PALMY PARENT PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
October / November . 2020
THE DAD BABYWEARING WRAP WITH ARTICALS FOR DAN, CARRIER MUM AND REVIEW DAD!
ALL ABOUT HALO SALT ROOMS
EDITOR’S NOTE October’s magazine focuses on something I’m really passionate about; babywearing! A stretchy wrap was the first thing I bought when I found out I was pregnant with my first and carriers have been an invaluable tool throughout my parenting journey. We are lucky here in the Manawatu to have a Sling Library where people can come and get help using their own carriers or hire/ try on many different types of carriers. This issue sees the beginning of a baby carrier review series written by local father Dan Mackay, which will be a useful and entertaining addition to our line-up. There are also articles on Kangatraining, Halo Salt Rooms, and Ahimate Reserve to spotlight some local businesses and activities. We are still looking to add content writers to our magazine team (and always looking for birth stories) so if this sounds like something you are interested in, please get in touch at palmyparenteditor@gmail.com
Jessica Mollie Ensing Editor
ADVERTISE IN PALMY PARENT Palmerston North Parents Centre has a circulation of over 250 magazines per issue. These are sent to all current members as well as Plunket, midwives and other community groups. Our rates are extremely competitive and we would love your support by way of an advertisement. Also, in addition to our outstanding rates, we offer you a FREE advertorial on your business if you commit to either four or six adverts per annum. For more information contact our Business Relations Officer by email at: palmyparent@hotmail.com One-off price
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In addition to our outstanding rates, we offer you a FREE advertorial on your business if you commit to either four or six half or full-page adverts per annum ISSUE 297 . October | November 2020
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CONTENTS FEATURES Kanga Training
12
12 Ways ‘wearing’ your baby can change your life as a parent
14
Me Aro ki te Ha o Hine-ahu-one Pay Heed to the Mana of Women
18
Halo Salt Rooms
24
Why Dads Babywear
26
IN EVERY ISSUE Editor’s note
3
What’s on
6
PNPC Seminars & Events
7
Book Review
9
Welcom to the World: Craddle Roll
10
Health and Wellness: Nutrition for Mums
16
Birth Story: Matthew’s Peaceful Hospital Hypnobirth
20
Dad’s Life: How to be a great dad in one hour a day!
21
Product Review: The Dad Wrap with Dan
22
Family Friendly Outing - Ahimate Reserve
28
Craft: Halloween Crafts
30
Community support groups
32
Member discounts
33
Playgroups in your area
34
CHECK OUT OUR WINNERS Bruce McKenzie Book Giveaway
9
The Hair Company styling treatment
18
Kind Hearts, Streetwise Coffee
23
Cottage Flowers Arrangement
29
CONTRIBUTORS Laura Wenden-Green, Kelly Sutton, Carole Payton, Dan Mackay, Pinky McKay, Ailis Behrens-Burleigh, Saritta Burney, Susan Doohan Front cover by: Tamara Milldove
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GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE? Want to share some helpful advice or a great book you’ve read? Let us know and we’ll share it with our members. Or, if you would like to have your baby’s photos printed, write about your birth experience, review a book or a family friendly venue you have visited recently, we’d love to hear from you!
Email the Editor at: palmyparenteditor@gmail.com
COMMITTEE NEWS To kick off World Breastfeeding Week, Palmy Parents Centre hosted our Big Latch On on the 1st of August in association with the local chapter of La Leche League and Barnardos Bumps to Babies. Due to the international nature of the event, and the inability of our fellow breastfeeding parents overseas to have the luxury of meeting in person due to Covid-19 restrictions, this year was the first Virtual Latch On - a challenge to be sure! Normally the BLO is a wonderful in-person celebration and relaxing chance to meet other breastfeeding parents - a classic ‘catch up and latch up’ - and always with a cake, but in its absence we had to work to provide our community with an event worth opening Zoom for. We arranged a program of local breastfeeding experts as speakers - Cheryl Benn, Jacquie Nutt and Jackie Wheeler - who discussed various topics close to a breastfeeding parent’s heart - feeding pattern, supply, support - and a demonstration from a member of our local sling library to show how you can nurse on the go in a baby carrier. Thanks to the generous support of local businesses and organisations we were able to pepper the morning with an array of prizes, meaning that across the hour and a half of our event we gave away 26 prizes. The community aspect wasn’t lacking either. Through the chat function our 56 attendees asked questions, responded to one another, and even offered donor milk when someone said they were struggling with supply. The range of attendees was also amazing. We were privileged to host our youngest nursling of 4 days old, and the oldest at 4.5 years, as well as 2 tandem feeding parents and 4 māmā hapū
who joined in for the benefit of our speakers’ wisdom. Our amazing speakers were kind, supportive and generous with their valuable time regarding nurslings of all ages (even those not yet born!), responding to questions in the chat and providing information even when they were double or tripled booked for the morning! We were also delighted to hear from Jacquie Nutt about the developments in plans for an established Milk Bank based in the Manawatū, to increase the support for parents who would otherwise have to source their own donor milk for NICU babies. In all, despite the unique situation we found ourselves presented with in
Mission statement Positive birth experiences and informed parenting in a community where parents are supported and highly valued in their role.
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Disclaimer: Opinions and articles in this magazine do not necessarily reflect Parents Centre NZ policy. Advertising in this magazine does not imply endorsement by Parents Centre. ISSUE 297 . October | November 2020
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having to run the event virtually, we hope we have provided our community with an event they found enjoyable, engaging, supportive, and hopeful. We hope to see many of the same faces next year, and many more joining us, and we sincerely hope that in 2021 we can have our event in person, and with cake. In these post-Covid days, many parents have found their children struggling with anxiety around things they never did before or have found their already somewhat anxious children have escalated their behaviours. Providing parents with support at all ages is the mission of Palmy Parents Centre, and so we were delighted to bring Kate Tappenden from Voice psychology, a clinical trauma psychologist, to the Centre to present information and strategies geared towards parenting our children in their most anxious moments. By providing parents an understanding of what anxiety is, how it can be triggered, managed, and supported, Kate was able to ensure that at the end of the session they felt equipped to be there for their children in their most difficult moments. The small class size (as booking was essential for this seminar) meant that Kate was also able to directly address specific concerns that the attendees had about their own children, give them a chance to explore the needs underpinning the behaviour, and provide tailored strategies. The welcoming and inviting space that was created meant that parents felt free to share their own insights and give suggestions of what had worked with their own children, offering solidarity and support. We hope that this is a seminar we will be able to run again in the near future with similar success. Representatives of the Palmy Parents Centre committee and some committee babies attended the official transfer of the Te Papaioea Birthing Centre, It was great to be a part of the official ceremony and the celebrations afterwards with other members of the community. Saritta and The Palmy Parents Centre Team
WHAT’S ON... LIGHT PARTY AT THE ESPLANADE
Victoria Esplanade Gardens, Fitzherbert Avenue, Palmerston North Saturday 31 October 2020 6:00pm – 9:00pm Light Party at The Esplanade (Palmerston North) is a fun free event for the whole community. Come to the Esplanade (main lawn by the Cafe) for an evening full of family-friendly live music and performances, free food, giveaways, face-painting and so much more!
