Lay summary
Birth can be an empowering and uplifting experience. Birth can also be traumatic. Birth for Māori women and their whānau in the context of historical trauma could provide opportunities for healing. Alternatively the birth experience could further impact on historical trauma. Using a kaupapa Māori research approach and a mana wahine lens, this proposed research project seeks to explore the intersection between historical trauma and birth trauma. Factors that contribute to and enable positive and healing birth experiences for Māori women and their whānau will also be analysed. Through focusing on Māori experiences of the birthing space it is hoped a framework for trauma informed maternity care, to enhance positive birth outcomes for Māori women, will be achieved. Findings from this research will inform maternity care policy, funding and service delivery, and has the potential to make a contribution to whānau ora and reducing inequities in health outcomes for Māori.