Health Topics

This section of our website provides information, new research and relevant links to support services on a variety of health issues affecting women.


Find Your Breastfeeding Support

A new tool that lets you search for Breastfeeding Support in New Zealand. You will be able to find contact details and the services and types of support available.



Resources

Check out our range of evidence-based publications designed to assist women and their whānau to make informed decisions during pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and beyond.

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Latest news

Breastfeeding has benefits beyond nutrition, it can support maternal mental health and strengthen the bond between māmā and pēpi, particularly when care and support are present.

Secure attachment in early life is linked to better emotional development and long-term outcomes for children. For the breastfeeding parent a positive feeding experience can contribute to improved mental wellbeing, reduced stress, and greater confidence during the perinatal period.

Providing early, culturally safe breastfeeding support is one way we can invest in hauora for both women and pēpi. Contribute to stronger whānau and more equitable outcomes.

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek #WBFW2025 #WomensHealth #PerinatalMentalHealth #womensmentalhealth  #breastfeedingjourney

Breastfeeding has benefits beyond nutrition, it can support maternal mental health and strengthen the bond between māmā and pēpi, particularly when care and support are present.

Secure attachment in early life is linked to better emotional development and long-term outcomes for children. For the breastfeeding parent a positive feeding experience can contribute to improved mental wellbeing, reduced stress, and greater confidence during the perinatal period.Providing early, culturally safe breastfeeding support is one way we can invest in hauora for both women and pēpi. Contribute to stronger whānau and more equitable outcomes.#worldbreastfeedingweek #wbfw2025 #womenshealth #perinatalmentalhealth #womensmentalhealth #breastfeedingjourney ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago

To close off World Breast Feeding Week 2025, we’re proud to launch He Wāhi Haumaru hewahihaumaru.org.nz/

He Wāhi Haumaru is a collaboration between Canterbury Breastfeeding Women's Health Action Trust and the team behind Breastfeedingnz. Together, we’re working to create an Aotearoa where every whānau feels supported in their feeding journey.We’re so grateful to the incredible Kaimanaaki who have joined us so far, and we look forward to welcoming many more. Stay tuned for more announcements in the coming weeks.Visit the beginning of He Wāhi Haumaru hewahihaumaru.org.nz#hewahihaumaru #WBFW2025 #breastfeedingsupport #breastfeedingawareness ... See MoreSee Less

4 days ago
There is no one right way to breastfeed. Every journey is shaped by unique whānau, bodies, and circumstances.

Support that meets people where they are, culturally safe care, inclusive environments, and clear information helps whānau feel more confident. No matter how long they breastfeed.

When parents are supported to make informed choices, we see better outcomes for pēpi and caregivers and for the systems around them.

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek #WBFW2025  #breastfeedingsupport #InclusiveSupport

There is no one right way to breastfeed. Every journey is shaped by unique whānau, bodies, and circumstances.

Support that meets people where they are, culturally safe care, inclusive environments, and clear information helps whānau feel more confident. No matter how long they breastfeed.When parents are supported to make informed choices, we see better outcomes for pēpi and caregivers and for the systems around them.#worldbreastfeedingweek #wbfw2025 #breastfeedingsupport #InclusiveSupport ... See MoreSee Less

5 days ago
August 5th marks the 37th anniversary of the Cartwright Reports release. Accompanied by Auckland Womens Health Council members, we visited the former National Womens Hospital site, now the Green Lane Clinical Centre, to visit the Statue of Peace and give the plaque some TLC. Womens Health Action commissioned the plaque in 1993, and it was erected by Auckland women to commemorate Drs. Mclean and McIndoes work. The reports inquiry into National Womens Hospitals unethical research practices and subsequent recommendations was pivotal in patient rights, both nationally and internationally. For further information on the inquirys impact, visit https://www.womens-health.org.nz/the-cartwright-inquiry/ and http://www.cartwrightinquiry.com.Image attachmentImage attachment+4Image attachment

