We cover the Kāpiti Coast, from Ōtaki to Pukerua Bay.

In our clinic rooms at either Raumati Beach or Paraparaumu Beach and home visits by negotiation.

There are always at least 2 midwives on call at the weekend and 4 other midwives covering for each other’s clients during the week should your midwife be unavailable.

Our coffee morning is an ideal opportunity for you to informally meet the others in the group. At times during your pregnancy a backup midwife may attend your appointments.

There is no fee if you are a NZ resident or citizen, or have a work permit for 2 or more years, or are the partner of a NZ resident or citizen.

No – you can come and meet us at any stage and we will provide you with all you need.

For baby/pēpi:

• Nappies/wet wipes
• Cotton Singlet or bodysuit
• Stretch n grow or nightie
• Woollen cardigan
• Woollen hat
• Woollen singlet or bodysuit
• Woollen/cotton blanket

For you:

• Pj’s & dressing gown
• Clean clothes for the next few days (if in hospital)
• Plenty of underwear
• Toiletries, including sanitary pads
• Energy drink (diluted)
• Food snacks
• Camera

For your partner:

• Cool clothes – it’s warm in the birth room
• Drinks, food, camera, phone and charger

It’s completely up to you however if your pregnancy is normal we recommend that you consider birthing locally either at home or the Paraparaumu Maternity Unit. If complications arise then Wellington Hospital is recommended.

Better nutrition is key to pregnancy health; not only does it raise your chance of a normal, uncomplicated birth, it also helps to improve your mood and increase your energy. For optimum health, we recommend that you:

• Don’t skip breakfast; make sure you eat regular small meals throughout the day
• Incorporate more leafy and crunchy vegetables into your diet – these help to improve the health of your gut, increases folate and iron intake, relieves constipation and reduces your chance of developing diabetes
• Increase foods/kai with good quality protein, such as nuts, beans, eggs, meat and kaimoana – protein is essential to support pēpi/baby’s growth
• Increase the amount of iron-rich foods in your diet – these include red meat, dark greens, tofu, well cooked fish, and fresh mussels (served piping hot)
• Have Vitamin C with your meal to help absorb iron (e.g. add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice in your water) – iron carries oxygen in your blood to both you and your pēpi/baby, so you’ll need a lot more of it during your pregnancy
• Avoid foods that can reduce your iron absorption, such as caffeine, milk, cheese and fizzy drinks
• Avoid other zero-nutrient foods such as lollies and other high sugar foods and beverages – they can increase your chances of diabetes and tooth decay
• Focus on good quality protein to support pēpi/baby’s growth. Eggs, kaimoana, nuts, beans, tofu and meat
• If you smoke/vape then pēpi/baby’s growth and development. Talk to your midwife about she can support you and your whānau/family to stop smoking.

Morning sickness affects up to 80% of pregnant women/wāhine, with 2% suffering from severe and ongoing symptoms. This usually begins 4 to 6 weeks after your last menstrual cycle, and peak anywhere between 9 to 16 weeks. Normal pregnancy sickness will not threaten the health of your baby/pēpi, as long as you’re able to keep fluids and kai/foods down. If you are unable to keep fluids or food/kai down for longer than a day, please call your midwife.

Click on the following links for more information:

• Postnatal Distress Support Group
• Bonding with your newborn
• Mothers Matter
• Pelvic floor exercises
• Child development
• The Real Motherhood
• Playcentre who offer group SPACE programmes for Mums and Bubs
  Topics covered include:
  • Sleeping and crying
  • Establishing attachment
  • Expressing myself (communication and language development)
  • Physical development (fine and big muscle co-ordination)
  • Becoming a parent
  • The beauty of the brain (brain development and early experiences)
  • Treasure baskets, heuristic play and exploration of play
  • A sense of me and others (socialisation)

• Talk to your midwife first who is trained to support you in breastfeeding
• Mama Aroha and Breastfed NZ Apps, free to download
• ‘Breastfeeding Naturally’  YouTube clips by the Ministry of Health

We have a lactation consultancy service available for those needing support; please note this will incur a charge.

You’ll need to ensure the car seat is a NZ approved infant car seat and in good condition. Newborn car seats must be rear facing. When you choose your car seat, make sure you understand how to properly fit it in your car, adjust the straps, sit your pēpi/baby comfortably, and close the buckle.