Te Papaioea
Taha Wairua
Spiritual Wellbeing
Taha Tinana
Physical Wellbeing
Taha Hinengaro
Mental & Emotional Wellbeing
Taha Whānau
Family & Social Wellbeing
Taha Wairua
Preparing for baby
Evidence-based, holistic & responsive sleep support. No sleep training, only support to find your ease with sleep.
“Figuring out what sleep a baby actually needs, and how that looks when it is specifically tailored for them is incredibly empowering for parents” - Ainslee Roughan
Website: Baby Sleep with Ainslee - Brain Under Construction Ltd
Instagram: Dr Ainslee Roughan (@babysleepwithainslee) • Instagram photos and videos
Cost: Paid
Unique Beginnings offers private lactation support with honest and compassionate care. Supportive of any type of infant feeding inclusive of:
initiating feeding
latching issues
painful nipples
low milk supply or infant weight concerns
breast refusal & feeding aversion
introducing solid foods
different types of weaning
mixed feeding
returning to work.
Contact Details:
Breastfeeding Support with Lactation Consultant | Manawatu
Email: uniquebeginningsnz@gmail.com
021 066 0394 (for urgent care requirements)
Cost: Paid
The Butterfly Compassion Community is here to help. Simply put, we care and we want our community to be healthy and happy. We understand, support and work alongside the incredible existing services in our community such as Women’s Refuge, MENZshed, the police, hospital, local kindergartens and other education and health services to offer complementary, caring services. These include, but are not limited to coordinating play-based gift bags for vulnerable families in the region, care packages for children in hospital and making blankets for the elderly. All our initiatives have a strong sustainability and repurposing focus to care for our planet as well as our people.
Contact Details:
027 602 8719
Currently based out of Latitude Homes, 262 Rangitikei Street Palmerston North
Website:
Cost: Free
Palmerston North Hospital has a Birthing Suite (Hine te Iwaiwa) with 8 birthing rooms, 5 with baths for waterbirths. There is a 20 bed maternity unit (Te Aotūroa) with a combination of shared and single rooms for antenatal and postnatal stays. There is a Neonatal Unit (Te Whare Poipoi) for babies that need Level 2 NICU care.
Contact Details:
(06) 350 8410
Ruahine Street, Palmerston North. Car Park B for Hine te Iwaiwa/ Birthing Suite patients.
Website: youtube.com/watch?v=YNg5_u6673k
Cost: Free
The World Health Organisation recommends the use of donor human milk as the feeding of choice, if mother’s own milk is insufficient or unavailable.
Whāngai Ora Milk Bank was established to collect and distribute safe donor milk for such occasions. The milk is screened, pasteurised and tested to make it the safest option of all the supplements alternative to a mother's own milk for the pēpi of the communities, or those who had or are receiving care, within the MidCentral DHB's district. Available to those in need of milk, or those that want to become regular donors.
Contact Details:
Te Papaioea Birthing Centre, 117 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North 4414
Website:
Cost: Free
For infant sleep support that is responsive, age and developmentally appropriate, and doesn't use behavioural sleep interventions (sleep training) that encourage separation or leaving your little one to cry. Support available for children from birth into school age.
Contact Details:
127 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North
Website:
Cost: Paid
As a certified Infant and Child Sleep Consultant, my approach is grounded in the latest developments and research surrounding sleep science and all of my solutions are evidence-based. Every baby, toddler and child is unique when it comes to their sleeping patterns. That’s why my process involves assessing your unique family situation, your child’s sleep environment and recommending changes to tackle the challenges you’re facing. I’m here to give you tools and tips that are practical and realistic for you to use. That’s why all my advice is developed in consultation with you – to find the most suitable solutions to fit your lifestyle.
Contact Details:
Website:
Cost: Paid
Breastfeeding and community help. Discussion topics, mama circle, practical evidence based help on your breastfeeding / parenting journey. Free kai and cuppa.
Contact Details:
Fortnightly Mondays 10am to 12 noon
Te Whare o Nga Wahine, Palmerston North Women's Health Centre, 53 Waldegrave Street, Palmerston North
Website: lalecheleague.org.nz
We work with families, agencies and local partners to provide education and access to interventions which will create warm, dry and healthy homes.
Contact Details:
0800 815 799
Website: tewhatuora.govt.nz/health-services-and-programmes/healthy-homes
Cost: Free (eligibility criteria)
The curtain bank supplies curtains free to anyone who has a community services card. We need measurements of the curtain track width and how long they want the curtains to be. If the curtains are for a child's bedroom, we do our best to make sure the fabric is appropriate and if there is a colour preference we try to accommodate that the best we can. Open Wednesday and Friday 10am-2pm. Servicing the wider region for pick up.
Contact Details:
021 143 3800
24B Domain Street, Palmerston North
Website: https://www.redcross.org.nz/get-help/community-services/get-warm-curtains/
Cost: Free for CSC
Raukawa Whānau Ora Ltd provides well child developmental checks, support visits and immunisations in the home or clinic. Services are provided by registrerd nurses and kaiawhina kaimahi in the Manawatū / Bulls / Horowhenua and Ōtaki rohe. Other services include car seat by layby scheme, Social Services, Family Start and other health services from pepi to kaumatua.
