Māmā aroha: Implementing recommendations of a research project to update and enhance the first free Indigenous digital breastfeeding resource to improve support for whānau

Project Summary

Waiū is a taonga and fundamental aspect of ūkaipō requiring protection and promotion as part of whānau ora. Most wāhine intend to breastfeed and achieve high rates of exclusive breastfeeding prior to leaving a maternity facility. However, this rate drops off dramatically by the time pēpi reaches 6 months of age, with less than 20% exclusively breastfed. Research has identified many challenges that hinder pēpi receiving breastmilk. However, there is still more work to identify effective breastfeeding support for Māori.

The development of the first Indigenous breastfeeding digital application Māmā Aroha during the COVID pandemic exemplifies Māori women at the forefront of developing innovative solutions to support whānau with breastfeeding. We reviewed the accessibility, usability, and content of the app. via kanohi ki te kanohi kōrero, and online and paper surveys, feedback was gathered from māmā, whānau and health professionals. Findings confirmed that for Māori, a holistic Kaupapa Māori approach to breastfeeding is central to healing from trauma and strengthening the intergenerational transmission of knowledge and practices. Results also confirmed that mobile health resources need to be accurate, free & easily accessible, be engaging and interactive, and practical.

The research recommends further promotion of the app, integration into local and national breastfeeding support and the creation of new interactive functions that enable whānau to self-determine their own health and wellbeing. This project grant implemented the recommendations to undertake phase 1 of updating the content of the app according to advice provided from the app developer.

Project Lead

Dr Angelique Reweti, Massey University