TODDLER IN TOW Keeping Porirua parents in "the know" on what our city has on offer!
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Pregnancy

Here you will find support services, a list of midwives, antenatal classes & pregnancy therapies to get you through your pregnancy!
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Midwives

A list of midwives known to work with expectant mothers in the Porirua area. If you have information to add or edit please contact us at toddlerintow@gmail.com.
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Endeavour Midwifery, Whitby 
(Wellington Hospital, Kenepuru Hospital & Hutt Hospital)

“We are a group of three midwives working in the Porirua region providing full LMC care for pregnant women and their babies. We cover the area from Newlands to Pukerua Bay, and occasionally through to the Hutt Valley region. We support women to birth at Wellington Hospital, Kenepuru Maternity Unit, Lower Hutt Hospital and at home.

We believe that pregnancy & childbirth are normal life events for most women, but we work collaboratively with our medical colleagues for those women who require additional support.  Our philosophy starts and ends with happy, healthy mums and babies.”

Phone: 026 107 773
Email: shelley@endeavourmidwifery.co.nz

Facebook Page

  • Birth Options (7 midwives): Pager 026 111 575
  • Domino Midwives Wellington (5): Phone 04 939 9580
  • Midwifery Ltd (2) Pager 026 111 810
  • Nga Tapuhi Whakawhanau (2) Pager 04 472 9491
  • Nikau Midwives (7) Pager 04 298 8836
  • Porirua Independent Midwives (2) Pager 026 100 222
  • Porirua Maori Pacifika Midwives (2) Pager 04 238 2229
  • Porirua Union and COmmunity Health service (4) Pager 0800 102 024
  • Wellington Home Birth Collective (2) Pager 04 802 0749
  • MATPRO (assist in accessing midwife and antenatal classes) 801 7307/801 0305

Birth Resources

We run Childbirth Education Classes in Wellington, led by Midwives.
Book a class now and learn about pregnancy, labour, birth, babies and parenting. Included is a tour ofWellington Hospital.
We also offer online education via this web site to anyone and provide a DVD that can be purchased via our Merchandise Page.
Look up information, read articles, and learn about what to expect at different pregnancy stages on themother's diary pages. Our resource page shows YouTube clips for you to watch in the comfort of your own home.
Send us your questions via Q&A section and we will try to provide you with information or links to websites that can answer them. Answers are by Helen or Denise, both of which are registered Midwives and Childbirth Educators.
Review the what you need list of items, which we think are useful for your baby.

Website
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Birth Ed

Free childbirth classes designed specifically for teens and young women under 24, and their support partners.
(04) 576 9556

Horizon Radiology

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Free Pregnancy, ACC and Community Radiology Ultrasound Service
Porirua: Suite 408, North City Plaza / Phone: 04 238 4326 / Fax: 04 238 4328

Ön a personal note, the Horizon service is superior to Pacific Radiology. After having scans at both I felt Horizon was less clinical, friendlier and supportive. 2 thumbs WAY up!" Kelly

MATPRO FREE Antenatal Classes

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MATPRO (Wellington Maternity Project) offers FREE antenatal classes in the Education Rooms on Monday evenings at Kenepuru Hospital in Porirua.
For further information and bookings please ring Kristina Keogh at MATPRO on 801 0305.
*Kristina is also able to offer assistance in finding a midwife.

Mana Parents Centre

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"Mana Parents Centre is a community based non-profit organisation which provides Childbirth Education (aka antenatal classes) and Parent Education classes for families living between Tawa and Pukerua Bay. (We are also happy to take enrolments for our antenatal classes from outside these areas if you have difficulty finding a childbirth education class to attend) We are one of 52 Parents Centres throughout New Zealand as part of Parents Centres NZ Inc.

Mana Parents Centre (MPC) is run by a team of volunteer parents who are members of MPC and who all have attended our childbirth education course. All of the services provided by MPC to the community, are organized by this committee of dedicated volunteers, wanting to give something back to our local area. We are located on the ground floor in Pember House, Hagley St, Porirua." (copied from Mana Parents Centre website)