MANAWATU CRAFT AND FOOD FAIR
Central Energy Trust Arena, 61 Pascal St, Palmerston North Saturday 31 October 2020 10:00am – 3:00pm The Manawatu Craft and Food Fair is back again! The Manawatu Craft and Food Fair showcases the great talent of our local people through craft, food and fair! With over 85 Craft and Food stall sites and Food Trucks, this is an event not to be missed!
FIREWORKS OVER THE RIVER
Manawatu River Path, Albert Street, Palmerston North Thursday 5 November 2020 9:00pm – 9:20pm
Palmerston North will go off with a bang again on Guy Fawkes Night!
NOTE: We’ve moved Up River this year past the end of Albert Street. We are not sure what that does for viewing, but the Anzac cliffs may block the view from the Esplanade and bridge. So please don’t assemble on the bank opposite Anzac Park! It’s a bit like the first year - we will all need to find our best spot for viewing again. It’s going to be great though - so look to the skies over the river at 9 pm for a free Kairanga Lions Firework Spectacular!
ARMISTICE DAY 2020
The Square, The Square, Palmerston North Wednesday 11 November 2020 10:45am Armistice Day is commemorated every year on 11 November to mark the armistice signed between the Allies of World War I and Germany for the cessation of hostilities on the Western Front of World War I., This took effect at eleven o’clock in the morning—the “eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month” of 1918. A commemorative service for this anniversary is being held on Wednesday 11 November at the Palmerston North Cenotaph. The public are welcome to attend the ceremony which will begin promptly at 11:00am. Returned and serving personnel are requested to form up at the iSite at 10:45am if they wish to march
KŌANGA SPRING BONFIRE
Ahimate Reserve, Buick Cres, Awapuni, Palmerston North Saturday 14 November 2020 5:00pm – 9:00pm The Manawatū River’s been building up lots of driftwood ripe for a bonfire, so rug up and enjoy a night by the fire on us! A bonfire big enough to spot from Te Motu o Poutoa, smaller bonfires for marshmallow roasting, food trucks, fire dancers, and DJs are sure to make this a cosy one for you to hang out on Ahimate Beach. Bring a deckchair, torch, and marshmallows and you’ll be well set! 6 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
PNPC
SEMINARS & EVENTS OCTOBER & NOVEMBER SPEECH AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN Wednesday 7th October 7pm Join Sarah at this new seminar to learn about your child’s speech and language development including • Explanation of “Speech” and “Language” • Milestones 0-5 years • Tips to support age appropriate speech and language development at home • What is and is not a worry • Where to seek support and resources if you are concerned Cost: Free; this seminar is kindly funded by Page Trust KIDS CONFLICT Sunday 18th October, 1030am Want to help your children problem solve and resolve conflict? Come along to this seminar presented by parenting mentor Tabitha Jonson and learn some practical skills and tips for a calmer and more peaceful household. Cost: Free; this seminar is kindly funded by COGS CORE RESTORE WORKSHOPS 3rd Monday of each month 930-1015am In the sessions we will spend 5-10 mins discussing pelvic floor and it’s importance, how it changes during and after pregnancy etc. then spend the remainder of the time on practical exercises. Presented by Bryan Clements - the owner operator of a health and wellness business specializing in health and wellness for parents. Bryan has been a trainer/coach for over 10 years and his mission is to help parents become the best version of themselves and increase the longevity of their lives for their children, families, and friends Cost:Free
FEEDING TODDLERS Saturday 7 November, 10am Join Registered Dietitian and mum Megan Somerville to discuss the practicalities of feeding 1-3 year olds. Learn about common challenges such as fussy eating, and discuss practical tips and strategies around making mealtimes easy and how you can support your toddler to develop a healthy relationship with food. Cost: $6 members; $12 non-members INTRODUCTORY WATER SKILLS FOR INFANTS Venue: Freyberg Community Pool Wednesday 18th November, 10-10.30am Wednesday 18th November, 10.30-11am Introduce your child to water in this “taster” swimming class. For babies and toddlers aged 5 months to 3 years old. Approximately 30 minutes duration. Cost: Free; this session is kindly provided by CLM Swim Magic. NEWBORN BREASTFEEDING Saturday 21st November, 10am Designed for ALL expectant and new mums who are intending to or have recently started breastfeeding. Learn how to prepare for and get started with breastfeeding, along with strategies for an effective and sustainable breastfeeding journey. You can attend this seminar while pregnant and again in the early weeks with your newborn. Partners welcome. Presented by Cheryl Benn, Lactation Consultant, self-employed midwife, and Regional Midwifery Advisor to MidCentral and Whanganui DHB Cost: Free to all INFANT CPR Monday 23rd November, 10am This short course will cover baby and infant CPR, choking, burns, convulsions, fevers, illness warning signs and accidental ingestion of toxins. This is a baby friendly course. Cost: $6 members; $12 non-members To register please see our website: http://www.palmyparentscentre.org.nz/ All seminars and events can be found in our calendar on the website. For any queries please email: info@palmyparentscentre.org.nz ISSUE 297 . October | November 2020
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MEMBERS’ OFFERS: Free barista hot drink or pair of grips socks when you present your membership card at a coffee and kids morning on Mon to Thur 10-12. For Children under 6, $7 per child (Parents get free entry)
20%OFF
Unique Beginnings
Enter the coupon code PARENTS20 at the checkout to SAVE on selected items at The Sleep Store To see which items you can apply the discount to visit www.thesleepstore.co.nz/content/parentscentre
with Rebecca Robinson
Birth preparation & beyond, Lactation Consultant support
www.uniquebeginnings.co.nz
5% OFF all services
www.thesleepstore.co.nz
Visit www.thesleepstore.co.nz/content/parentscentre for further details & exclusions on this offer. Coupon applies to selected items listed on this webpage, Offer cannot be used with coupons, vouchers, discounts, 2-pack offers or combo deals. Cannot be used on shipping fee or other brand items, gift cards or in conjunction with any other offer or discount. The Sleep Store reserves the right to update or amend this offer at any time.
