LIVED REALITIES Birthing experiences of Maori women under 20 years of age

This paper explores the birthing experiences of 16 pregnant Maori women under 20 years of age who were involved in E Hine, a Kaupapa Maori (by Maori, for Maori) longitudinal qualitative research study of young Maori women's journeys through pregnancy and into motherhood that ran from 2010 to 2013. This study provided these young women with an opportunity to share their birthing experiences during kanohi-ki-te-kanohi (face-to-face) interviews. Interpretive phenomenological analysis guided the analysis of these interviews. Following analysis, four themes emerged: some tikanga Maori (Maori practices) are being practised today; whanau (family) support is critical for these young Maori mothers; current system issues impact negatively on birth experiences; and adaptation to motherhood varies. From these themes, positive practices were drawn out that can be applied to clinical practice to improve the birthing experiences of young Maori women. These practices include promoting positive communication between patient and providers, facilitating supportive whanau environments, and enhancing support services accessibility.