How does Kalauokekahuli support native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander families?
Kalauokekahuli endeavors to empower Kanaka Maoli and Pasifika birthing people and their families by foregrounding indigenous knowledge and by centering their experiences, care and support through sustainable and equitable community outreach programs and services. By drawing upon traditional and cultural practices, Kalauokekahuli breathes new life into current perinatal care to huli (overturn) negative birth and postpartum outcomes for Kanaka and Pasifika families.
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF KALAUOKEKAHULI.
Every mother and baby deserves a healthy, nontraumatic birth experience. How does Kalauokekahuli help achieve that?
Unfortunately, traumatic birth experiences are rather common (especially for our native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander families) and can occur due to many moving parts, such as lack of information, consent, patience and advocacy among other factors. Kalauokekahuli offers high-quality education and attentive support to our birthing families, thus equipping families with the information they need to confidently navigate their birth experience.
Creating a community for these māmās has also been a key component of our nonprofit. Having a group of women to learn alongside, to share experiences with and to uplift is a crucial part of birth preparation and the postpartum period. Kalauokekahuli is committed to making sure this type of care is accessible regardless of socioeconomic status.
ILLUSTRATION COURTESY OF KALAUOKEKAHULI.
What advice would you give first-time moms?
There is so much information floating around and it can be hard to sort it all out. First and foremost, seek out a community of like-minded wahine to connect with, look into educational opportunities that align with your culture and values, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people you trust for support. Perhaps most importantly, trust your intuition and know that you are the perfect māmā for your baby.
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