The impact on whānau wellbeing: transferring to secondary or tertiary hospitals

This article explores the impact on whānau wellbeing following wāhine being transferred to either secondary or tertiary care hospitals to receive health care for themselves or their baby during the birthing journey. It was found that throughout this process, the wāhine and whānau faced a series of challenges that compromised their wellbeing. Feeling isolated from their home, support networks and baby, and not fulfilling their motherhood expectations were major challenges. Three solutions are suggested that may encourage the delivery of culturally responsive care in this context: building environments that provide a sense of whanaungatanga with the people and space, allowing greater whānau participation in the cares of their baby and respecting the voices of whānau by engaging in meaningful conversations with them. Ensuring these changes are made may lessen the challenges encountered by wāhine and whānau, and support flourishing wellbeing.