Lay summary
I am a third year RANZCOG trainee registrar. My specific interest is Maori & indigenous women’s health. RANZCOG offer an optional research training year. I am studying toward a Master’s degree, while still living in Dunedin, where I am close to excellent supervision. Once my training is complete I will return to Northland. There is little research with regards to caesarean deliveries and Maori women, mostly these are in the form of maternity statistics and the relevance to Maori is difficult to ascertain. HSQC realise that qualitative research may help provide answers to the gaps in statistical data. This is qualitative research in a kaupapa Maori framework. A grounded theory approach, pilot process and in-depth interviewing are used within the guidelines of my study protocol to explore day-to-day decision making, long-term decision making, and family planning decisions that need to be considered by whanau when delivery is by caesarean section.