Contact Details:
(06) 368 8678
152 Bath Street, PO Box 586, Levin 5540
Website:
Whakapai Hauora offers Tamariki / Well Child checks to all 0-5 yr olds. Provide support, advice and information on all health issues, either in your home or here at Whakapai Hauora. "The Choice is Yours". Hours are Mon to Fri, 9am - 5pm
Contact Details:
(06) 353 6385
140-148 Maxwells Line, Palmerston North
Website:
Cost: Free
Plunket provides home and clinic-based Well Child services for children aged 0-5 years old. Plunket Nurses, Community Health Workers, Kaiawhina and volunteers support families/whānau through a range of services including Ministry of Education certified playgroups, breastfeeding support and developmental ages and stages parenting support.
Other services at this location: Palmerston North B4 School Clinic, Palmerston North Clothing Swap Shop, Palmerston North Plunket Playgroup
Contact Details:
0800 184 803
PO Box 126, Palmerston North 4440
Website:
Cost: Free
Te Wakahuia provide home and clinic-based visits to families, offer health promotion, facilitate education, hui, arrange referrals and provide health assessments. Te Wakahuia offer quality Tamariki Health care services: Tamariki Ora (Well Child Health) birth to five years :Outreach Immunisation Service : Before School Checks (B4Sc) Referrals can be made through your GP, midwife, hospital, whānau, or just call in.
Contact Details:
(06) 357 3400
56 Pembroke Street, PO Box 4564 Highbury, Palmerston North 4442
Website:
Cost: Free
Te Papaioea Birthing Centre is a primary birthing unit located in Palmerston North, across the road from Palmerston North Hospital. The unit is staffed full time with a midwife and health care assistant on each shift. Low-risk women can birth here with their LMC. There are 6 private rooms for birthing and postnatal stay with a queen sized bed in each with a ensuite and a rain shower. Partners are welcome to stay.
Contact Details:
(06) 350 8324
117 Ruahine Street, Roslyn, Palmerston North 4414
Website:
Cost: Free
Here at Little Buds we are passionate about your child's safety while in vehicles. We install any seat, provide advice, sell and hire car seats and accessories to the Whanganui, Palmerston North, Feilding, Woodville, Levin, Taumarunui and Raetihi areas.
Website: nzta.govt.nz
Cost: Paid
Keeping pēpi safe in the car is one of the most important ways you can protect them. A child restraint technician can help you check that your car seat is safe for pēpi and properly installed. Talk to your midwife or health provider about car seat options if need any support finding one.
Website: kidshealth.org.nz/child-car-seats
Crying is one of the only forms of communication your pēpi has. Sometimes pēpi cry because something is wrong and sometimes pēpi cry because they want your attention and love. Often you won’t be able to find a reason why your pēpi is crying. This can be stressful, particularly if your pēpi is crying for a long period of time. Shaken baby syndrome usually happens when a parent or cargiver shakes pēpi because they are frustrated with them.
Shaking a pēpi can lead to permanent brain damage, paralysis, blindness, deafness, seizuers, broken bones, developmental delays and death.
You have the power to protect. Have a plan in place for when pēpi won’t stop crying. If you’re feeling frustrated, put pēpi in a safe space and take a break. Come back when you are ready to comfort your pēpi.
If you are worried your pēpi is unwell, contact your midwife, GP or Tamariki Ora Well Child provider.
Never leave your pēpi alone with someone you think might lose control. If you think you might lose control, don’t pick up your pēpi. Talk to a trusted relative or friend and don’t be embarrassed. It’s healthy to know when you’ve reached your limit.
Sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) is when a pēpi dies in an unexpected and initially unexplained way. Most SUDI occurs when pēpi are sleeping in an unsafe environment. SUDI is a leading cause of preventable death for pēpi in Aotearoa. Thinking about SUDI can be very frightening for new parents, but there are many ways in which you can protect your pēpi and greatly reduce the risk of SUDI.
Safe sleep for P.E.P.E:
Place baby on his or her own baby bed, face clear of bedding and in the same room as the caregiver.
Eliminate smoking in pregnancy and protect baby with a smoke free whānau, whare and waka.
Position baby flat on his or her back to sleep, face up.
Encourage and support breastfeeding and gentle handing of baby
Ask your LMC or Tamariki Ora Well Child nurse about a safe sleep bed (wahakura or Pēpi-Pod) for your pēpi.
A well-established breastfeeding tool in Aōtearoa New Zealand and internationally. This resource is designed to support breastfeeding mothers and health professionals (nurses midwives, lactation consultants, breastfeeding peer support in general) who are helping mothers with their breastfeeding, particularly when they are experiencing problems. It connects visuals and kupu Māori to provide a more visually informative resource that is easier to understand
Website: sudinationalcoordination.co.nz/mama-aroha-mobile-app
You are warmly welcome to the Milk Cafe! Join us every Wednesday from 10am to midday at Te Papaioea Birthing Centre for our Milk Cafe breastfeeding support group. You’re welcome to drop in for a casual chat, have a cuppa, get additional advice and support around feeding your baby, and meet other women.
