Whānau Friendly Space (Host) FAQs
What is He Wāhi Haumaru?
He wāhi haumaru means ‘a safe and caring space’ in te reo Māori. It embodies our vision of creating nurturing environments where whānau feel comfortable and supported in their breastfeeding and infant feeding journeys.
Our tohu, inspired by the harakeke (flax) plant, symbolises the interconnectedness of whānau across generations. The rito (centre shoot) represents pēpi, surrounded by awhi rito (parents) and outer leaves (tūpuna). This concept of te pā harakeke emphasises collective wellbeing and the importance of nurturing our tamariki. He wāhi haumaru spaces embrace this wisdom, fostering communities where breastfeeding and other forms of nourishing our pēpi are valued and supported.
Remember, it takes a whānau to feed a pēpi.
You’ve got this, we’ve got you.
Kei a koe tēnei. Kei a mātou koe hoki.
How do I become a Whānau Friendly Space?
It’s simple to become a He Wāhi Haumaru whānau friendly space. We ask you to embrace these principles:
- Welcome and support breastfeeding and other forms of infant feeding in all areas of your space.
- Train your staff to be supportive of whānau. To find out how, please visit Women’s Health Action and talk to a health promoter in your area.
- If you can, create a comfortable, clean area for breastfeeding for whānau who prefer privacy.
- Never suggest that a breastfeeding parent cover up or move to breastfeed.
- Display the He Wāhi Haumaru tohu prominently.
Our tohu is freely available for download on our website. By displaying it, you’re committing to creating a supportive environment for breastfeeding whānau. Remember, this is about fostering a welcoming attitude rather than meeting strict criteria.
What support will I receive to become a Whānau Friendly Space?
We want to make it as easy as possible to create He Wāhi Haumaru whānau friendly spaces, we’re here to support you. On our website, you’ll find:
- Resources and guides on creating breastfeeding friendly spaces.
- Tips for staff training and customer service best practices.
- Informational posters and materials to display in your space.
- Our tohu in various formats for different applications.
- FAQs addressing common concerns and situations.
We want to help you create safe and supportive spaces for breastfeeding whānau. If you need additional guidance, don’t hesitate to reach out to a local health promoter. Together, we can create a network of safe, caring spaces across Aotearoa.
After accreditation as a Whānau Friendly Space, what do I need to do?
Once you’ve committed to being a He Wāhi Haumaru whānau friendly space:
- Regularly remind staff about your infant feeding friendly policy.
- Ensure the tohu remains visible and in good condition.
- Maintain a welcoming and supportive environment for breastfeeding whānau.
- Address any concerns or feedback promptly and compassionately.
- Stay connected with He Wāhi Haumaru for updates and new resources.
- Share your positive experiences to inspire others.
Remember, being a breastfeeding friendly space is an ongoing commitment. By consistently providing a supportive environment, you’re contributing to the wellbeing of pēpi and whānau in your community.
How big are the He Wāhi Haumaru stickers?
Sizes tbc
Whether you’re looking to create a small window decal or a larger poster, you can download and resize the tohu as appropriate for your space.
When displaying the tohu, ensure it’s clearly visible to visitors. Think about putting it at eye level near entrances or in areas where breastfeeding is likely to happen. Try and make it easy to see, show your commitment to providing a safe, supportive environment for breastfeeding whānau.
Who do I contact if I have a question about He Wāhi Haumaru?
For breastfeeding support, please visit our Facebook or Instagram communities, where you can connect with other whānau and access resources. Remember, you’re not alone – we’re here to support you every step of the way.
For questions about He Wāhi Haumaru, you can:
- Email us at kiaora@hewahihaumaru.org.nz
- Get in touch via the Breastfeeding NZ Instagram and Facebook pages
Local health promoters are also available to assist with breastfeeding support and information in your area.