Pacific women’s experience of having a birth injury in Aotearoa New Zealand

Talofa lava, Malo e lelei, Kia orana, Fakaalofa lahi atu, Mālo ni, Ni sa bula vinaka, and warm Pacific greetings.

We are conducting an anonymous online survey about Pacific women’s experiences of having a birth injury in Aotearoa New Zealand.

As a consequence of giving birth, some women may experience a birth injury. Currently, there is limited information about the outcomes and experiences of birth injuries in Aotearoa New Zealand. We are trying to understand what it is like for Pacific women in New Zealand who have had an injury from giving birth. We want to know what type of injury or symptoms you have experienced after giving birth, what helped or challenged your recovery from your birth injury, and if you are still experiencing ongoing symptoms. This may or may not include if you experienced any issues seeking help, being diagnosed, and accessing any services or rehabilitation. It is hoped that by gaining knowledge of Pacific women’s experiences of birth injuries in New Zealand, this information can be used to improve future care and rehabilitation of our birthing māmās.

To participate in this study, you will need to be:

• a woman who has given birth in New Zealand
• of Pacific Island descent
• diagnosed or self-diagnosed with a birth injury
• at least 16 years old

If you would like to find out more information about the study, the participant information sheet will be posted to this webpage once ethical approval is obtained.

If you are interested in participating in the study, access to the survey will be from this webpage.