257: Native Hawaiian and Pasifika Perinatal Mental Health

Understanding culture is extremely important, especially in the field of perinatal mental health. The cultural context has everything to do with how someone experiences the world and manages their mental health. Join us in this episode to learn more! Kalena Kaopuuokalani Lanuza is a Kanaka Maoli (Native Hawaiian) and a doctorally prepared, fully-certified family and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner and certified lactation counselor. She currently resides in the unceded territory of the Ventureño Chumash, which is commonly known as Ventura, California. We discuss the connection between colonialism and settler colonialism, cultural and intergenerational trauma, and mood and anxiety disorders in Native Hawaiians and Pasifika. Kalena also shares her current work and how the reconnection to culture and land can be important for Native Hawaiian and Pasifika people who were removed from their ancestral lands.  Show Highlights How Kalena became interested in perinatal mental health How Kalena’s personal experience with perinatal anxiety with the birth of her son in 2014 How Kalena opened her practice last June with the intention of being available for other Native Hawaiians  Why Kalena named her practice with the symbolic name “Mana” How Kalena found “the truest space” for her to fulfill her calling and work to help other mothers Why changes are needed in health care to establish and maintain cultural competence How Native Hawaiians are inextricably connected to their land How the ramifications of colonialism and settler colonialism influence mental health challenges Why Kalena has to be mindful of ALL the different facets that come into play when working with indigenous people How “lumping” together different populations/cultures has been detrimental–and the data needs to be segregated and recalculated Why we need more and more cultural competency and cultural humility in today’s world Kalena’s message to other providers about sitting with each person and giving them space How specific aspects of perinatal mental health can be best supported through a cultural lens How the identity of a Native Hawaiian solely wrapped up in “vacation mode” is hurtful and inauthentic Resources Connect with Kalena Lanuza: Website and Instagram Visit www.postpartum.net for resources! I’d love to hear from you! Visit www.postpartum.net/professionals/certificate-trainings/ for information on the grief course.   Visit my website, www.wellmindperinatal.com, for more information, resources, and courses you can take today!