ph: 021 066 0394
Pay no booking fee when enrolling with Puddleducks if parents centre member ($50 saving)
10% off all full priced Items (must show membership card)
117 Ruahine St, Palmerston North | 06-280 3370
Halo Salt Rooms 10% off Full priced Adult and Private Salt Rooms. 117-119 Ruahine Street, Palmerston North 06 280 4220 | info@halosaltrooms.co.nz 8 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
BOOK REVIEW
HE WA MOE KIWI PAKUPAKU By Bob Darroch and translated by Stacey Morrison In this delightful classic by Bob Darroch, translated into te reo Māori by Stacey Morrison, we follow Kōkara Kiwi (Mother Kiwi) as she searches for Kiwi Pakupaku (Little Kiwi). Under the flaps on each spread (that’s right, it’s a lift the flap book!) we find many of Kiwi Pakupaku’s friends, including Pūkeko, Kākāpō, and Kererū! The illustrations are in an endearing and slightly cartoonish style, depicting expressive characters and clear environments without getting lost in too much embellishment. The entire book is in te reo Māori which was an excellent opportunity for our family to broaden our vocabulary and understanding of syntax. We used Google Translate a bit and watched a video of someone reading the English version after we read through the reo Māori version, but we found that even with our reasonably limited reo, between familiar words (such as kāinga, moe, karanga and miro) and the clues provided by the pictures we had a pretty good idea of what was going on. He wā moe Kiwi Pakupaku can be purchased from Bruce McKenzie Booksellers.
I V G E A K W O AY O B Be in to win this issue’s reviewed book!
Just follow these 3 easy steps!
1
To enter the draw to win this issue’s book, email your name, with ‘Book Giveaway’ in the subject line to info@palmyparentscentre.org.nz
2
14 th November 2020 That’s
all!
The winner’s name will be printed in the next issue of the Palmy Parent and the winner can collect their book from the Palmy Parent Centre.
ratu Cong lation Alice Trail
: s to
3
Entries for the next draw must be received by
who has won a copy of ‘The Boy and the Lemon Tree’
The children’s book reviewed above has been generously donated by Bruce McKenzie Booksellers on George Street, Palmerston North to give away to a lucky Parents Centre Member. Bruce McKenzie’s Booksellers is situated in George Street beside the entrance to the Palmerston North Library. Bruce McKenzie’s carries an enormous range of books from children’s to specialist non-fiction and is definitely worth a visit. If you have any questions don’t hesitate to ask the staff who are always willing to help.
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WELCOME TO THE WORLD Welcome to all the new babies born to our wonderful Parent Centre members! If there are any corrections to the list below, please email palmyparenteditor@gmail.com
Class: Due June | Hostess: Teresa Watson | CBE: Lucy Kelly
Lyla Thérèse McCabe
Jack Tyler Tawharu
Alice Trail and Eden McCabe
Simon Tawharu & Sara Richards
25 May 2020
30 May 2020
Indie Jaye Stickle
Callum Jack Whitehead
Kelly and Kahu Stickle
Sara Stephenson & Clint Whitehead
3 June 2020
12 June 2020
Lucy Adeline Badham
Oliver William McConnon
Steph and Jarred Badham
Matt and Michelle McConnon
14 June 2020
25 June 2020
Henry Bruce Leong
Hank Owen Futter
Sam Richardson and Patrick Leong
Chris and Kylie Futter
30 June 2020
1 July 2020
Mikaere David Tipene Tatana
Carter Joshua Ian Ace
Annie & Mike Tatana
Joshua Ace and Courtney Thompson
2 July 2020
3 July 2020
born to
born to
born to
born to
born to
born to
born to
born to
born to
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born to
Class: Due August | Hostess: Kylie Robertson | CBE: Lucy Kelly/Jess White
Ethan Val Galvez
William Robert Holger Reed
Jacqui Sturgess & Ryan Galvez
Charlotte and Paul Reed
27 July 2020
28 July 2020
born to
born to
George Franklin Hicks
Zara Taylor Stickney
Sophie and Alan Hicks
Kellie & Kevin Stickney
1 August 2020
2 August 2020
Marisa Inoue
Leah Amanda Morton
Rebecca and Masanori Inoue
Claire and David Morton
5 August 2020
5 August 2020
James Llewellyn Cameron
Maddison Jean Reilly
Alexandra Sharples & Euan Cameron
Kristin and Damian Reilly
7 August 2020
9 August 2020
Oakley Alderman
Austin William Bray
Sophie Shaw and Samuel Alderman
Sam Lyons & Ethan Bray
14 August 2020
20 August 2020
Pascal Jiho Clements
Miller Rose Pederson
Caroline and James Clements
Hannah Day & Rhys Pederson
23 August 2020
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born to
born to
born to
born to
born to
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FEATURE
KANGA TRAINING It’s common to hear postnatal people make reference to wanting to lose baby weight and the mum pouch. And this isn’t surprising given the bounce back attitude behind those perfectly filtered instagram influencers. But how does one do it? And is it even safe to, literally, jump back into our pre baby exercise routines? Firstly, take a step back and appreciate what your body has done. Over 9 long months it has grown a baby, and now that it’s here you are possibly breastfeeding it too. Don’t expect it to bounce back in less than 9 months, but also acknowledge that your body has changed and it may never be what it once was- and that’s ok! With that all said, being active is one of the best things you can do for your mental and physical health, so where do you start? During pregnancy and once the baby has arrived, our body is swimming with hormones. One of those is relaxin. This hormone helps muscles to relax and expand during pregnancy to accommodate your growing baby, but can also lead to issues later. The two most common postnatal problems are abdominal separation (your 6 pack muscles separating from your navel line), and continence problems from a weakened pelvic floor. This means it’s really important to avoid those “flat tummy” exercises like sit ups and crunches, as well any that put pressure on your pelvic floor, such as wide squats and heavy lifting.
