April 21, 2015
Waikato DHB adopts Finland baby box
Waikato District Health Board’s Te Puna Oranga Maori health service is handing out mama and pepi packs to all pregnant mothers and their whanau who attend its Hapu Wananga pregnancy and parenting programme.
The packs are based on the Finland model where the state gives expectant mothers a box that doubles as a cot, containing baby clothes, a sleeping quilt, mattress, bathing products and nappies.
DHB Maori health general manager Ditre Tamatea says the box may be a factor in Finland’s low infant mortality rate.
He says Te Puna Oranga’s box will include a safe sleep bassinet with bedding, (including merino blanket), nappies, wipes, face cloths, baby wraps and stretch and grow, a medical kit and tooth brush.
Mothers taking part in the two-day hapu wananga programme will also make a clay ipu whenua to house the baby’s placenta until it is buried back at their turangawaewae.
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