Breastfeeding Support throughout Waitaha - Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi

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Breastfeeding Support throughout Waitaha

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Ūkaipō: Connecting with pēpi

This weekly drop-in session is for whānau with young pēpi. Each week during the term, we explore different topics that are related to te ao Māori.

 

All whānau are welcome. The sessions are facilitated by a breastfeeding support peer counsellor. Infant feeding support is always available.

 

Learn more

General Breastfeeding Support Groups

Waitaha Primary Health run Mother4Mother Breastfeeding Support Groups across Waitaha / Canterbury.

Groups run from 10am to 12noon.

  • Rāhina / Mondays in Aranui and Lyttelton
  • Rātū / Tuesdays in Ashburton and Rangiora
  • Rāapa / Wednesdays in Burwood
  • Rāpare / Thursdays in Shirley and Halswell
  • Rāmere / Fridays in Rolleston

Visit the Mother4Mother Facebook page for details.

La Leche League also run regular breastfeeding support meetings in Christchurch.

Check their Facebook page for more information.

Pre- and post-natal breastfeeding support with a Lactation Consultant

Thursday mornings (during term time)

10.30am – 12.30pm

56A Shortlands Street, Wainoni, Christchurch

 

Check out their website for more information and additional support

Lactation Consultant Services and other professional support

One-to-one Professional Breastfeeding Support

Waitaha Primary Health Baby Feeding Service

Consultations at home, at a mutually agreed venue or at breastfeeding group clinics.

Referrals from Midwives, La Leche League, Tamariki Ora Well Child Services, GPs,  practice nurses or other health providers is necessary.

Please complete the online Referral Form.

Contact (03) 357 4970 or 0800 800 743 (ext 213) for enquiries.

Plunket Online Lactation Consultant Service

A service offering digital appointments with a qualified lactation consultant.

Referrals to be made through Plunketline – 0800 933 922.

Available throughout Aotearoa, wherever there is a reliable internet connection.

Tamariki Ora - Well Child

Have a kōrero with your Tamariki Ora – Well Child provider about getting booked in with a Nurse, Kaiwhakapuawai, Kaiawhina or Health Worker.

In Waitaha, the providers of Tamariki Ora – Well Child are Whānau Āwhina Plunket and Te Puawaitanga ki Ōtautahi Trust.

Claire Coates, IBCLC

Selwyn District and Christchurch

Visit Birth and More for more details

Call or text 021 068 9428

Dr Alexia Chisolm, GP, IBCLC

Merivale Medical Practice

236 Papanui Road

Call (03) 355 7262

Visit Merivale Medical for more details.

Lucy Griffiths, IBCLC, RM

For home, clinic, or virtual lactation consults – book online at: The Nurture Nook

Email: lucy@thenurturenook.co.nz 

Phone: 027 THE NOOK | 027 843 6665

Lisa Rae, IBCLC, RM

Lactation, postnatal doula and baby care specialist consultations

Email: beyondbirth2022@outlook.com

Phone: 021 204 7959

Visit Beyond Birth Support

Claire Shatford, IBCLC, RM

Email: claire.midwife@gmail.com

Phone:  021 997 199

Visit Early Days for more information.

Nadine Theunissen, IBCLC, CBE

Evidence Based Babies

Email: nt.theunissen@gmail.com

Phone: 02108897065

Website:

www.evidencebasedbabies.com

Melonie Ojala, IBCLC

Email: rmojala@xtra.co.nz

Phone: 0212066597 or 033545088

Call to discuss

Beth Harrison, GP

Bookings through Village Health, Lincoln Road

Website: Dr Beth’s Baby Clinic | Village Health

Breastfeeding Peer Counsellors / Peer Supports

Mama2Mama and Mother4Mother Peer Supporters are mothers who have breastfed a baby or babies themselves, and they have graduated from a training programme all about breastfeeding. They are volunteers who know how useful support and good information is for breastfeeding women, and they are passionate about supporting mothers on their breastfeeding journeys. They also support the breastfeeding groups listed under the support section, so you can call in and see them at the groups listed on this page, arrange to meet a peer supporter there or send an email, phone or text message if you have a question or need support.