August 5th marks the 37th anniversary of the 'Cartwright Report's' release. Accompanied by Auckland Women's Health Council members, we visited the former National Women's Hospital site, now the Green Lane Clinical Centre, to visit the Statue of Peace and give the plaque some TLC. Women's Health Action commissioned the plaque in 1993, and it was erected by Auckland women to commemorate Drs. Mclean and McIndoe's work. The report's inquiry into National Women's Hospital's unethical research practices and subsequent recommendations was pivotal in patient rights, both nationally and internationally. For further information on the inquiry's impact, visit www.womens-health.org.nz/the-cartwright-inquiry/ and www.cartwrightinquiry.com. ... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago
Breastfeeding is one of the most powerful tools we have to support child health from the very beginning. It reduces the risk of common illnesses like respiratory and gastrointestinal infections and may help protect against long-term conditions.

When fewer pēpi and children need care for preventable illness, it strengthens our whole system. Freeing up resources, reducing stress, and supporting a more resilient future for everyone.

When pēpi are well, whānau are well.

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek #WBFW2025 #OrangaMokopuna #HauoraWhānau #PreventiveHealth #BreastfeedingSupport

Breastfeeding is one of the most powerful tools we have to support child health from the very beginning. It reduces the risk of common illnesses like respiratory and gastrointestinal infections and may help protect against long-term conditions.

When fewer pēpi and children need care for preventable illness, it strengthens our whole system. Freeing up resources, reducing stress, and supporting a more resilient future for everyone.When pēpi are well, whānau are well.#worldbreastfeedingweek #wbfw2025 #orangamokopuna #hauorawhānau #PreventiveHealth #breastfeedingsupport ... See MoreSee Less

6 days ago
As we mark World Breastfeeding Week were highlighting the long-term benefits of breast/chestfeeding not just for pēpi and whānau, but for Aotearoa’s health system as a whole. 

Higher breastfeeding rates are associated with fewer avoidable hospitalisations for respiratory, gastrointestinal, and ear infections. This reduces pressure on GPs and hospitals, freeing up resources for broader care for everyone. It also reflects the national health priorities for prevention, equity, and building a health system that works for everyone.

#WorldBreastfeedingWeek #WBFW2025 #nzhealth #WhānauOra #OrangaMokopuna #WomensHealthAction

As we mark World Breastfeeding Week we're highlighting the long-term benefits of breast/chestfeeding not just for pēpi and whānau, but for Aotearoa’s health system as a whole.

Higher breastfeeding rates are associated with fewer avoidable hospitalisations for respiratory, gastrointestinal, and ear infections. This reduces pressure on GPs and hospitals, freeing up resources for broader care for everyone. It also reflects the national health priorities for prevention, equity, and building a health system that works for everyone.#WorldBreastfeedingWeek #WBFW2025 #nzhealth #WhānauOra #OrangaMokopuna #WomensHealthAction ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
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1 week ago
World Breastfeeding Week this year will focus on environment and climate change. It will highlight our roles in supporting breastfeeding to create a sustainable environment. 

Bringing to light that breastfeeding can be challenging when parents are not fully supported. WBW2025 outlines the roles needed and aims to bring together people to create a breastfeeding-friendly environment at all levels; national, health, workplace and community.

Read more about the societal and environmental benefits. Ngā hua mō te hapori me te taiao.

https://www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/for-health-professionals/clinical-guidance/specific-life-stage-health-information/maternal-health/breastfeeding/national-breastfeeding-strategy/further-reading/the-case-for-breastfeeding-i-tuahua-mo-te-whangote/societal-and-environmental-benefits

#WBW2025 #womenshealthaction #healthnz #breastfeedingsupportImage attachmentImage attachment+1Image attachment

World Breastfeeding Week this year will focus on environment and climate change. It will highlight our roles in supporting breastfeeding to create a sustainable environment.

Bringing to light that breastfeeding can be challenging when parents are not fully supported. WBW2025 outlines the roles needed and aims to bring together people to create a breastfeeding-friendly environment at all levels; national, health, workplace and community.Read more about the societal and environmental benefits. Ngā hua mō te hapori me te taiao.www.tewhatuora.govt.nz/for-health-professionals/clinical-guidance/specific-life-stage-health-info...#WBW2025 #womenshealthaction #healthnz #breastfeedingsupport ... See MoreSee Less

1 week ago
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