Toni Strand

Kia Ora and congratulations on your pregnancy! I moved to Kāpiti in 1996 to take up a teaching career but was later inspired to become a midwife by the amazing care my family received from our midwife. As a mum of two children I understand the importance and unique nature of the relationship you will develop with your midwife and how this can make such a difference to your experience. I provide one to one midwifery care for women from Pukerua Bay to Ōtaki and love supporting women to birth either at home, the Paraparaumu Maternity Unit and Wellington Hospital if the need arises.

I am in awe of the innate strength of women and the ability of our bodies to grow, give birth and nourish our babies and hence am committed to supporting the natural processes during pregnancy, birth and postnatal period. It can be a very exciting and/or daunting time and you may have many questions that I would love to help answer. I offer you support, guidance and information to help you make decisions that feel best for you.

I feel very honoured to be a midwife and share in this most special time for whānau/families. I’m supported in my midwifery practice by my amazing colleagues at Kāpiti Midwives, my family and the NZ College of Midwives. I live in Otaihanga on the Kāpiti Coast with my husband and two children.

Carla Leeksma

Congratulations on this amazing journey you are about to embark on. My name is Carla I am a UK trained midwife of 24 years. I have been in this amazing country that offers such great midwifery care for 15 years. I have worked in Wellington with Specialists and independently since arrival here. I love what I do; it’s more than a job (my kids will confirm that)!

Being part of a woman and her family’s pregnancy journey is a true privilege and wonderful experience, all my ladies get individual, informed, supportive advice while in my care from pregnancy confirmation to the 6 week postnatal period. I believe in partnership and want everyone to have the experience they wish for. You have the choice to birth at home, here in our awesome birthing unit or Wellington.

I have 6 amazing kids, 2 grown up and in Australia and 4 at home with me. I feel very lucky to have the support of my team here at Kāpiti Midwives.

Bex Wastney

Congratulations! Becoming a parent and growing your family is a time in your life that you never forget and I feel privileged to be able to provide the best care I can during this time. I am a UK trained midwife and moved to NZ in 2005. I have worked in various settings as a midwife and after having my own babies at home, it restored my faith in physiological birth.

I worked at the Paraparaumu birthing unit for 5 years prior to working as a Lead Maternity Carer and think Kāpiti women are very fortunate to have this amazing space to birth in and receive excellent postnatal care, support and advice. I hope to empower and encourage women to birth at home or the unit but also happy to provide care in Wellington for those that need to go there.

My biggest passion is breastfeeding and I am also a qualified Lactation Consultant.

I live in Paraparaumu with my husband and 2 primary aged boys. I am a Christian. I love playing tennis, walking on the beach, hanging out with family and friends and enjoying good food and wine.

Silena Harvey

Kia Ora and congratulations on your pregnancy! Your pregnancy journey and becoming parents is an exciting time, I feel honoured to work alongside you in partnership during this time. New Zealand has a lovely midwifery system that recognises the importance of woman-centred care to empower women through their journey.

My philosophy is to recognise a caring safe place for you, to provide normal physiological care that is evidenced based, this will allow you to make informed choices that are right for you. I am passionate about including your culture into your birthing environment. I support women to birth at home, at our local primary birthing unit and in the Wellington Hospital. I have a clinic in Paraparaumu for your antenatal visits, postnatal care is in your home. I am well supported by my incredible colleagues at Kāpiti Midwives.

I am a mother of 4 beautiful children ages ranging from 8-22yrs and love living close to the beach in Paraparaumu. I look forward to meeting you soon.