An independent report into maternity care for Maori and Pasifika mothers at Auckland's Middlemore Hospital has found broad dissatisfaction, with many women saying they feel stigmatised by staff.
The report was commissioned by the Counties Manukau District Health Board. It has the highest rate of stillborn and newborn deaths of any board in the country and many women are not using antenatal services until after 20 weeks or they go into labour.
Health consultants Pacific Perspectives surveyed 61 Maori and Pasifika mothers, who are at the highest risk of having their baby die, to find out about their experiences and why they don't seek help sooner.
The women reported feeling judged by the staff at Middlemore, citing one who had her five month scan but did not go back to the hospital because she didn't like the way she was treated.
"I never had a midwife, due to when I did have a midwife she was very judgemental because of my age, being pregnant young … so I felt uncomfortable so I just basically looked after myself through the whole nine months and gave birth in my own bathtub."
Women interviewed described a culture focused on timeliness and efficiency and one said she was asked to leave just four hours after giving birth.
Counties Manukau DBH Director of strategic development, Margie Apa, said a close eye will be kept on staff to make sure they are treating the women with respect.
"Most (staff) think they are communicating in a professional manner but the way it might come across may not be what they intended."
