Welcome Rachel Reid :)

Rachel's journey with Rainbow Families began through teaching at their regular antenatal classes, a role that has fuelled her passion for Child and Family Health. Her love for working with babies, children, and families started at a young age, growing into a career path after completing her Master of Public Health. For Rachel, supporting and educating families through their First 2000 days is not just a job, but a calling.

"I've always been drawn to working with families," Rachel shares. "Babysitting at 12 was just the beginning. After completing my Master of Public Health, I knew that supporting families through those important early days was where I could make the most impact. Plus, who can resist baby cuddles?"

Rachel's dedication extends beyond her role as a midwife and child and family health nurse. As an academic, she aims to enhance the knowledge, skills, and confidence of health professionals working with LGBTQ+ families. "Improving the quality of care LGBTQ+ families receive is vital," Rachel explains. "When health professionals are more informed about our families and community, the care experience improves for everyone involved."

With Rainbow Families Inclusive Training Program, Rachel hopes to create a health system where all families receive the quality care they deserve. "When staff and systems provide an inclusive environment where families feel welcomed and safe, the quality of care and outcomes improve," she said.

Outside of work, Rachel's life is just as vibrant. "My wife and I have been together since 2006, and we're excited to be expanding our family with a puppy soon," she said. "I love to cook and bake, and I'm always up for trying new recipes. And believe it or not, I only learned how to ride a bike last year! It's been a fun challenge, and I'm still getting the hang of it."

Rachel encourages anyone interested in learning more about providing healthcare for LGBTQ+ families to reach out. "Whether you're a health professional looking to enhance your practice or simply curious about inclusive healthcare, don't hesitate to get in touch," she invites. "Together, we can create a more inclusive and supportive environment for all of our Rainbow Families."

How is Child and Family Health Diversity Training going to help our families

• We'll be partnering with the Australian College Of Midwives to create positive change more broadly.
• Integrating family diversity in everyday conversations and programs through collaboration, training and education with Child And Family Health professionals.
• Empowering Child And Family Health professionals to confidently support diverse families with the goal of all families feeling safe, included, accepted and celebrated.
• Laying the foundation for greater acceptance and reduced discrimination and disadvantage for all LBGTQ+ people through initiating inclusion and diversity at the start of the parenting journey.
• We offer training for Child And Family Health professionals to confidently include all families they are supporting.
• The program equips Child And Family Health professionals with practical strategies to create affirming clinic spaces and reduce discrimination and disadvantage for parents and babies.
• Your team will complete the training equipped with the knowledge to confidently support LGBTQ+ parents, so children from rainbow families have the best possible start to life.

For more information, click the link and get in touch.***