Fifine Niue’s Understanding of Maternal Mental Well-being in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa NZ

Abstract

This research aimed to explore the understanding of maternal mental well-being or maternal mental well-being by fifine Niue who live in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa. Specific objectives set out to achieve the aim of this study were: • 1) Provide narratives for a foundational understanding of fifine Niue maternal mental well- being in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa NZ, • 2) To identify some perceived protective and risk factors that affect the maternal mental wellbeing of fifine Niue in Tāmaki Makaurau, Aotearoa NZ. The voices of nine fifine Niue, who identified as mothers or clinicians, formed the basis of this study. Through tūtala, each woman shared their personal pregnancy journeys, and they also shared their understanding and worldviews of mental well-being through their personal experiences. They provided narratives to help identify risk factors and protective factors that they felt contributed to fifine Niue experiencing mental well-being issues. This research pinpointed that maternal mental well-being and mental well-being, in general, were viewed as holistic by fifine Niue. They also noted that key risk factors for developing perinatal maternal mental well-being issues varied between being a first-time mother, being overwhelmed with their thoughts, and feeling unsupported by their family and partner. The main protective factor identified by mothers and clinicians was a supportive family and partner. Recommendations naturally manifested from the tūtala with mothers and clinicians, aligning with national and international literature recommendations. This study has provided some foundational understandings for how fifine Niue understands maternal mental well-being; the definition, risk, and protective factors through the eyes of fifine Niue, giving rise to the opportunity to contribute to the new knowledge in the space of Pacific mental health. These findings have significant relevance for mainstream mental healthcare providers, other health professionals, and most importantly, the Niue community in Aotearoa NZ to ensure that maternal mental health is better understood through the lense of fifine Niue. It also advocates for better access to quality healthcare for Niue mothers and their infants.