Lay summary
This research aims to explore the effects of incorporating the maramataka, a traditional Māori lunar calendar system guided by the goddess Hine te Iwaiwa, into the context of pregnancy care for wāhine Māori and Māori midwives. We will investigate how aligning pregnancy activities and care with the lunar phases advocated by Maramataka might impact maternal wellbeing, birth outcomes and midwifery practices for Māori midwives. By engaging with pregnant individuals who follow Maramataka practices and those who do not, we intend to analyse potential correlations between lunar-aligned activities and factors like cultural identity, pregnancy care, and overall pregnancy experiences of care for both wāhine and midwifes. This study seeks to provide valuable insights into the intersection of cultural traditions, maramataka rhythms, maternal health and professional experience of Māori practitioners, contributing to a deeper understanding of holistic approaches to pregnancy care that honour matauranga Māori and clinical care.