Jing/Twyla

Kia Ora, I’m Jing/Twyla from China, located in central Christchurch where you may see me at some baby groups. I trained as a breastfeeding peer counselor during pregnancy. I am a migrant with no family and friends’ support and have had to be home alone like a “solo mum” while my kiwi husband is away for work for a couple of months. I understand how hard it can be. I can share some resources I relate to and are not limited to mental health, couple therapy, pre/postnatal care, play/community support group information. My birth was not as good as expected, but luckily with the breastfeeding knowledge I learned before birth and home visits from teacher Rukmini after birth, I haven't had many problems with breastfeeding. After breastfeeding exclusively to my baby almost a year now, I am now more confident to pass good energy to the mums who would like help. You are welcome to have a chat with me.
Email Jing/Twyla

Julia

Julia is mother of two young boys, childbirth educator and pre & postnatal movement specialist. She completed her peer support counselor training when her second son was a newborn and found the information and support incredibly helpful. Julia loves supporting mothers on their breastfeeding journey as she knows just how hard it can be. She struggled with pain for months with her firstborn. To the point that she almost gave up! The right support helped her get a good latch which made all the difference and enabled her to continue feeding. She has gone on to tandem feed both boys. Julia is happy to support anyone. She has the most experience helping others get a good latch and increase supply. Also extended or tandem feeding.
Email Julia

Amanda

Hi my name is Amanda and I live in Kaiapoi with my husband and our 4 wonderful boys aged 8, 6, 2 and 1. I have had 4 very different feeding journeys with many ups and downs. I have navigated returning to work, mastitis, pumping and donating, many, many feeding strikes and the stresses that come with cluster feeding while having older children. I chose to become a peer counseller so I can share knowledge and support with woman in my community and am proud to have supported many close friends through their journeys.
Email Amanda

Angelina

Kia ora koutou. I’m a proud Māma to my 16 month old daughter, Dahlia. Often seen breastfeeding on demand, i.e in pilates class, in a supermarket aisle, in the carpark, at the playground…to sleep, during the night, practically 24/7 😅 (as I’m sure most of you can relate to!). After a hard pregnancy dealing with hyperemesis and then pre-eclampsia, followed by a traumatic emergency c-section, I found breastfeeding extremely challenging. I believe all of the above contributed to my many challenges. However, for me, it was my absolute goal to breastfeed my baby and I persevered and today, we are still going strong on our feeding journey. I’m forever thankful to my support network which enabled me to succeed in that journey, and now I want to pay that support forward. I’ve been lucky enough to support multiple friends and whānau members in their breastfeeding journeys, whether it be direct support through breastfeeding advice/tips or indirect - dropping cooked meals and holding baby while they eat/shower/rest etc. I’d love to offer you guidance and support in relation to your breastfeeding journey, and if I can’t answer your queries or they are out of my scope of knowledge and expertise, I am happy to refer you to someone else that will be able to help.
Email Angelina

Daisy

Kia ora koutou I am Daisy Yates a 26 year old mother of one 15 month old boy named Nīkau whom is the absolute light of my life. Although he is a good eater he still is very much a boobie boy and still breastfeeds as well as some cow's milk every now and then. When he was born we had to spend a week in NICU as he was slightly premature and had mild pneumonia therefore was given antibiotics. We also had some difficulties at the beginning of our breastfeeding journey including weightloss (which was scary!) I am very passionate about breastfeeding and would love to help and offer support to any women in my community.

