Hapū Wānanga: A Kaupapa Māori childbirth education class for Māori and non-Māori māmā hapū and whānau

Abstract

Global studies attest that early engagement with childbirth education (CBE) classes enhances maternal and infant health outcomes. In Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori participation rates in CBE classes are lower than those of their non-Māori counterparts. Current CBE classes are designed and delivered using a predominantly Western medicalised approach that negates Māori birthing knowledge, expertise, and values. However, sporadically, Kaupapa Māori CBE classes are being delivered. This article draws on a wider study that explores the Hapū Wānanga (HW) CBE programme, a by Māori, for Māori pregnancy and parenting initiative. This mixed-method interpretive study used retrospective post-course survey data of 1,152 participants over a three-year period from the HW based in the Waikato District Health Board region. Data explored the programme’s quality, the impact on levels of knowledge and understanding, and the overall experiences and views of participants. This artice interrogates the factors that shaped participation, engagement and acceptability of the HW for participants.