Ma¯ori birth education programme launched
Antenatal classes based on kaupapa Ma¯ori practices and principles are being offered to Ma¯ori women and their wha¯nau around Taranaki.
Hapu¯ Wa¯nanga is a pilot birth education programme to help pregnant women better understand pregnancy, birth and raising tamariki. It was developed in the Waikato, where it had improved various child and maternal health outcomes. Workshops are held in community venues and marae, not just hospital settings.
‘‘Our aim is to share experiences and information about pregnancy, birth and beyond in a safe and supportive environment where Maori can engage in traditional practices,’’ independent Ma¯ori midwife Tawera Trinder said in a statement.
‘‘It is important we offer local wha¯nau the opportunity to learn parenting skills in a culturallyappropriate setting and we are proud to be a part of bringing Hapu¯ Wa¯nanga to our communities around the maunga.’’
She is taking the workshops along with another independent Ma¯ ori midwife, Sharon Wipiti, and they bring a combined wealth of knowledge and experience around the education of childbirth in a cultural setting.
Early evaluation of Hapu¯ Wa¯ nanga, which was developed by the Waikato DHB with input from key stakeholders, showed it had a positive influence on breastfeeding, safe sleep, immunisations and smoke-free outcomes.
Taranaki DHB’s chief advisor for Ma¯ ori health, Ngawai Henare, said she was excited to deliver Hapu¯ Wa¯nanga to Taranaki wha¯nau. ‘‘We want to improve child and maternal health outcomes for Ma¯ori in Taranaki according to our wha¯ nau ora (family health) philosophy – that every service offered or funded by the DHB should contribute knowledge and skills that empower wha¯ nau to understand and manage their own health conditions.’’
The first workshops were held in North Taranaki last week at Muru Raupatu Marae in Bell Block. Two sessions will be held in South Taranaki on June 27 and 28 at the Tahu Potiki Centre in Ha¯ wera.
To register for Hapu¯ Wa¯nanga or for more informationcontact Tawera Trinder (027-727-6657) or Sharron Wipiti (021-383-133). Check out the facebook page on https:/ /www.facebook.com/ hapuwananga/