Providing support for our Pasefika women to increase breastfeeding knowledge, confidence, and enjoyment for mother, baby and the whole family. This is a free service funded by Te Whatu Ora Southern.
We have identified the need for such a service, as research and data show that the breastfeeding rates within the Pasifika Community are very low. This could be due to lack of relevant information or cultural support for Pasifika, which is where we at Pacific Trust Otago, are able to provide a safe space for our mothers-to-be and mothers to talanoa with confidence.
The National Feeding Data at Discharge Report 2021 (NZBA)states “The exclusive breastfeeding rate for Pacific infants has further declined by 1.91% over the last year to 69.64%. Exclusive breastfeeding for Pacific infants has declined every year, over the past 8 years. The report also shows the highest percentage of artificially fed infants are from Pasifika families.