TeRina Joseph

The Pā Harakeke (Flax) represents my midwifery philosophy, depicting the structure of the whānau (family). The middle is the rito (baby), close to its side is a larger blade, the Māmā (Mother) and on the other side is the Pāpā (Father), protected and nurtured by all the surrounding generations. It is important to me that Māmā and pēpi are the central blades during hapūtanga (pregnancy) and birthing. My role is to nurture through information sharing, support, open communication, midwifery knowledge & skills, partnership and mutual trust to achieve optimal pregnancy and birth outcomes. Like the harakeke, birth is natural, it has happened for generations before. In Tauranga the venue of birth can be at your home, Bethlehem Birthing Centre and the Tauranga Hospital. I support all cultural practices including the use of muka (flax fibre) to tie babies pito (bellybutton) and traditional Māori birthing practices. It would be an honour to be your midwife. Mauri Ora