Alex

My name is Alex, mum of Sunniva 19 months, paediatric and maternal chiropractor, Breastfeeding and Matrescence supporter. While having the certainty of wanting to successfully breastfeed and the knowledge of why to breastfeed, I was not equipped with the how to breastfeed when we welcomed Sunni into the world. It was a challenging and painful experience that had me in tears many times. As the vulnerability and pain of the early stages of motherhood eased, the why of breastfeeding continued to strengthen. So much so that we are still going strong breastfeeding 19 months in. As a part of being being a supporter of mums and bubs professionally I also extend this support wherever I can, whenever I can, in all parts of my life. I hope and love to allow all mothers on their path in motherhood to discover their own strength in feeding and caring for their baby, supporting you however way I can. I’m located in Sumner Christchurch
Email Alex

Lena

Hi, I am Lena. I am a mom with a lovely daughter. My breastfeeding journey is amazing and I really enjoy it. I struggled a little at first, but later everything went smoothly. However, as a first time mom, I went through lots of challenges and I doubted myself thousands of times. With the help of many people and organisations, everything became better. I chose to become a peer counsellor because I can understand mom's worries and frustrations. It is not easy to become a mother and I hope I can offer support and encouragement to them. I can offer Mandarin support. 您好,我是小雯(Lena),我有一个可爱的女儿。我很享受母乳喂养的过程。一开始母乳喂养时,我也经历了一些小波折,不过之后的一切都变得顺利起来。然而,作为一个新手妈妈,我经历了很多挫折和困难,并且质疑了自己无数次。但是,在很多人和机构的帮助下,育儿这件事开始慢慢变好了起来。当妈妈并不是件轻松的事,我非常理解作为一个妈妈的各种担心和困惑,我希望可以给更多的妈妈提供鼓励和支持,这也是我选择成为一名母乳支持义工的原因。 我可以提供中文普通话服务,您可以通过我的电子邮件 或WeChat nz5816 联络我,谢谢
Email Lena

Stella

My breastfeeding journey has been one with some lows but so so many highs. I decided to study up and be able to support women as they make their journey, as I wanted every woman to have the best opportunity to experience the magic. I’m a younger mum who is currently studying and navigating my way through juggling study, work and bubs! I am currently breastfeeding my daughter and plan to do baby lead weaning and have a natural approach to all things parenting. I’d love to hear from you whether you need support around breastfeeding or would like to share in your experiences.
Email Stella

Jing/Twyla

Kia Ora, I’m Jing/Twyla from China, located in central Christchurch where you may see me at some baby groups. I trained as a breastfeeding peer counselor during pregnancy. I am a migrant with no family and friends’ support and have had to be home alone like a “solo mum” while my kiwi husband is away for work for a couple of months. I understand how hard it can be. I can share some resources I relate to and are not limited to mental health, couple therapy, pre/postnatal care, play/community support group information. My birth was not as good as expected, but luckily with the breastfeeding knowledge I learned before birth and home visits from teacher Rukmini after birth, I haven't had many problems with breastfeeding. After breastfeeding exclusively to my baby almost a year now, I am now more confident to pass good energy to the mums who would like help. You are welcome to have a chat with me.

Julia

Julia is mother of two young boys, childbirth educator and pre & postnatal movement specialist. She completed her peer support counselor training when her second son was a newborn and found the information and support incredibly helpful. Julia loves supporting mothers on their breastfeeding journey as she knows just how hard it can be. She struggled with pain for months with her firstborn. To the point that she almost gave up! The right support helped her get a good latch which made all the difference and enabled her to continue feeding. She has gone on to tandem feed both boys. Julia is happy to support anyone. She has the most experience helping others get a good latch and increase supply. Also extended or tandem feeding.

Amanda

Hi my name is Amanda and I live in Kaiapoi with my husband and our 4 wonderful boys aged 8, 6, 2 and 1. I have had 4 very different feeding journeys with many ups and downs. I have navigated returning to work, mastitis, pumping and donating, many, many feeding strikes and the stresses that come with cluster feeding while having older children. I chose to become a peer counseller so I can share knowledge and support with woman in my community and am proud to have supported many close friends through their journeys.