Antenatal (Childbirth Education) & Postnatal Courses
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Childbirth Education
Welcome to this exciting step on your Parenting journey. We welcome families of all shapes, sizes, colours and flavours on our 7 week courses. Join our QUALIFIED and experienced Childbirth Educators and a group of other expectant Parents one evening a week and come away with the knowledge you’ll need to make decisions and choices for yourself and your baby, plus a fledging support network (“Coffee Group”) that will be yours to get to know and grow with.
Courses are held in our rooms in Pember House, on a Monday or Tuesday evening each week for 7 weeks. Courses commence on a regular basis. Spaces are limited and early bookings are recommended. Check out further information and the simple bookings process on the website (http://manapc.org.nz/education-and-classes/pregnancy-and-childbirth/)

Baby And You 

This four week programme follows on from your childbirth education class, after the birth of your baby and focuses on helping you adjust to the change in lifestyle and the many new demands of parenthood. Classes are held once a week at a time to be organised with your Educator.
Baby and You is run as a discussion group, giving you the opportunity to discuss what your particular situation and challenges are with your newborn. Because all babies are unique with varying needs and personalities, the Baby and You forum will allow you to discuss your baby’s individual behaviours, and receive tips, advice and potential strategies which you can adapt to your own situation.
New mothers have found Baby and You to be a wonderful source of support and encouragement for those first weeks after the birth of their baby. We also welcome dads who may be the primary caregiver or who are on paternity leave. Baby and You classes are designed for parents with babies up to about 12 weeks of age. The forum also gives you a chance to make contact with other new parents and be able to form a “coffee group” so that the support continues long after the Baby and You class finishes.
Led by trained childbirth educators, the topics which are covered include:
A reflection on the birth experience; Feeding; Sleeping; Coping with crying; Lifestyle changes and looking after yourself; Infant massage; Physical development; Social and emotional development; Age appropriate toys and activities
* This course is only available for current Mana Parents Centre Members. Membership fee $80/1st year or $49 to renew for 2nd or subsequent years.

Bigger Baby And You
A three week follow on course for parents and babies aged 4 months +.
As babies change from 4 months onwards becoming more aware of the world and themselves you may need new strategies for sleep, feeding and play. This course gives you options to try, an understanding of how your baby is developing and a chance to share with others going through the same stage.
Each session will include Q & A time to ensure your questions are answered, rather than what we think you need to know!
Specific topics covered will include sleep, teething, starting solids, play & child development
Facilitated by qualified Childbirth Educator, Chris Kelly
Babies can sleep in capsules / buggies or kick around on blankets; Morning tea provided; Changing and feeding facilities available
* This course is only available for current Mana Parents Centre Members. Membership fee $80/1st year or $49 to renew for 2nd or subsequent years.
 
 
Mana Parents Centre is a not-for-profit, volunteer run organisation. Further information about becoming a member or volunteering with Mana Parents Centre is available on our website (www.manapc.org.nz) or leave a message on 04 237 MANA (6262)


Pregnancy Help Inc

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"Pregnancy Help supports the wellbeing of pregnant and recently pregnant women, parents, caregivers and their families/whanau by providing information and practical support with Care, Concern and Confidentiality." (copied from the Pregnancy Help website)

Tuesday & Wednesday mornings  9.30-12.00pm 2 Bedford Court, Cannons Creek, Porirua
04 237 5253 greatwgtn@pregnancyhelp.org.nz   
www.pregnancyhelp.org.nz/
  • Walk in free Confidential Service
  • Newborn Baby clothing up to size one
  • Bedding & cloth nappies
  • Maternity clothes
  • Bassinets available to loan for 4 months  
  • Information/Referrals to other agencies
  • Knitting group
  • Telephone support offering non-judgmental information, support and advice, or as a friendly listening ear
  • Breastfeeding help Thursday/Friday 10am-2pm run by lactation consultants

Yoga for Pregnancy

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Yoga in Daily Life Centre, 21 Jessie St, Te Aro, Wellington
Website
This class will improve your fitness and facilitate labour. Yoga balances the body, emotions and mind, and soothes the spirit. You will learn to access deep resources of energy, through relaxation, postures and breathing techniques.

No booking required. Inquiries to 801 7012 or info@yogaindailylife.org.nz.

Thursdays 5.45pm & Saturdays 12pm
  • Single class: $15.00
  • 10-class card: $125.00
  • 6-class card: $80.00

Yoga for Pregnancy @ Urban Yoga

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Level 3, 160 Willis St, Wellington
Website
Yoga is the ideal exercise for pregnant women. It is widely recommended by midwives and doctors to expectant mothers as a way of keeping fit and mobile in preparation for labour. Each class is designed specifically with a pregnant body in mind, to ease away aches and niggles, to create a sense of calm and ease so you can bond with your baby and experience pure joy in your present state of pregnancy.
We don’t give birth with our brains, we give birth with our bodies, and yoga is a wonderful way for mothers to create a strong awareness of their body’s ability and power to birth their baby.

