The Paunu clinics on Rarotonga have seen a significant increase in the number of babies attending general wellbeing checkups to track their growth and development.

This surge can be attributed to a proactive initiative by the Cook Islands Child Welfare Association (CICWA), who has introduced evening Paunu checkup sessions specifically for working mothers.

The sessions provide the opportunity for parents and carers to receive a free and confidential health check for their babies by a registered nurse.

The checks include measurements such as age, weight and length, as well as physical activity, oral health and feeding.

President of CICWA Rose Kairua says the evening Paunu was brought about by the overwhelming number of mothers who had indicated in a survey that they were not able to attend the morning clinics because of work commitments.

“These mothers still wanted to bring in their babies for a free health check so we decided to trial after work clinics from 4.30 to 6pm to see how they would go,” says Kairua.

She said the first clinic was held at the Akaoa on October 2 and on October 23 it was held at the Avatiu Clinic.

The CICWA have held four evening Paunu with eight more planned across the island before the end of this year, with the last to be hosted at the Avatiu Clinic on Wednesday, December 18.

Rereao Vano, Neti Tamariki Registered Nurse and Midwife runs the night clinics and facilitates the CICWA Nui programme for pregnant women.

A total of 38 babies have attended the evening Paunu: Puaikura Akaoa Clinic - five babies, Te Au O Tonga - Pokoinu Clinic – seven babies, Takitumu Matavera Clinic - nine babies, Te Au O Tonga Avatiu Clinic - 17 babies. Last night (Wednesday) the Akaoa Clinic was open in the evening.

Kairua said Paunu is a place where families can access professional care and be reassured that their child's health and development is on track.

The morning Paunu clinics are still held across the island. For updates on the Paunu clinic visit the CICWA Facebook page online.