Mothers Matter NZ

About Us


Chloe WrightChloe Wright

Founder

Chloe Wright is the founder and architect of Mothers Matter, which seeks to achieve for women what is rightfully theirs: excellent perinatal care, 48 hours postnatal care and the ongoing support they need to thrive after giving birth. 

Chloe is also CEO and Co-founder of the Wright Family Foundation. The Foundation assists organisations across the country to enable people to reach their full potential through education and health initiatives.

“The 48 hours after birth are a precious window of opportunity for mothers, their babies and whanau. It is a time of critical bonding and can be determinate of future wellbeing. It is with energy that we need to unite to solve the escalating crisis relating to maternity and postnatal care for mothers and babies across the country.

We must put the mother back into the centre of care. Our current maternal suicide rate is seven times that of the UK per capita and Maori women are over-represented. If we look after mothers, their babies and families also thrive, paying dividends for future generations.

Mothers are currently funded for, need and have a right to at least 48 hours of postnatal care for a non-intervention birth. However, many women feel pressured to leave hospital hours after giving birth. Justice needs to be done before more harm is done. We support Louise Upston MP’s private members bill to take this a step further and bring in legislation for a minimum three-day-stay postnatally.

 

Our ambassadors


Dame Lesley Max

Co-Founder Great Potentials Foundation

"To develop great children who can reach their full potential we need to have confident parents. The first 48 hours following the delivery of a baby can be particularly hard, when it should be the most exciting time as the journey into parenthood begins. The specialist care, support and parenting tools that are provided in supportive environments during this postnatal period encourage mothers and fathers to become parents who can confidently nurture their baby."

 

 

Nathan WallisNathan Wallis

Neuroscience Educator

"The first 48 hours of a child’s life are of supreme importance – this is the time that we as parents set the foundations for their emotional wellbeing. The love we give, the interaction we have, the unique attachment we form and the stability we provide our children in the postnatal period play a critical role in defining later outcomes for our children and for our future."

 

 

 

Dr Anil SharmaDr Anil Sharma

Specialist Obstetrician and Gynaecologist

Regardless of the type of birth, all women have the right to receive the clinically and psychologically appropriate amount of time in postnatal care at the primary maternity facility of their choice.

The postnatal period, especially the first 48 hours, are critical to the health and wellbeing of not only the mother, but also her baby and family.

Monitoring the health of a new mum and her baby and responding to any changes, needs or complications that may arise, is also vitally important.

All New Zealand women are entitled to 48 hours of funded in-patient care.

 

Tracy O'SullivanTracy O'sullivan

Founder iMoko

"Our children are our future, and parents as first teachers are critical in ensuring our children are given the best start in life. The first 48 hours after the birth of the baby, the postnatal period, is a time to inspire, support and offer manaaki whanau to the tamariki and matua who need it most. Those 48 hours are precious and we need to make sure parents understand why they are so valuable and what level of care they are entitled to, regardless of where they live in New Zealand."