The pregnancy course will run over an 8 week term and within each class you will:
- Learn postures that will challenge and strengthen your body in preparation for birth, in a safe way for both mother and baby. 
- Learn active birthing postures to help you during the different stages of labour. 
- Learn breathing and visualisation techniques. Deep breathing will draw more oxygen into your body to create more energy and it also calms the nervous system making you centered and balanced. There will also be techniques taught that will help you ride the breath during the second stage of labour when contractions intensify.

Saturdays 11.30am-12.45pm
  • 6-trip: $105.00
  • 8-trip: $120.00
  • Casual: $20.00
    Door Sales Only

DP Massage, Newtown

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Debra Polaschek
Coromandel Street, Newtown, Wellington 6021
Cell: 027 6483297
Email: poldeb@clear.net.nz
Website and Facebook Page
"I offer a friendly harmonious environment combined with intuitive touch and great massage technique to manage these issues.  I am passionate about working with you to reduce symptoms, improve muscular health and enhance your general sense of well being. Extra practical benefits include no parking costs and often cheaper than normal CBD massage fees due to the Newtown location'" (information from website)
(Certified Massage Therapist (MNZ) / Certificate in Relaxation Massage and Reflexology 2008 (NZCM) / Ongoing training in Pregnancy Massage, Hot Stones Massage, Myofascial and Trigger Point Release)

HypnoBirthing Wellington

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Website
04 293 3232 
info@hypnobirthingwellington.co.nz
These comprehensive childbirth education classes are available in Wellington, Lower Hutt and Kapiti Coast and run for 2 1/2 hours once a week for 5 weeks.
"Hypnobirthing will teach you the art of using your own natural birthing instincts to achieve the safe, satisfying birth you desire. With the use of deep relaxation, self hypnosis, special breathing and visualisation techniques, your Hypnobirthing instructor will prepare you for the joyful birth of your baby.
HypnoBirthing Advantages:
*Teaches deep levels of relaxation to eliminate the Fear/Tension/Pain syndrome
*Reduces the need for episiotomy and chemical intervention
*Builds confidence and trust in your own abilities
*Shortens the first phase of labour
*Mother is alert, fresh and energised
*Empowers parents to achieve a gentle, calm birth for themselves and their baby
*A happy, calm and peaceful baby"
(Information from website)

Acupuncture

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Joannes Boele van Hensbroek
18 Grays Rd Wellington (Tuesdays & Fridays)
04-233 8353  or 027 242 0352
"A skilled physiotherapist and acupuncturist, Joannes gained a diploma in massage (1980) and BSc in physiotherapy at the International College of Physiotherapy in Utrecht (the Netherlands) in 1984. He has 20+ years experience working in the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, the United States, and New Zealand with acute and chronic injuries, joint and muscle pain, and sports physiotherapy." (Information sourced from web)

Han Oriental Clinic
24 Moorefield Road, Johnsonville, Wellington
(04) 477-1273 or 027 242 2414
Website
"Han Oriental Clinic is committed to giving effective and safe health care using acupuncture, medicinal herbs, and other techniques of Traditional Chinese Medicine. Each treatment is individually tailored to meet the patient’s present illness or condition. The placement of the needles and the number of visits are determined by the patient’s condition. Similarly, the herbal treatment is tailored to meet each patient’s needs." (Information sourced from website)

Katrina Gascoyne @ The Clinic of Oriental Medicine
60 Mana Esplanade, Mana
04 233 9800
clinic@orientalmedicine.co.nz
Website
"Katrina has specialised in Women's Health for over 25 years, pioneering fertility treatment based on Oriental Medicine. Her innovative has helped thousands of couples, men and women to natural or IVF conception. Her care continues from pregnancy through to birth and beyond.
"I work to support the needs of each individual or couple."
She excels in finding solutions to a wide variety of other health concerns. Treatment can include high quality effective herbal products from the clinic's extensive pharmacy, traditional acupuncture, moxibustion, dietary & lifestyle advice. Katrina is a member of the NZ Register of Accupuncturists and Fertility Acupuncture Childbirth Team"
(Information sourced from web)

Eva Mattock @ Mind, Body & Soul Health
7 Hartham Place, Porirua
0272764433

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