Not only will it allow you to settle your baby and keep your hands free, but you can also exercise! Start gentle by going for a stroll around the block, then over time increase the distance or add a few stairs or a hill into your route. It can be that simple. If you’re wanting something more structured and specifically designed for postnatal bodies, then give Kangatraining a go. An exercise class specifically designed to strengthen and support postnatal recovery- all while wearing your baby. Each class starts with floor work specifically designed to re-activate and strengthen your abdominal muscles and draw back in any separation you may have. You then put your baby up in the carrier and work out different muscle groups to fun music. Each class is finished off with pelvic floor exercises. Taken by a trained professional, who can cater to specific needs, while surrounded by a group of people all awkwardly boogying and working out with
So where does that leave you for postnatal exercise options? And how are you going to find time to exercise now that you have a baby?
Babywearing! Babywearing is the answer to many parenting problems. My baby hates the pram- babywear. My baby has refluxbabywear. I have to chase my toddler but I have a newborn- babywear. Babywearing can be a life saver. 12 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
their babies makes Kanga the ultimate self care activity. Depending on the sort of exercise you tend to do, will influence the type of carrier you want. For those slow strolls with your newborn, a stretchy wrap is just perfect. If you’re wanting to attend a Kanga class, a soft structured carrier is the best option. If you’re the outdoorsy type that wants to head into the hill, you might find a structure tramping carrier works best for you. However you choose to exercise there is a carrier to best match it. When buying a carrier you want something that can adjust well to you and baby, provides optimal hip, back and neck support for your baby’s age, and most importantly allows you to wear your baby safely. If in doubt contact your local sling library to try before you buy. Before you resume exercise make sure you talk to a health professional. I highly recommend you see a Women’s Health Physiotherapist during pregnancy and after. It is advised you do not attend structured exercise classes till 6 weeks post vaginal birth or 12 weeks post c-section.
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PARENTING
12 WAYS ‘WEARING’ YOUR BABY CAN CHANGE YOUR LIFE AS A PARENT By Pinky McKay Parenting is arguably one of the most challenging things we’ll ever do. It also happens to be the most rewarding. Nikki Wilkins, Certified Baby Carrier Consultant and owner of Nurture Nest (Australia’s largest baby carrier specialty store), strongly believes that many of the challenges we face as parents can be reduced or eliminated with the use of a baby carrier (or what is commonly also referred to as a baby sling). Most adults have a fairly sound understanding of children’s needs and the importance of being responsive to them, but applying this in a practical sense on a day to day basis can be a challenge for many parents. In recent years we have seen the creation of many baby products designed to help make the increasingly busy lives of parents easier such as prams, bouncers, play pens, and cots. Many parents quickly discover that during the frequent moments throughout the day their children need them to meet their basic need for connection, these products aren’t very useful
as they put a barrier between themselves and their children. Thankfully with more baby carriers that are comfortable and easy to use in recent years, parents are beginning to rediscover their usefulness and they are becoming more and more popular as a result. Although often referred to as ‘baby’ carriers, it is not widely known that there are comfortable options from birth through to preschooler. You should be able to comfortably carry at least up to 20kg (that’s an average 4-5 year old). Life is too short for an uncomfortable baby carrier! Nikki receives emails on a daily basis from people who write to thank her for the difference their baby carrier has made in their lives, and has shared with us the 12 most common reasons.
1. Children who are carried cry less Crying can be exhausting for both the parents and their baby. If you halved the amount of time your baby was crying, how would that impact your life?
PARENT CENTRE PARTNERS:
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How would it impact the experience of your baby? In a study published by the journal ‘Pediatrics’, researchers found that babywearing for three hours per day reduced infant crying by 43 percent, and during the evening hours it reduced by 54 percent. Babies who are not crying spend their energy calmly observing and actively learning about their environment and have more positive interactions with the world. Babywearing is especially useful for babies who are unsettled with reflux or colic who are far happier being worn and continuously kept in an upright position to provide relief from their discomfort. Many parents of babies with reflux are told by health professionals to keep their babies upright an hour after eating, and doing this without a baby carrier can be incredibly difficult considering how often babies eat. Children who are held regularly by their parents experience more happiness throughout the day which has a positive impact for us as parents, too.
2. Children who are carried are easier to get to sleep and they sleep longer Many babies nap better and for longer periods when being carried. If they begin to wake up during the end of their short sleep cycle, the person wearing them can simply sway a couple of times to gently rock them back to sleep. This saves a significant amount of time often spent trying to settle a baby in their cot, and also means they can have their nap when you are out and about running errands or doing things around the house rather than planning your life around nap times. More often than not, their night time sleep also improves when they have been carried during the day. One explanation for this is because regular close contact helps babies regulate their circadian rhythms better and allows them to better distinguish the difference between night and day sleep. If the baby is sleeping more at night, generally the parents are too. This in itself can have a huge impact on the health and wellbeing of a family.
monitor reach that far? Will you hear the monitor over the loud music? Are you comfortable leaving your baby in an unfamiliar room with people you haven’t met wandering around inside? Instead, you decide to take your baby carrier. Your baby sleeps snuggled up against you, warm and safe. Every now and then she stirs, but you just bounce her up and down a little and she sleeps through. You stay and enjoy the party for as long as you like, dancing and catching up with old friends. If you enjoy walking the dog, hiking, or walking along the beach, you can enjoy the convenience of babywearing. You can go many places wearing a carrier that a pram can’t go – walk in the water or even in the soft sand as far as you want to go. This is just as handy with walking toddlers whose little legs tire easily. Love going to the movies? Babywear! There isn’t a great amount of room on those tiny cinema seats to have your baby sleeping in your arms, but if you’re babywearing it’s easy for your baby to fall asleep in the upright position without encroaching on the space of the person next to you or experiencing a numb arm. Travel. So many families have experienced traveling for longer periods or much earlier than they ever expected to thanks to the convenience and practicality of babywearing – at the airport, on the plane, public transport, and out and about.
