HBDHB launches Maori antenatal programme

14 February 2007

HBDHB launches Maori antenatal programme- Whanau Mai

Hawke’s Bay District Health Board (HBDHB) is to launch Whanau Mai, a new programme designed to provide antenatal education specifically for Maori mothers-to-be. The programme will be launched at a powhiri on Friday 16 February in Whare Mihiroa, (Maori Health Unit) Omahu Road, Hastings.

HBDHB is the first DHB in New Zealand to implement a kaupapa Maori antenatal programme which is designed to attract more Maori women to attend antenatal classes.

The programme fits with the DHB’s strategic direction for development of kaupapa Maori services.

Whanau Mai is birthing education program designed to cater to the specific needs of hapu wahine and whanau. The antenatal wahanga (classes) offer an alternative to mainstream classes with a focus on traditional Maori birthing practices and will be held at Hawke’s Bay Hospital’s Whare in Omahu Road over four consecutive Fridays.

Hapu wahine who take part in the Whanau Mai wahanga will have the opportunity to create an Ipu Whenua, a clay pot designed to hold the whenua (afterbirth) which is then buried,

Around 800 babies, identified as Maori are born in HBDHB facilities each year.

The Whanau Mai programme stemmed from a successful pilot programme led by Nga Maia in Manurewa, Auckland last year. Nga Maia is a national organisation established to protect, maintain and promote traditional Maori birthing practices. They will be involved in monitoring the quality and outcomes of the Whanau Mai programme in Hawke’s Bay.

Once evaluation is complete, it is hoped the programme will be extended to other organisations and communities. For further information contact Judy 878-8109, extension 6186.

ENDS

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