Green Party package for newborns
16 September 2014
Media Release
The New Zealand College of Midwives has welcomed a policy announced today by the Green Party which would provide a
package of essential items for every newborn baby.
The College is a non partisan organisation that does not support any particular political party. However, it says that
it supports any policy that recognises the unique needs of families with newborn babies, offers practical support to
assist families and contributes towards improved health outcomes for Maori.
Under the Green Party’s proposal, every newborn child would receive a package of “essentials” such as clothing and
reusable nappies and also a wahakura, a flax woven sleeping pod for infants that parents can place in their beds. The
pods allow a newborn to sleep safely in the parental bed.
“The New Zealand College of Midwives welcomes this new policy announcement, which would provide every family with the
means to offer a safe sleeping space for their new baby, as well as essential items for their newborn,” says Alison
Eddy, Midwifery Advisor at the College.
ends