Coffee and kids Parents play groups daycares
3. Families who use baby carriers have more time to do the things they love If you haven’t used a baby carrier regularly before, you’ll be amazed at what they can help a family achieve. Picture this: Your best friend is having an engagement party this weekend at her house. You aren’t ready to leave your baby with anyone (or you are but don’t have a sitter) but you still want to go and celebrate. You consider taking the pram so the baby has somewhere to sleep, but will there be any room to have it next to you? If you put the pram in a different room so the music doesn’t wake the baby, will the
MOn to thur 9am - 10Am under 5S $7 per child & parents jump for FREe
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The possibilities are endless. Families who babywear can experience far less isolation as they have the confidence and the means to get out and about in the community. Parents feel so much more confident getting out and about when their babies are settled, and babywearing is an incredible aid in keeping babies calm and content. Babies who are carried also become involved in their parents’ world and get to participate and be within close proximity to what their parents’ are doing rather than viewing things as a spectator when placed in a pram, playpen or bouncer.
4. Babywearing encourages independence and fosters a strong attachment You may not be ready for your child to be more independent yet, but you may have had someone say to you ‘carried babies will end up clingy’ or ‘you’re making a rod for your own back’ when they see you cuddling or carrying your baby. Actually, the opposite is true. Many studies have shown that children who have their needs met grow to become more confident to explore the world when they are ready than those who don’t have their immediate needs met because they know you will be there for them when they need you.
It’s also a wonderful opportunity for relatives to connect and bond with the baby.
5. Babywearing allows you to do more of the things that you need to do Vacuuming, doing the dishes, preparing dinner, mopping, doing laundry, working – basically anything you do to keep your household running can be done much easier (and generally faster) with a baby carrier. As parents we often feel overwhelmed with the day to day running of the household. It can be difficult to achieve these tasks when you have a baby who doesn’t want to be put down or wakes up as soon as you try to put them down for a sleep. If you’re using a baby carrier, you no longer need to worry. Do you work from home or have a hobby you love spending time on? Grab yourself a fit ball and use that as your desk chair – it’s perfect for wearing a baby on your back (if you are comfortable doing so and if baby is old enough) and slightly bouncing up and down to get them to sleep if needed. Once we achieve these things we feel less overwhelmed with the day and have more time to do the things we love with the people we love most. Isn’t that what life’s all about?
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6. Babywearing is practical Babywearing enables you to easily navigate stairs, leave the pram at home, duck in and out of small shopping aisles, navigate crowds easily. The possibilities are endless (within reason, of course) And it’s so much easier and quicker to get out of the car than a pram!
7. Babywearing can increase your confidence as a parent A large aspect of parenting with confidence is being able to read your baby’s cues successfully. When babies are held close in a baby carrier, a parent quickly becomes finely tuned to their baby’s cues. The parent’s responsiveness to the baby’s needs increases the baby’s trust in their parent which enhances the attachment between the parent and child, creating strong family relationships and making parenting more enjoyable.
8. Babywearing reduces the risk of postnatal depression Postnatal depression (PND) affects between 10 to 15% of new mothers, and many are never diagnosed. In 2014 the Royal College of Midwives reported that nearly 60% of mothers felt down or depressed after giving birth. Keeping your baby close improves bonding and attachment through the release of oxytocin, and reduces anxiety and depression. It can also help parents get out and about and exercise which is also shown to help with PND.
9. Babywearing helps you have one on one time with all of your children Having a new sibling is a big change for a child, and for the parents. As parents we try to divide our time up between both children but the reality is that newborns or young babies generally require our immediate attention more often. Babywearing allows you to keep meet many of the immediate needs of your new baby by keeping them close in a baby carrier leaving your hands free to spend time with your other children. Many parents wonder how they would have got by without babywearing once they have more than one child, and it becomes particularly useful when taking your older child to kindergym or even walking to school together.
afternoon and the time between picking them up from childcare and bed time is often referred to as the ‘witching hour’ as children can become quite unsettled and wanting our undivided attention. Babywearing allows you to find additional opportunities to connect – by wearing your children when you are preparing dinner or doing various household tasks. Keeping your child close at this time is an incredible opportunity to reconnect after time apart and keep your child settled.
11. Babywearing saves your back A large percentage of adults complain of back problems, and even those who don’t have back problems find carrying a child on their hip quite tiring on their body. A good baby carrier will distribute the weight evenly across your body. This can be lifechanging for a parent who has a disability or for any reason has difficulty carrying their child. Whether it be for short trips or longer cuddles – a baby carrier is perfect if you need a bit of extra support.
12. Babywearing facilitates breastfeeding Babywearing allows you to breastfeed on the move discretely (although Nikki recommends you become confident in breastfeeding and babywearing before you combine the two, and to start once your baby has good neck control). For those who have had problems with breastfeeding, babywearing has been shown to help. Some babies nurse better on the go as they are more relaxed when in the comfort of the motion of being in a baby carrier. The close proximity can also help babies to feed more frequently and help mothers to respond to cues more frequently. The care babies and children receive strongly influences the type of people that they will become for the rest of their lives. Parents who are responsive to their children’s needs help them to build positive attachments and relationships. Babywearing is the one parenting tool that can make almost every aspect of parenting easier and more enjoyable – resulting in happier parents and children.
10. Babywearing helps you to reconnect after time apart A recent study has found that the average parent has less than 30 minutes to devote to their children in the evenings. Many working parents have reported that babywearing has been crucial for them to reconnect with their children after time apart due to going to work. Often children become unsettled in the
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FEATURE
ME ARO KI TE HA O HINE-AHU-ONE Pay Heed to the Mana of Women Womxn are the kaitiaki of their bodies. In a society where we are still fighting for this ownership, Te Hā o Hine-ahu-one want to ensure that in their space, your body is yours and yours alone. Free resources, advocacy, abortion support, and transgender health support are a few of the many things that shape this agency’s value system. They want to see this work continue to grow and flourish for many years to come. The Women’s Health Collective started in 1984 with a clear kaupapa – to be a by women for women, grassroots, community development organisation that empowered women. In more recent years awareness of transwomen and nonbinary people has become part of the diversity of inclusion. The aim was, and still is, to give womxn more consumer oriented information and resources, and greater access and support to matters concerning their health and wellbeing.