Contact Details:
Te Papaioea Birthing Centre, 117 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North
Website: facebook.com/birthingcentrepn
Cost: Free
Raukawa Whānau Ora provides a service that offers a gentle approach in supporting Māmā on their breastfeeding journey
Contact Details:
0800 742 6666
152 Bath Street, Levin
Website: rwo.iwi.nz/hauora/lactation-consultants
Cost: Free
My passion is to empower each mum that I help with the skills to breastfeed their baby, and ensure they feel confident in their abilities to nurture their child. I have a special interest in tongue and lip tie, and work alongside a GP in Palmerston North who clips anterior tongue ties, posterior tongue ties and lip ties (no age restriction). Breast Pump Hire also Available.
Contact Details:
027 368 5222
Website: breastfeedingmanawatu.co.nz
Cost: Paid
Cradled offers perinatal and parenting support for whānau in the early years of life. Dr Heather Johnston is a medical doctor and IBCLC lactation consultant, providing breastfeeding medicine consultations and support with all modes of infant feeding. She is a Holistic Sleep Coach, providing responsive approaches to supporting infant and toddler sleep without sleep training. Dr Heather also does consultations for unsettled babies, perinatal mental health, parenting, as well as Circle of Security Parenting Courses. Appointments are either virtual via video-call or in person at the clinic in Palmerston North.
Contact Details:
127 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North
Website:
Cost: Paid
Private Lactation Consultant supporting you on your feeding journey. Able to support with any type of infant feeding from antenatal to weaning. Home visits available and happy to travel within one hours of Palmerston North. Virtual consults available for out of the Manawatū area
Contact Details: 027 508 0952
Website: flowandflourish.co.nz
Cost: Paid
Facebook group that facilitates informal peer-to-peer milksharing of breastmilk from those who have extra and those who are in need. Often accessed by those who no longer meet Milkbank criteria or who have on-going supply needs. It is the responsibility of receiving whānau to screen appropriateness of milk donation for their pēpi.
Website: facebook.com/MilksharingManawatu
Cost: Free
Free lactation support from Qualified Lactation Consultants in all of the MidCentral region. Self referrals accepted. Contact to book.
Contact Details:
027 309 4183
50 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North
Cost: Free
A group of parents to advocate, support, educate and promote birthing at home as a safe and valid choice for healthy whānau and pēpi. We provide affordable pool and califont (water heater) hire, resource hire including books, birth stool, sibling kits and monthly hang outs - details can be found on our Facebook page. Get in touch for support.
Website: facebook.com/MHBAInc
Cost: Free, Paid
Janm aur Parvarish provide free pregnancy zoom sessions for Indian women. Every Monday and Thursday 1030-1130 (except public holidays and January).
Contact Details:
Meet on Zoom: cmhealth.zoom.us/j/94223967928
Cost: Free
Taha Tinana
Caring for Myself, Caring for Baby
Legacy Centre
86-91 Highbury Ave, Palmerston North. Just Hope: Mondays 5.30pm. Soup for kids: Thursday 3pm-4pm during the school term.
Salvation Army
431 Church Street, Palmerston North. Catherine Booth Soup Cafe: Friday 11am-1pm. Pop Inn (Morning tea): Tuesday 10am-12pm, Friday 10am-11am.
Just Life
174-178 Church Street, Palmerston North. Monday 4.30pm.
St Lukes Lutheran Church
250 Church Street, Palmerston North. Fortnightly Wednesday 5pm.
Monday to Friday 1pm-2pm at 140-148 Maxwells Line, Palmerston North. Please bring your own bags and park on the road.
All requests for free food parcels or other assistance may be made through our op shop at 252 Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North. Food parcels are delivered by our volunteer members.
You can visit the PNMSS foodbank Monday to Friday 10:30am to 2.30pm to pick up a parcel. Please bring your own bags and your ID. Our Social Work team will ask if there is other help or support you want, but that is fully your choice. We are here to support and build your intrinsic mana.
Address:
663 Main Street, Palmerston North
The Food Bank is open Monday, Wednesday, and Friday 10.00am – 12pm. 431 Church Street, Palmerston North
Phone: (06) 358 7455
Continence NZ has put together this guide with help from pelvic health physiotherapists. The aim is to educate people about bladder and bowel control (also known as continence) in pregnancy and after childbirth.
Pregnancy may be the first time you hear about the pelvic floor. There are often no problems prior to pregnancy so it’s not talked about much. Pregnancy and childbirth put you at increased risk of having problems and there is a lack of awareness about where to go for information or help when you need it. Many people don’t even know that support is available.
Website: Pregnancy Guide (for your free digital download)
Te Whare Poi Poi provides a Level 2A neonatal intensive and special care to preterm and unwell term pēpi.
A dedicated Lactation Consultant works within Child Health, with a focus on supporting māmā of unwell or preterm pēpi in Te Whare Poi Poi.