Angelina

Kia ora koutou. I’m a proud Māma to my 16 month old daughter, Dahlia. Often seen breastfeeding on demand, i.e in pilates class, in a supermarket aisle, in the carpark, at the playground…to sleep, during the night, practically 24/7 😅 (as I’m sure most of you can relate to!). After a hard pregnancy dealing with hyperemesis and then pre-eclampsia, followed by a traumatic emergency c-section, I found breastfeeding extremely challenging. I believe all of the above contributed to my many challenges. However, for me, it was my absolute goal to breastfeed my baby and I persevered and today, we are still going strong on our feeding journey. I’m forever thankful to my support network which enabled me to succeed in that journey, and now I want to pay that support forward. I’ve been lucky enough to support multiple friends and whānau members in their breastfeeding journeys, whether it be direct support through breastfeeding advice/tips or indirect - dropping cooked meals and holding baby while they eat/shower/rest etc. I’d love to offer you guidance and support in relation to your breastfeeding journey, and if I can’t answer your queries or they are out of my scope of knowledge and expertise, I am happy to refer you to someone else that will be able to help.

Daisy

Kia ora koutou I am Daisy Yates a 26 year old mother of one 15 month old boy named Nīkau whom is the absolute light of my life. Although he is a good eater he still is very much a boobie boy and still breastfeeds as well as some cow's milk every now and then. When he was born we had to spend a week in NICU as he was slightly premature and had mild pneumonia therefore was given antibiotics. We also had some difficulties at the beginning of our breastfeeding journey including weightloss (which was scary!) I am very passionate about breastfeeding and would love to help and offer support to any women in my community.

Alex

My name is Alex, mum of Sunniva 19 months, paediatric and maternal chiropractor, Breastfeeding and Matrescence supporter. While having the certainty of wanting to successfully breastfeed and the knowledge of why to breastfeed, I was not equipped with the how to breastfeed when we welcomed Sunni into the world. It was a challenging and painful experience that had me in tears many times. As the vulnerability and pain of the early stages of motherhood eased, the why of breastfeeding continued to strengthen. So much so that we are still going strong breastfeeding 19 months in. As a part of being being a supporter of mums and bubs professionally I also extend this support wherever I can, whenever I can, in all parts of my life. I hope and love to allow all mothers on their path in motherhood to discover their own strength in feeding and caring for their baby, supporting you however way I can. I’m located in Sumner Christchurch

Lena

Hi, I am Lena. I am a mom with a lovely daughter. My breastfeeding journey is amazing and I really enjoy it. I struggled a little at first, but later everything went smoothly. However, as a first time mom, I went through lots of challenges and I doubted myself thousands of times. With the help of many people and organisations, everything became better. I chose to become a peer counsellor because I can understand mom's worries and frustrations. It is not easy to become a mother and I hope I can offer support and encouragement to them. I can offer Mandarin support. 您好,我是小雯(Lena),我有一个可爱的女儿。我很享受母乳喂养的过程。一开始母乳喂养时,我也经历了一些小波折,不过之后的一切都变得顺利起来。然而,作为一个新手妈妈,我经历了很多挫折和困难,并且质疑了自己无数次。但是,在很多人和机构的帮助下,育儿这件事开始慢慢变好了起来。当妈妈并不是件轻松的事,我非常理解作为一个妈妈的各种担心和困惑,我希望可以给更多的妈妈提供鼓励和支持,这也是我选择成为一名母乳支持义工的原因。 我可以提供中文普通话服务,您可以通过我的电子邮件 或WeChat nz5816 联络我,谢谢

Stella

My breastfeeding journey has been one with some lows but so so many highs. I decided to study up and be able to support women as they make their journey, as I wanted every woman to have the best opportunity to experience the magic. I’m a younger mum who is currently studying and navigating my way through juggling study, work and bubs! I am currently breastfeeding my daughter and plan to do baby lead weaning and have a natural approach to all things parenting. I’d love to hear from you whether you need support around breastfeeding or would like to share in your experiences.