In 1987, they added a free cervical screening clinic, allowing a judgement free, womxn only zone to blossom. This early cervical screening led by women was a pioneering development, training Anne McSherry, the first nurse smear taker in the country, with the help of a friendly GP! Collective members were the first volunteers for smears needed in the training process. Anne went on to also deliver suitcase clinics around the region, develop a training programme for nurses, and work for MDHB as a nurse smear taker and cervical screening promoter. Cervical screening has been provided continuously from this time with a number of nurse smear takers (currently Lisa Scotland from Worldwise Travel Health and Well Women’s Clinic). This is currently free for priority womxn with additional discretionary funding for low income womxn. Womxn who don’t have cost as a barrier are
Congratulates Annie Tatana
For winning a Treatment, Cut and Blowwave for being a current Palmerston North Patents Centre member Ph: 358 4010 | Hotel Coachman,134 Fitzherbert Ave, Palmerston North | thehaircompany.co.nz Open Mon - Sat, late nights Tues and Thur
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welcome to use the service for a $30 donation to cover the cost. From the early 90s onwards, The Collective continued to grow, bolstered by financial support from the Area Health Board initially, and then later the MidCentral Health District Health Board, as well as other grants and funding. In 1997, 2005, and 2008 the Collective received several awards for excellence in women’s health and for addressing inequalities. In 2018, they re-launched with their gifted name – Te Hā o Hine-ahu-one Palmerston North Women’s Health Collective. This name supported the high value the Collective places on honoring Te Tiriti o Waitangi and their work ensuring they were continuing to be educated in how best to empower all womxn. Today, Te Hā o Hine-ahu-one continues to be run out of a beautiful old villa at 53 Waldegrave Street and provides day to day support and resources for womxn, including pregnancy tests, condoms and lube (including the NZPC sex worker starter packs), and menstrual products (including donated menstrual cups from the Wā Collective and MyCup and Days for Girls cloth packs for those on low incomes), donated packs of cloth breast pads, and access to information and referrals to wider health services in the Mānawatu. Lower cost mental health support is provided by visiting counsellor Robyn Scott (a subsidized service that can be fully subsidised as needed), osteopath Gina Morris, and naturopath/massage therapist Fran Jennings. The Collective are the only community agency (nonclinical) who offer free pregnancy tests in Palmerston North. These can be done on site or picked up to take away (back up test provided). Womxn are able to bring male support if required, but generally men are asked to knock and wait before entry, to continue honoring this safe space (some men do come to pick up pregnancy tests etc for whanau members/friends). Te Hā o Hine-ahu-one is primarily run by Jean Hera (manager and community health worker), who has been part of the collective since the mid 80s, first as a volunteer then as a staff member, and Morgan Booker (who has over 10 years in the community health worker role). They are supported by a group of women who are striving to make a difference and ensure womxn have ownership and dignity over all choices around their health and wellbeing. Jean works tirelessly (including working right through lockdown!) to ensure this is a consistent and reliable service. Unfortunately in 2019, Te Hā o Hine-ahu-one lost their biggest funding contract from the MidCentral District Health Board. Despite an appeal, they were unsuccessful in obtaining financial support from this entity (apart from the cervical screening contract providing payment for each cervical
smear provided which mainly covers the cost of nurse and supplies), and this continues to present with ongoing challenges since it has left a hole in their finances. There is a whakatauki that reads “Me mahi tahi tātou mo te oranga o te katoa”. This translates to “We should work together for the wellbeing of everyone”. This has proven true as the Collective have continued to receive support from the community in order to continue this vital mahi. Recently, they had a Pātaka Kai (open street pantry) built to provide resources to their community, from their community. This was a collaboration with the Menz Shed who donated time and resources, Te Whare o ngā Wāhine Palmerston North Women’s Centre (where we reside), and support from PNCC. But it’s not enough. While the health board have decided that redirecting their funding is an appropriate measure, Te Hā o Hine-ahu-one Palmerston North Women’s Health Collective need your help. If you are able to support or donate in any way, please contact them through pnwhc@ xtra.co.nz or by popping into their premises in Waldegrave Street, or go to their website www.pnwomenshealth.org.nz; Facebook @ pnwomenshealth; Instagram @tehaohineahuone. The Collective is a registered charity (CC24790).
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BIRTH STORY
MATTHEW’S PEACEFUL HOSPITAL HYPNOBIRTH By Susan Doohan first published August 2018 When I found out I was pregnant for the first time, and started looking for a midwife, I was ready to embrace modern medicine and all its pain relief options, particularly epidurals. I figured that surely there couldn’t be negatives associated with avoiding the pain that I had heard others talk about. However, over the next two to three months, I had some great discussions with friends who had their babies utilising hypnobirthing techniques, with really positive experiences. I was intrigued enough to read the book “HypnoBirthing – the Mongan Method” by Marie Mongan. Her writing and reasoning behind hypnobirthing resonated with me, particularly in relation to birthing in non-Westernised countries and the environment that animals prefer and successfully birth in. This led to a two-day Hypnobirthing class run by Lynda Johnson in Kapiti, where we were able to watch videos, experience the techniques, and meet other like-minded first-time parents. For the next few months I listened to the hypnobirthing soundtracks and practiced the visualisations. After an antenatal group visit to the hospital, I was happy with the availability of the baths and that music and lighting could be used to make a nice environment for birthing, despite the hospital setting. My birth plan included staying at home as long as possible, avoiding vaginal exams and other interventions/monitoring unless absolutely necessary, and not using drugs for pain relief unless I asked for it repeatedly. We also discussed the use of the wording ‘comfort level’ rather than ‘pain
score’. I have always loved water so use of a bath/ shower was also on the wishlist. Three days after my due date I returned home from a morning at work and felt the first few occasional twinges around 11am. My mother-in-law was visiting for the day, and we proceeded to take the dogs for a long walk, go out to lunch, and do some shopping while in the background occasionally I could feel light squeezes in my abdomen. Around 4pm I let my husband know that he should probably come home from work, and to let his co-workers know that he might not be there the next day! By 6pm the squeezes were strong enough that I found a Swiss ball to be the most effective way to keep moving and comfortable through contractions. Over the next two hours I had a long shower which was helpful and experimented with using the TENS machine I had hired from the Parents Centre. Around 7pm a small amount of fluid was released, and I had many trips to the toilet during this period! I alerted my midwife, but was still able to comfortably breathe through contractions with the help of the massage techniques we had learnt through Parents Centre antenatal classes and hypnobirthing and listening to my hypnobirthing recordings. I alternated between relaxing on our bed while listening to music, and using the Swiss ball. By 9pm I was unable to talk through contractions and they were more frequent, so we decided it was time to go into hospital. We arrived around 9.40 to