The Babble NZ Neonatal Family App was developed by staff in Te Whare Poi Poi providing a reliable source of information about what you can expect when your pēpi is admitted to the unit.
Babble NZ Neonatal Family App - Apps on Google Play (for Android users)
BABBLE NZ Neonatal Family App App - App Store (for iPhone users)
We provide education, training, resources and support to help you and your whānau live well with Asthma/COPD. If you have Asthma/COPD and would like a free education session simple complete our online referral form or call Silvia on 021 852 0208.
Contact Details:
0800 227 328
Website:
Cost: Free
A mothers body changes a lot during pregnancy. Chiropractic care is safe and effective throughout all three trimesters of pregnancy. Even a normal birth can put a lot of pressure on a baby, but we also see babies who have had a tough birth.
Pediatric chiropractic care is gentle and safe. Pediatric chiropractic care can assist in a baby latching, feeding and settling better.
All 3 chiropractors at Omega Chiropractic are pediatric trained and we consider it a great honour to be able to help our wee ones feel the best they can!
All of our chiropractors are trained to take care of mums-to-be throughout pregnancy.
Chiropractic care during pregnancy can help with a lot of the common aches and pain during pregnancy and help our pregnant mums be in the best shape for giving birth.
Contact Details:
06 356 6333
30 Birmingham Street, Palmerston North
Website: omegachiro.co.nz
Cost: Paid
At Chiropractic HQ, we are dedicated to helping you achieve optimal health and wellness through chiropractic care. Our team is committed to providing personalized and effective treatments to address your specific needs. We strive to create a welcoming and comfortable environment for all our patients, ensuring that you receive the care and support you deserve on your journey to better health.
For pregnancy, maternity, and babies, we offer specialized care to support the health and well-being of both expectant mothers and their little ones. Our chiropractic services can help alleviate discomfort during pregnancy, promote proper alignment for a smoother delivery, and provide gentle care for newborns and infants to support their development. We are here to support you and your family every step of the way.
Contact Details:
06 359 4888
32 Victoria Avenue, Palmerston North
Website: chiropractichq.co.nz
Cost: Paid
P3 Physiotherapy is a boutique musculoskeletal and sports injury physiotherapy clinic in central Palmerston North, specialising in pelvic floor health for women.
Contact Details:
06 353 7873
021 170 5953
16 Taonui Street, Palmerston North 4412
Website:
Cost: Paid
WellKids is passionate about seeing babies, pregnant mums, children, and families function at their best. All we need to do is give our bodies what they were designed to require. And what is that? To move well, to eat well and to think well. WellKids addresses each of these requirements for health in order to optimise health and prevent disease.
Contact Details:
(06) 359 4888
32 Victoria Ave, Palmerston North
Website:
Cost: Paid
Our Child and Adolescent Oral Health Service, also known as the School Dental Service in Manawatu, is here to help keep your child's smile healthy and bright. We provide dental care for children and teenagers, ensuring their oral health is in top shape. Our friendly team is dedicated to making dental visits a positive experience for your child. We are open on weekdays during office hours, catering to preschoolers up to Year 8 students.
Contact Details:
0800 TALK TEETH (0800 825 583)
Website: info.health.nz/keeping-healthy/teeth-gums/caring-for-baby-teeth
Cost: Free
Our General Practices are individual businesses and may have different ways of operating, variations in services and opening hours. Some GP teams do walk-ins and can see casual or unenrolled people, some are open to enrolling new patients.
Contact Details:
0800 766 255
Website: thinkhauora.nz/general-practice
Cost: Free
This test — also known as the Guthrie test and newborn blood spot screening — screens for rare but serious disorders in your pēpi (baby). It is done by taking a blood sample from their heel at or as soon as possible after 24 hours of age. If a disorder is found, early treatment can prevent permanent damage or death.
Website: info.health.nz/pregnancy-maternity/pregnancy-newborn-screening/heel-prick-test
YOSS is all about helping you out. The friendly YOSS team provides free information, advice and services for young people aged between 10 and their 24th birthday.Providing immunisation services, counselling, alcohol and drug support, youth work, clinical psychology services and social work services.
Contact details:
(06) 355 5909
31 Princess Street, Palmerston North 4410
Website: yoss.org.nz
Cost: Free
Monthly meetings where whānau can try on and hire carriers to decide what fits their needs best, carriers can be an investment, so trying before you buy to figure out your unique fit is important. Library is run by volunteers who share a passion for safe babywearing. Lifetime membership costs $10 and hire per month costs $10. If cost is an issue, please let us know as we would prefer you have access to a carrier and we can waive all fees.
Contact details:
Website: facebook.com/BabywearingManawatu
Cost: Free, Paid
Newborn hearing screening is a safe and simple check to find out if your baby hears well. The screen is designed to pick up moderate to profound hearing loss. It may not pick up mild hearing loss. This test is free and is usually done before you and your baby go home from hospital. If your baby is born at home or is not screened before you go home, the newborn hearing screening service will contact you to arrange an appointment. Ideally, your baby will be screened within the first few days of birth and screening should be completed by the time your baby is 1 month old. However, your baby can be screened up until they are 3 months old. You do not need a referral to have your baby’s hearing screened. Your baby will be automatically referred when they are born.
