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Kai wai ū i te pō: Māori aspirations around breastfeeding in Te Tai Tokerau

Year:
2022
Duration:
36 months
Approved budget:
$1,002,512.55
Researchers:
Ms Carmen Timu-Parata
,
Dr Zoe Tipa
,
Dr Amanda Kvalsvig
,
Ms Tasha Wharerau
,
Mrs Amelia Marsh
,
Mrs Belinda Tuari-Toma
,
Ms Natalie Allen
Health issue:
Child and youth (healthy) development
Proposal type:
Māori Health Project
Lay summary
This project is driven by the aspirations from Te Tai Tokerau around wai ū/breastfeeding. The breastfeeding data from Te Tai Tokerau indicates that something remarkable is occurring that despite living in areas of high deprivation, almost all Māori new mothers are breastfeeding when they leave hospital. However, strong inequalities in breastfeeding rates appear after 3 months. Through mother interviews and stakeholder discussions we will identify what positive interventions need to be strengthened, and identify the systems that need to be supported for positive breastfeeding rates to be sustained. This application was co-designed during face-to-face visits and discussions with Te Tai Tokerau stakeholders.