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Hire a Tens Machine Hire a Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) machine to help reduce your pain during labour and childbirth. Palmerston North Parents Centre (PNPC) has five TENS machines available for hire by our members for ONLY $20 for up to four weeks’ hireage (plus a $40.00 refundable bond). Machines can be booked for the two weeks prior to your due date until two weeks post due date. Watch a video interview with a TENS machine expert at youtube.com/ watch?v=4gUEtYAqPw8 Book your TENS Machine from: Junior Kids Store, 23 Broadway Ave, Ph 06 354 5516, info@juniorkidsstore.co.nz, Mon - Fri 9am - 5pm › Sat 9.30am - 4pm. Please pay by cash and bring your PNPC Membership card. Full terms and conditions on our Facebook page: facebook.com/PNorthPC
meet my lovely back-up midwife (who I had met once before and discussed my birth plan with) and the first year midwivery student who had been following me through pregnancy. We set the room up with a lovely relaxing playlist on the iPad and dim lights. Thirty minutes later I was in the bath, and feeling much more comfortable. My midwife was brilliant at encouraging me to keep moving within the bath, using the bar to change positions when needed to maintain an active labour, but allowing me to rest when needed, too. My husband was supportive providing massages, drinks and cold flannels during this time. My mum arrived and, despite my intentions not to have anyone else in the room during labour, her extra support and help was great! When I felt like it was all getting a bit much and I asked for gas (Entonox), my midwife reassured me (as per my birth plan) that I was likely very close to reaching second stage of labour and to try changing positions instead. Sure enough, only two contractions later, I started feeling the urge to push, and pain changed to excitement! I needed to change positions frequently during the latter stage of labour to continue to encourage progression, and my midwife gently and unobtrusively monitored the baby’s heart rate between contractions. At 12.54am Matthew was born into the water, where I was able to catch him and bring him up to my chest. The skin-to-skin contact quickly resulted in expulsion
of the placenta. Matthew was able to have skin-toskin contact with his dad while I got out of the bath, before we settled into the hospital bed for Matthew to feed while I received some sutures. After the first hour, Matthew was weighed and dressed and I was starving! We made it up to the ward by around 4am on Saturday morning and, being a weekend, we managed to have a room to ourselves for the next 36 hours before heading home Sunday afternoon. Matthew was a great feeder from early on, but it was nice having the support of hospital nurses for the first few feeds, nappy changes, and attempts at swaddling. My midwife, Dawn, was fantastic and respected all my wishes, and I also found that having a student midwife during pregnancy, birth, and the postnatal period was interesting and led to thought-provoking discussions; I would highly recommend it. It turned out she was a great photographer too and our post-birth photos are so precious. With Matthew’s little brother due in November, I hope to have another great birthing experience, and this time I will plan to use the Birthing Centre as it appears to be a beautiful new facility and I have heard great things about the food. I will never know how much Hypnobirthing and the TENS machines helped with the labour itself, but to me the most valuable part of the whole experience was that I spent the last trimester confident in my body and my ability to give birth, rather than fearful of what may be to come.
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PRODUCT REVIEW
an
back length for taller kiddies. Also, being stretchy wrap material, back carrying is off the menu.
wit
hD
Ergobaby Embrace I found the Ergo really quite good. Straight off the bat, it is really nice and soft for both the little ones to get their snuggle on and for Dad to wear. Being made of stretchy wrap material, you get that comfortable ride and support for the sprog, as well as the added (mental) safety net of buckles, which is something someone who isn’t all that up to play with wrap tying just can’t go past. The straps do need to cross over at the back, but that didn’t present any more effort in getting the carrier on.
All in all, I think this is a great carrier, but maybe hire it for the real small ones, before moving into something a little more long-term.
TLDR; Soft and comfortable for both kid and Dad, easy to put on (despite strap crossing at the back) and has buckles, forward facing works well. Better suited for real youngins (0-6 months) Great for little ones, but can be outgrown early
There’s a bit of adjustment to be had to cinch the little ones into a comfy possie for the walk up the road, as well as the ability to splay the shoulder straps out, spreading the load and reduce digging in. The Ergo also allowed for The Boy to be seated forward facing with ease, which he loves to do, in all the same easy manner as facing inward. My only let down with the Ergo was that it seemed to be quite restrictive in the size of offspring it could handle. The Boy, being only 4/5 months old is already getting to be on the slightly too big side for the carrier. Although you can adjust down for newborns, there isn’t anything in the way of increasing knee to knee or 22 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
Diva Milano The One I found the Diva really quite good.
TLDR;
Straight out of the box, it is much softer than the usual canvas of other structured carriers.
Woven wrap material is soft on kids, easy to put on and adjust for any age, rear carrying enabled.
Being made of woven wrap material, you get the comfort and a great seat for the little one, and again the added benefit of buckles, which makes stepping into the carrier super easy for any Dad.
Shoulder and waist straps can dig in after prolonged use does a lot well
There’s plenty of adjustment to be had to get the wee’un in place, even as they grow, as there are toggles and Velcro to fiddle with ‘til your heart’s content. The shoulder straps are cushioned and provide a comfy ride and the back straps can be crossed or not, dealer’s choice. The Diva also allows for sprogs to be back carried, which gives full use of the arms while still in parent mode, though The Boy is too young for us to have given that a crack. I don’t really have any major reservations about the Diva. There is plenty to like, but as with any structured carrier, the waist and shoulder straps can start to dig in after prolonged periods with offspring onboard and although it was comfier than canvas, the carrier wasn’t quite matching the comfort level of the Ergobaby Embrace. All in all, I think this is a really good carrier that will cover a lot of bases for any age.