Contact details:
06 356 9169 ext: 7720
50 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North 4410
Website:
Cost: Free
The idea of the Social Supermarket is that there is dignity in choice and people can have a sense of normality in what they do and not feel isolated or stigmatised by their circumstances. If you or someone you know is in immediate need or requiring ongoing assistance with food support, our Social Supermarket can help.
We understand the challenges of juggling bill payments, housing costs and being able to put food on the table for you and your whānau. In a shift from the traditional food parcel model the Methodist Social Supermarket (Koha Kai Whare) is located at 663 Main Street Palmerston North and puts shopper experience and choice at its heart. Instead of collecting a pre-selected food parcel, you will be able to choose your own grocery items from a wide selection of food and essentials in a warm and friendly supermarket environment.
The Social Supermarket is open to anyone across the Palmerston North region in need of some extra help. This includes those currently being supported by, or new to Palmerston North Methodist Social Services, and those being supported or referred by other social service agencies. The Social Supermarket has a Koha required to meet the ongoing costs of meeting community needs, this Koha goes directly to the purchases of more food it is not used for infrastructure or staffing costs.
We have Registered Professional support staff that are here to help with Advocacy Budgeting and counselling if so required. Come and see us, have a coffee and something to eat in our Whanau space before one of our friendly team host you through your shopping experience, with social workers available to assist as and when required.
Contact details:
663 Main Street, Palmerston North 4414
Website: pnmss.nz/services/social-supermarket
Cost: Paid
Food Rescue, Free Store & Food Hub - open Mon to Fri, 1pm - 2.30pm & 4.30pm - 6pm, 248 Featherston St, Palmerston North. No criteria! No questions! No judgement! No ID? No worries! Closed Weekends & Public Holidays.
Contact details:
022 597 2569
248 Featherston Street, Palmerston North 4410
Website: justzilch.org.nz
Cost: Free
We are a Manawatu-based physiotherapy practice providing unique, quality, evidence-based pelvic health physiotherapy care. From urinary incontinence and bowel concerns to prolapse, pain, pregnancy pain, and sexual dysfunction, we can help you address a wide range of pelvic health and musculoskeletal issues.
Contact details:
(06) 359 3367
16 Ashley Street, Palmerston North Central 4410
Website: nicholecobhamphysio.co.nz
Cost: Paid
HPV Primary Screening is recommended for those in Aotearoa New Zealand who have a cervix and are aged between the ages of 25 - 69.
People should be encouraged to participate in the NCSP if they are a wāhine/woman or person with a cervix, aged 25 to 69, who: has ever had intimate skin-to-skin or any sexual activity (even if they haven’t been sexually active for decades), has only had non-penetrative sex (i.e., oral sex), is straight, gay, lesbian, bisexual, or queer, is transgender, gender diverse, or non-binary and has a cervix, has only been with one sexual partner, has had the HPV vaccination or not, is pregnant or has had a baby, has been through menopause.
Contact details:
(06) 350 8924
0800 729 729
Private Bag 11036, Palmerston North 4442
Website: tewhatuora.govt.nz/health-services-and-programmes/ncsp-hpv-screening/contacts-and-locations
Cost: Free
Our prenatal vaccination clinic is open every Wednesday and Thursday from 9:30 am to 3:30 pm at the Te Rauru Antenatal Clinic, located on the ground floor of Te Papaioea. This service is free for pregnant women and can be received starting from 16 weeks of pregnancy.
Contact Details:
Te Rauru Antenatal Clinic, 117 Ruahine Street, Roslyn, Palmerston North
Website: facebook.com/birthingcentrepn
Cost: Free
Taha Hinengaro
Looking after my mental and emotional wellbeing
The Milk Café is friendly, relaxed, inviting and then to top it all off someone makes you a fresh cuppa and offers you snacks. Run every Wednesday 10 am-12pm, The Milk Café is supportive of all types of feeding – Breastfeeding, Bottle Feeding, Formula or Pumping, Nipple Shields - this is a place you can feel safe and supported. Run by a qualified Lactation Consultant, you know that any advice you get around feeding your baby (in whichever way you choose!) is up to date and evidence based.
Cost: Free
Address: 117 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North
https://www.facebook.com/groups/2581704998524635
Website: https://www.birthingcentre.co.nz/Your-Care/Lactation-Consultant
Join us at Pou Matua Rōpū, our Parent Support Group on Fridays at Barnardos Bumps to Babies! A relaxed space to meet other parents, find support and build connections.
