during pregnancy for wāhine Māori
A newly released report by the Helen Clark Foundation Mahi a Rongo reveals suicide as the leading cause of death during pregnancy in Aotearoa.
The report, Āhurutia Te Rito | It takes a village, identifies the stress factors contributing to poor mental health among new and expectant parents in Aotearoa, and how public policy can be used to alleviate these stressors and support parents.
Primarily, the analysis found that better support for perinatal mental health would be transformational for whānau and communities in Aotearoa; that perinatal distress in Aotearoa is widespread, complex and linked to systemic inequities; and that making sure parents and whānau have access to support is the best way to protect perinatal mental health, and contributes directly to wider whānau wellbeing.
The report suggests priorities for politicians and those designing the new health system. It identifies immediate opportunities to help meet current and likely future perinatal and maternal mental health needs.
Link to video and article: Suicide leading cause of death during pregnancy for wāhine Māori | Stuff.co.nz
