First Nations Telegraph

One of Australia’s most respected Indigenous health medical practitioners, Dr Mark Wenitong has joined forces with DrinkWise and Aboriginal actor Deborah Mailman to advise women to abstain from alcohol when planning a pregnancy, during pregnancy and while breastfeeding ahead of International FASD (Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder) Awareness Day.

 

New research from DrinkWise has revealed that 87% of females aged 18-44 said no amount of alcohol should be consumed during pregnancy, which is significantly higher than the 77% recorded in 2018*.

 

85% of Australians agreed that they would encourage a friend or family member to stop drinking completely if they were pregnant (81% in 2023*).

 

Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Wellbeing in 2021 shows that 91.5% of women who identified as First Nations did not consume alcohol in the first 20 weeks of pregnancy (90.0% in 2019) ** and 96.6% of women who identified as First Nations did not consume alcohol after 20 weeks of pregnancy (95.9% in 2019)**.

 

Dr Wenitong has worked for almost three decades to help improve the health and wellbeing of Indigenous peoples. He believes that ongoing education about FASD and the importance of not drinking alcohol when pregnant, when planning for a pregnancy and when breastfeeding is critical.

 

Dr Wenitong said: “It’s great that an increasing number of Indigenous women are reporting that they are staying away from alcohol when they are pregnant, but there is still a lot more to be done to increase awareness about FASD and the fact that any amount of alcohol will have an impact on the fetus, no matter what background you come from.

 

“It’s really important to acknowledge that FASD is not just an issue for our mob or for women in general, but for everyone. The good thing about this DrinkWise campaign is that it also provides these messages tailored for our mob. Aboriginal actor Deb Mailman is a relatable role model and it’s great to see that she continues to lend her voice to the campaign. Her message about FASD which will be shown on the Indigenous Imparja television network supports what we know to be true, which is that mob feel more culturally safe when they see themselves reflected in materials.

 

“As a doctor, my advice is to not drink alcohol when you’re planning for a pregnancy and while you are pregnant as FASD is 100% preventable. For men, this might mean they could also stop drinking during the pregnancy as well as a sign of support.”

Continued education efforts are crucial. Whilst the majority of Australians have heard of FASD, 27% of those who had heard of it admitted they have a ‘very limited understanding’ of the condition*.

 

Obstetrician Dr Vicki Carson believes there's still a disconnect when it comes to understanding the consequences of FASD.

 

Dr Vicki Carson said: “All Australians need to know that FASD can cause unnecessary and irreparable damage to the size and weight of the fetal brain. Alcohol exposure during pregnancy can directly harm regions of a baby's brain that are essential for learning, memory, behaviour, language and decision-making.

 

“These are devastating effects that are permanent, which is why doctors, obstetricians and midwives play an integral role in reminding their pregnant patients that alcohol should not be consumed during their pregnancy journey.”

 

DrinkWise CEO, Simon Strahan acknowledged that while rates of abstinence throughout pregnancy are trending in the right direction there is still more to be done to increase awareness.

 

Simon Strahan said: “DrinkWise is committed to helping expectant mothers, partners, families and the wider community to be informed about FASD so they can support women during their pregnancies and help ensure the next generation has the best start in life.

 

“It’s really encouraging to see 87% of women aged 18-44 said no amount of alcohol should be consumed during any stage of pregnancy, but further awareness is key in driving that number to 100%. DrinkWise wants to help raise awareness that FASD is preventable.”

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13YARN National Manager Marjorie Anderson agrees: “Education and raising awareness and understanding of FASD and reducing stigma and shame is important. Our mob need to understand the risks of drinking alcohol during pregnancy, and where to go for support, so they can ask for help if they need it. We want our community to know that they can call 13YARN if they are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping. We are there to have a yarn in a culturally safe space about any needs, worries or concerns without judgement.”

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If you or someone you know is an Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander and are feeling overwhelmed or having difficulty coping, call 13YARN on 13 92 76 or visit 13yarn.org.au.

For more information on DrinkWise’s annual FASD campaign, please visit DrinkWise.org.au.