Running weekly, explore topics like: Feeding your pēpi, sleep, settling, postnatal emotions and recovery, and anything else we can help with in your parenting! Lactation support available and refreshments provided. Fridays 10am - 12noon
Phone: 0508 247 8433
Address: 117 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North
Email: bumpstobabies@barnardos.org.nz
The Entwined Parents Groups are a lightly facilitated space for you to connect with other parents, gain support and build confidence. These groups are parent focused, providing you with a safe non-judgemental space to talk openly about all parts of parenting and life. These are safe and inclusive spaces designed to be adaptable to those attending. Each week we share our highs and lows before diving deep into a set topic that will help you realise you aren’t alone in your parenting journey. Starting with pregnancy and birth we then wind our way through various topics from “mum guilt” and “mum rage” to relationship changes and generational differences…and so much more. These open conversations help you build connection through shared experiences with the aim of finishing the 6 weeks with a new village of support. Run over 6 consecutive Tuesdays at Te Papaioea Birthing Centre, these groups are aimed at parents of newborn to premobile (not yet on the move) babies and cost $85. We also offer koha/gifted sessions if money is a barrier to you accessing our groups- all you have to do is ask.
Cost: Paid
At the Women's Clinic we provide compassionate abortion services, respecting each unique journey. Pregnant and not sure what to do? That can be scary but you're not alone. The professional staff at The Women's Clinic are here to give you all the information you need to help make the right decision for you. No pressure, no judgement, just support.
Cost: Free
Address: 591 Church Street, Palmerston North
Phone: 0800 226 784
Website: www.thewomensclinic.co.nz
National Abortion Telehealth Service. If you're thinking about having an abortion, DECIDE has the informaiton you need about abortion services, abortion care, and how to find a provider near you. Most abortion services are free for most New Zealand citizens and residents
Cost: Free
Phone: 0800 DECIDE
A voluntary service to provide a non-judgemental
listening ear to those who need someone to talk to.
Service available 24/7 to all peoples of all ages in
the community who are in distress, lonely or in
danger of taking their own life.Anyone can access this
service/programmeA voluntary service to provide a listening ear to those
who need someone to talk to 24 hour service
available to all ages of the community to those in
distress, lonely or in danger of taking their own life.
Cost: Free
Phone: (06)3683096 and (0800)726666
Address: PO Box 77, Levin
Email: levin@samaritans.org.nz
We provide free and low cost services that many women can not afford when visiting their GP. These services include: Counselling; massage, reflexology, and lymphatic drainage; mirimiri; and a smear clinic. We also offer pregnancy tests, condoms, menstrual care supplies, information on local health providers, advocacy and written referrals as appropriate.
Contact Details:
(06) 357 0314
53 Waldegrave Street, Palmerston North
Website:
Cost: Free
As a Manawatu counsellor, I support people through life events that have caused emotional, physical, psychological/spiritual distress or trauma.
Life events might involve a:
Relationship break up or perhaps you want a relationship
Loss of a job, or wanting to grow in confidence to apply for a job
Loss of a loved one or a pet
Stress at work
Unexpected pregnancy
Traumatic birth experience
I help by supporting people in different stages of their life, not just for pregnancy, birth and parenthood. My role is to support you to find the key to unlock your full potential. Often what people believe about themselves can contribute to limiting beliefs, about who they are and who they want to be. We will work together to explore and gain insight into belief structures to then unlock a different perspective on your situation.
Contact Details:
021 066 0394
Website:
Cost: Paid
We are a support group for bereaved families providing pregnancy, baby and infant loss support in the Manawatu-Horowhenua region.
Contact Details:
021 038 4596
Website:
Cost: Free
A voluntary service to provide a non-judgemental listening ear to those who need someone to talk to. Service available 24/7 to all peoples of all ages in the community who are in distress, lonely or in danger of taking their own life. Anyone can access this service/programmeA voluntary service to provide a listening ear to those who need someone to talk to 24 hour service available to all ages of the community to those in distress, lonely or in danger of taking their own life.
Contact Details:
(06) 368 3096
(0800) 726 666
Location: PO Box 77, Levin
Website: www.samaritans.org.nz/contact-horowhenua/
Cost: Free
New Zealand’s largest nation-wide organisation that supports and helps women and children experiencing family violence. Our vision is for all women and children in Aotearoa New Zealand to live free from domestic and family violence. We are providing education and information to women, children and their whanau who experience family violence. For confidential help, support or information phone: 06 3545355. Or come in and see us between 9am-5pm weekdays at 597 Main Street or 58 Bath Street, Levin.
Contact Details:
Crisis: (06) 356 7985
Crisis freephone: 0800 733 843 opt 2
Office: (06) 356 7985
Location: PO Box 5222, Palmerston North 4440
Website: womensrefuge.org.nz/contact-us/find-your-local-refuge/#manawatu-refuge
Cost: Free
New Zealand’s largest nation-wide organisation that supports and helps women and children experiencing family violence. Our vision is for all women and children in Aotearoa New Zealand to live free from domestic and family violence. We are providing education and information to women, children and their whanau who experience family violence. For confidential help, support or information phone: 06 3545355. Or come in and see us between 9am-5pm weekdays.
