Experiences of whanau Maori with pepi at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia: A qualitative study

Neonatal hypoglycaemia can cause substantial morbidity and mortality. Pepi Maori (Indigenous infants from Aotearoa New Zealand) are at increased risk. This study explored the lived experience of whanau (extended family kinship groups) Maori having a pepi at risk of hypoglycaemia. Whanau Maori collectives were interviewed, and transcripts analysed using NVivo software and the Reflexive Thematic Analysis. There were 11 participants (10 whanau collectives; 10 Mama (mothers) and one Papa (father)). The overarching concept of Pa Harakeke (flax bush) framed three superordinate themes, each with subordinate themes. Themes were Whanau, (desire to do the best for pepi, whakapapa (geneology), collective decision making and whanau led solutions), Shifting the narrative (whanau as part of the team, communication, mana motuhake (self-determination), fully informed) and Health system (colonial health structures, navigation, racism and tikanga (customs)). Whanau Maori narratives provided insight into opportunities for optimising care for those with pepi at risk of neonatal hypoglycaemia.