The first participants in a programme helping to educate and support Māori whānau to provide safe sleeping spaces for their new babies will celebrate their success on Sunday 25 November. The Whānau Ora – Raranga Wahakura Pilot Project was developed by Papakura Plunket Nurse Donna Fane to help reduce SUDI (Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy) rates among Māori. “The Counties Manukau area has the highest SUDI rate within New Zealand.
Plunket has launched a new digital service to help mothers needing extra support with breastfeeding their babies, thanks to a significant donation from the Wright Family Foundation. Mothers referred to the service receive one-on-one support from Plunket Nurses trained as certified lactation consultants*, or fully trained breastfeeding specialists via the new video conferencing service using Zoom software. Available through PlunketLine, Plunket’s 24/7 parent helpline, this new video conferencing service allows Plunket to work directly with mothers who have been referred and provide advice as they are feeding, PlunketLine Manager Denise Shera says.
Plunket supports law reform that helps eliminate smoking in vehicles when children are present, as all smoking is harmful, Chief Nurse Dr Jane O’Malley says. “There is overwhelming evidence that exposure to second-hand smoke is a major risk factor to children’s health. It is implicated in respiratory infections, asthma attacks, sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), glue ear and more.