her at any time,” Mrs Newman said.

“It’s a good program, it gives women another choice if they don’t want to rely on GPs or the midwives at the base.”

The Orange Aboriginal Medical Service opened its new birthing centre on Palmer Street last Monday.

It is now waiting for the first woman to give birth there, expected in coming weeks.

Women who have been classified as having a low-risk pregnancy, and who have used the midwives’ antenatal services, can use the centre.

Any emergencies, including caesarean births, will be transferred to Orange Base Hospital.

As well as offering women care before and during the birth, the centre gives parents the option of using other health, development, nutrition and parenting services after the child is born.

“It’s not just birthing and antenatal care, that’s why our model is the first of its type in Australia,” CEO Jamie Newman said.