Muka Pito Ties
At Hibiscus Coast Midwives, we offer whānau the option of a Muka Pito tie as a natural alternative to a plastic umbilical cord clamp. Muka Pito, also known as Whiri Pito, is a hand-woven cord tie made from native harakeke (New Zealand flax) fibre. Our midwives harvest and weave the harakeke themselves from local flax, bringing real care and connection to this traditional practice.
There are a number of benefits to choosing a Muka Pito tie:
It's a natural, plentiful resource with no environmental impact, unlike a plastic clamp.
Harakeke has its own antiseptic qualities, which can support healing of the pito (belly button).
It's soft and not bulky, so it doesn't get in the way of changing or bathing your baby.
Muka is renowned for being astringent, antibacterial, and supporting fast healing.
Beyond the practical benefits, choosing a Muka Pito tie can carry deep cultural and spiritual significance for whānau. The pito tie is traditionally understood to symbolise the sacred bond between the child, whānau, and whenua (land), and simple practices like tying muka onto the umbilical cord can help establish a connection with tūpuna and te ao Māori.
If you'd like to use a Muka Pito tie for your baby, please talk to your midwife — we're happy to discuss this option with you and support your choice.