Media Statements
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Traditional Māori Bassinette to Save Lives
Monday, 5 May, 2008
Māori SIDS, the national provider of Sudden Infant Death Syndrome prevention, are promoting a flax bassinette as their number one intervention to save lives.
The wahakura is a traditional Maori flax bassinette designed to make bedsharing safer. Baby can sleep safely in a protected space and still be close to mum. The wahakura has the added benefit of being mobile and can be taken wherever the whānau goes.
Māori SIDS spokesperson, Pauline Hopa says, “The wahakura is a Māori solution to a Māori problem. Our hope is that this taonga will help to give babies and their whānau a safe start to life.”
The making and distribution of wahakura will be launched nationally at a weaving wānanga to be held 16-18 May at Tapu-i-hikitia Marae, Gisborne. Local Gisborne weavers will teach other master weavers from across the country to make wahakura . Health workers from the various regions will also attend to learn the safe use of wahakura and advice to give to whānau.
Bedsharing a factor in Rotorua infant deaths
Wednesday, 7 May, 2008
Mr Wallace Bain has reserved his final decisions on what has caused the spate of deaths in Rotorua. He has identified bedsharing as a common denominator of all the deaths. It is not known if these circumstances were the actual cause of the deaths.
On bedsharing, Māori SIDS continues to advocate messages that are evidence based. Long standing research highlights that bedsharing alone is not a contributor to SIDS. However, bedsharing in combination with maternal smoking increases the danger to baby and is a major risk factor for SIDS.
We also acknowledge that bedsharing is a traditional practice honoured by many cultures not just Māori. Bedsharing supports breastfeeding for a mother feeding through the night, and strengthens the bond between mother and baby. However, clear, practical advice is needed to ensure safe bedsharing practice. An adult should not sleep with an infant or small child if he or she smokes, is under the influence of alcohol, drugs, overtired or a heavy sleeper. Furthermore, the use of a wahakura or flax bassinette provides a safe space for baby when sharing a bed with an adult.
Contact:
Herena Te Wano
Māori SIDS Communications Project Manager
0274753266
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