Contact Details:
Crisis: (06) 356 5585
Office: (06) 354 5355
597 Main Street or 58 Bath Street, Levin
Location: PO Box 573, Palmerston North
Website: pnwomensrefuge.org.nz
Cost: Free
Pregnancy Choice offers information on all options, support and free pregnancy testing to those facing an unplanned pregnancy. Our service is free to everyone, we have an online chat, 0800# and confidential phone and in-person consultations.
Contact Details:
(06) 392 3456
022 345 6180
Location: 258 Church Street, Palmerston North 4410
Website: pregnancychoice.org.nz
Cost: Free
Support survivors of sexual violence and their whānau. Service include social work support, court support, counselling, voyage group programme for children who have experience family violence of sexual abuse. Offices in Palmerston North, Horowhenua and Tararua
Contact Details:
(06) 356 5868
Website: arcsmanawatu.org.nz
Cost: Free
Welcome to the Lowdown, a space created with rangatahi, for rangatahi. Find support here for your hauora, identity, culture and mental health.
Contact Details:
Website: thelowdown.co.nz
No problem is too big or too small – we are here to listen and support you. Our Helpline service is available for any young person anywhere in New Zealand, or anyone who is supporting a young person. We are happy to chat with parents, grandparents, friends, whānau, teachers, coaches and more. Being supported as the support person is incredibly important.
When you get in touch, your call or message will be answered by a Helpline counsellor. They will introduce themselves and ask you a little about yourself and how they can help. You can say anything you want in confidence. In fact, you don’t even need to use your own name. If you are in a difficult position they may ask you how they can help and may offer some ideas, but it is not for them to make judgments or tell you what to do. They will work things out with you, not for you.
Sometimes working through a problem might take more than one conversation, and that is okay. Our team will not judge or criticise you, or tell you what to do. You might be asked how you are feeling and be invited to talk about your feelings. We try to provide a comfortable and accepting experience to give you the time and space that you need to talk if you want to. You do not have to be in a crisis situation to get in touch. People call for all sorts of reasons; because they feel alone, or because they lost someone they care for, others because they are having difficulties making their relationships work.
Contact Details:
Free call 0800 376 633
Free text 234
Message on whatsapp 098865696
Website:
DM on instagram @youthlinenz
Cost: Free
Are you feeling stressed or just need someone to talk to? Are you feeling down or a bit overwhelmed? Do you know someone who is feeling out-of-sorts or down? Whatever it is, we’re here. Free call or free text 1737 any time, 24 hours a day. You’ll get to talk to (or text with) a trained counsellor or talk to a peer support worker. Our service is completely free. We offer brief 1:1 counselling support where we focus on one or two key things you need support for. Find out more about the service 1737 provides. We recruit to be a culturally diverse team. We mainly provide support in English but there may be cases where we can connect you with someone from your language of origin.
Contact Details:
Free call or text 1737 anytime
Website: 1737.org.nz
Cost: Free
We currently offer free courses for depression and anxiety as well as Staying on Track - A guide to support your wellbeing during times of stress and uncertainty. Find out more about each of the courses we offer and what’s involved by accessing the website.
Contact details:
Website: justathought.co.nz
What to do in an emergency? If you are seriously concerned about someone's immediate safety, please call 111 or take them to the nearest Emergency Department. You can also call the MidCentral DHB Acute Care Team on 0800 653 357 for further advice but please remain with the person until support is provided.
Contact Details:
0800 653 357
Free confidential support 24 hours a day, seven days a week
Contact Details:
0800 543 354
Send a text to HELP (4357)
Website: lifeline.org.nz/services/lifeline-helpline
Cost: Free
Quit smoking support with a Quit coach, Information Education and guidance to quit, Access to Nicotine Replacement Therapy (NRT) to assist with the quit journey. There are also group programmes including a Wāhine Māori programme for women 18-30 years of age.
Contact Details:
0800 405 011
Website: tewakahuia.co.nz/toam-te-ohu-auahi-mutunga
Cost: Free
Taha Whānau
Family/Aiga/Whānau Support
Join a group – mainly music and mainly play New Zealand
Providing free transport to Health and Social Services for Highbury residents.
Free community phone available
Community worker who offers peer support, advice, information and referrals to the right services.
Contact:
42 Pembroke Street, Highbury, Palmerston North 4412, New Zealand
Run by The City Mission, Palmerston North. Two courses are run on a Monday - 10am to 12pm and 1pm to 3pm. Held at St Oswalds, Cnr Featherson St and Kingswood St, Palmerston North. Courses are run over two terms (20 weeks) and involve music & movement, rhymes, books and a variety of play experiences> Topics discusses may include sleeping & crying, establishing attachment, brain development, expressing myself, treasure baskets, physical development and being with others.
Contact:
Email: space@citymission.co.nz
Cost: Paid (CSC rates available)
Manawatu Multiples is a non-profit organization run by volunteer parents of multiples. We cover the Manawatu/Whanganui region although the majority of our events are held in Palmerston North. We support parents and caregivers of multiples. Membership – pregnancy to 23 months – $30, 2-4 years – $25, 5+ years – $10.
Contact Details:
Website:
Cost: Paid
Welcome to our sensory play programme. Either play in our tent with the lightboard OR we will have the duplo out, walk or jump on our squish colour mats, look at our star display, make the gears turn and more!
Contact Details:
(06) 351 4100
Palmerston North Library, 4 The Square, Palmerston North
Website:
Cost: Free
Join us for a fun session designed for baby's brain development through nursery rhymes, activities, songs and HAVING FUN! Stay, chat, get a library card, and borrow books specific for your baby.
Contact Details:
(06) 351 4100
Palmerston North Library, 4 The Square, Palmerston North
Website:
Cost: Free
Join in the fun with Splash Time every week! Splash Time is a play session designed for babies, toddlers and pre-schoolers with loads of toys, equipment, bubbles and music. Along with an experienced instructor to answer any water safety related questions. Play is the focus, fun is the goal.
Contact Details:
(06) 357 2684
Lido Aquatic Centre, 50 Park Road, Palmerston North
Website:
Cost: Paid
Join us at Pou Matua Rōpū, our Parent Support Group on Fridays at Barnardos Bumps to Babies! A relaxed space to meet other parents, find support and build connections.
Running weekly, explore topics like: Feeding your pēpi, sleep, settling, postnatal emotions and recovery, and anything else we can help with in your parenting! Lactation support available and refreshments provided. Fridays 10am - 12noon
Contact Details:
0508 247 8433
117 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North
Website:
Cost: Free
Drop-in sessions with a focus on play for under-5s, and social connection for parents. Free, but koha/donation is welcome. Hot drinks provided for parents. Parents are to bring snacks and a drink for the child/ren.
Contact Details:
0800 184 803
42 Albert Street, Plunket Rooms
Website:
Cost: Free
We provide a toy lending service at a minimal cost to families, carers and educators in Palmerston North and the Manawatu. We have 1800+ good quality toys and play equipment which are chosen for children to develop their gross and fine motor skills, cognitive learning and imaginative play. We are an environmentally-friendly, money-saving, community-building way to make sure you always have new and engaging toys for your whānau. We are open for 3 sessions per week - Monday, Thursday and Saturdays from 9.30am-12.30pm. No need to book in to visit us, just come on down and meet our friendly staff and volunteers!
Contact Details:
027 364 6911
200 Church Street, Palmerston North
Website:
Cost: Paid
sKids has been providing fun, affordable, award winning Holiday Programmes/Before/After School Care in New Zealand for over 25 years! Locations in Feilding & Levin
Website: skids.co.nz/locations
Cost: Paid
Playcentre is a nationwide charity with over 400 centres located throughout the country. At each centre you will find a supportive, fun and friendly environment for you and your child. You dont just watch your child grow. You grow with them. Whether you have a new baby, or you are new to a community, Playcentre provides a place for babies, young children and parents to come together. Members enjoy a strong sense of belonging, and friendships flourish.
Website: playcentre.org.nz/find-your-centre
We provide specialised youth/rangatahi support services by working with young people and their whānau. Our Social Services division has after school programmes, holiday programmes, junior/youth sports, Te reo Māori class, alternative education, a youth worker, psychologist mentor and so much more.
Contact Details:
(06) 358 0504
155 Highbury Ave, Palmerston North
Website:
Cost: Free
We work with families, agencies and local partners to provide education and access to interventions which will create warm, dry and healthy homes.
Contact Details:
0800 815 799
Website: tewhatuora.govt.nz/health-services-and-programmes/healthy-homes
Cost: Free (eligibility criteria)
The Butterfly Compassion Community is here to help. Simply put, we care and we want our community to be healthy and happy. We understand, support and work alongside the incredible existing services in our community such as Women’s Refuge, MENZshed, the police, hospital, local kindergartens and other education and health services to offer complementary, caring services. These include, but are not limited to coordinating play-based gift bags for vulnerable families in the region, care packages for children in hospital and making blankets for the elderly. All our initiatives have a strong sustainability and repurposing focus to care for our planet as well as our people.
Contact Details:
027 602 8719
Currently based out of Latitude Homes, 262 Rangitikei Street Palmerston North
Website:
Cost: Free
Children's clothing for under 5s. Swap the sizes you no longer need for sizes you do need, or a koha/donation for a bag. Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays, 10am-11.30am (school term only). Drop in during any of the sessions. Run out of the garage behind the Family Centre building, down the driveway.
Contact Details:
027 211 9806
42 Albert Street, Plunket Rooms
Website:
Cost: Free
When anxiety or depression occurs during pregnancy it is referred to as antenatal depression or antenatal anxiety.
Up to 1 in 10 women and 1 in 20 men experience antenatal depression. Anxiety is thought to be as common, and many parents experience anxiety and depression at the same time. It is normal to experience a degree of anxiety and ‘ups and downs’ when expecting a baby. However, some people develop a more pronounced anxiety or lower mood (depression) which affects their daily life and functioning.
For some people this is the first time they have felt depressed, others may have a depression which predates pregnancy, and may not have been recognised up to that point.
Website: Struggling in pregnancy? Find out if you have Antenatal Depression or Anxiety