As part of the Kind Hearts Movement
d n i K ea ts H
has bestowed a random act of kindness upon
Keri Tamati You will each receive a free coffee voucher! Don’t forget to pay it forward! Streetwise Coffee Cart, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North
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HALO SALT ROOMS Hi, I’m Liz, owner of Halo Salt Rooms. My partner Steve and I set up Halo Salt Rooms after selling our gym, Zenith F i t n e s s . We w a n t e d t o d o s o m e t h i n g different, but still within the health i n d u s t r y . We h a d l e a r n t a b o u t S a l t rooms through family in Australia and after some more research we decided it was exactly what we wanted to bring to Palmerston North, with the goal to eventually have multiple around the country.
also assist people who may have skin conditions like Eczema. How does it work? The room is set as a controlled environment and medical grade salt (pure sodium chloride) is crushed into tiny particles and blown into the air. It sits like a mist in the air and is completely safe to inhale. While people are breathing in the salt air, their body uses it to dry up phlegm
Halo Salt Rooms was established in Oct 2018. Being the first dedicated Salt Therapy Clinic in New Zealand, we are grateful for the support we have received from the community. So what is Salt Therapy? It is a natural therapy that may assist people who suffer from respiratory conditions such as Asthma, Hay Fever, Sinus Infections, and many others. It can
that might be sitting in the respiratory system resulting in the body naturally removing the blockages and helping people breathe better. During the time Halo Salt Rooms have been open, we have had many people, including kids, who have used the services on a regular basis and have started to see improvement in their day to day life. In the clinic we offer 3 rooms to accommodate the diverse customer base that use our service. We h a v e a k i d s r o o m , w h i c h t a k e s a g e s 6months to 13 years. It is set up with lots of fun things to do while breathing in the goodness of the medical grade 24 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
We o f f e r g r e a t c o n c e s s i o n o p t i o n s , with 10 visits for $100 or an unlimited weekly option. This gives the flexibility
to work in with how often you need to attend and your budget. There is also a big communal room for adults and a private room for a couple or friends where you can read a book and relax while listening to the relaxing meditation music. If you are wanting to get some more information about how we can help either jump on our website w w w. h a l o s a l t r o o m s . c o . n z or give us a call or email on 062804220 or halosaltrooms@outlook.co.nz
The Koru Study SEEKING PREGNANT WOMEN to take part in a study measuring body composition changes during pregnancy & early infancy
If you are between 11-16 WEEKS of pregnancy we would love to hear from you
For more information
visit: https://www.thekorustudy.com/ If you are interested in joining this study, please contact Ciara Phone: (06) 951 6366 Text: (021) 1 605 805 Email: thekorustudy@massey.ac.nz This project has been reviewed and approved by the Health & Disability Ethics Committee: 19/CEN/47
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FEATURE
s a l t i n t h e a i r . We o f t e n g e t i n d a y c a r e s and parents groups that use the room on a regular basis, as well as families from around the community. The kids love being able to play in the salt with all the toys and fun activities, there is even TV for those who have children that struggle to relax in a new environment. With the kids room, the cost is $15 for 1 child (first adult is free) and $10 for any additional children or parents.
WHY DADS BABYWEAR By Jess Williamson (Babywearing with Jess) Slings and carriers can be a fantastic tool for parents of small children. The reasons fathers use these tools may be the same as many mothers; it can help comfort our children and give them a sense of security, carried babies tend to cry less and settle more quickly, it can
help with reflux and other digestive issues and it saves your back; carrying a child in an ergonomic, well fitted carrier is much better for your posture and spine.
For dads specifically, carriers can help them share the load of a new baby in their family. It can facilitate bonding and it can be really helpful for them to feel the same sense of closeness as that the mother may have felt during pregnancy. Oxytocin, the love hormone, is important for all of us and carrying our children close gives our bodies a big surge of it, which is so critical for bonding. Carriers can provide a sense of freedom and act as practical resource in the parenting tool kit, which can really help minimise the chance of postnatal distress or depression. It is important to remember that it is not just mothers who can suffer from this and it can be just as difficult and debilitating in some cases for dads, even if it is commonly expressed differently. 26 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
In the process of trying to decipher some of the specific reasons dads may babywear, I developed a list of my own that I thought might be relevant to men and showed it to my husband, pretty proudly thinking what a great effort I had made. His response was to state, “hmm”. When prodded he said to me, “Don’t you think these dads you’re trying to empower might get enough of being told what to do by other women? Maybe if you truly want to empower them you should use dad’s own words?”
From him opening up my eyes in that profound comment, the Why Dads Babywear project was born. Using the quotes and photos of fathers from around the world, a series of images online, a project group and subsequent print book is currently in the works. From the humorous to the heartwarming there are over 100 reasons, and more shared regularly on our instagram account @whydadsbabywear. Join the conversation and share your own photos on the Facebook group www.facebook.com/ groups/whydadsbabywear
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CRAFT
OUR FAVOURITE FAMILY PLACE AHIMATE RESERVE By Kelly SUtton Bring the dog, the baby, the bikes, a picnic and explore our favourite outside space in all of Palmy. It’s found at the end of Maxwell’s Line in Awapuni - there are also entrances along Buick Cres and from Dittmer Drive. The river path goes right through too!
From there, we head down to the beautiful Manawatu river and set up our picnic. It’s also a great place for the dog to swim or for the kids to throw rocks in. It’s incredibly refreshing to wade through the shallows on a hot day. We LOVE our local river.
This reserve has a huge sports field, a fenced dog park, off road bike tracks, some gorgeous bush walks, river access, a dog agility course, a rock beach and so much more!
Ahimate Reserve has a path that runs right through so it’s perfect for bikes or strollers. You can ride through the bush and enjoy the cool fresh air. There are lots of mountain bike tracks hidden away too. We love walking along them and seeing where
We love to pack a lunch or grab ice creams from Awapuni 4 Square and meander around for the whole afternoon. There is so much to do and explore! You never know what you’ll find.
they’ll take us. There is a little mountain bike area by the glorious toi tois, as well as an awesome pump track for the braver kids! You might find the hidden away playground/ hut tucked in one of the bush areas too.
In Bill’s Bush you might discover Palmy rocks, a fairy mansion, or a goblin in a tree!
The doggos will enjoy the fenced dog park, the cold river, or the dog agility course. We find the kids and dogs enjoy the agility course as much as each other :)
There is a lovely pine forest grove that has been set up for kids. There are wooden balancing beams, a cargo net in the tree, and stepping logs to make your way along. After that you can wander through the paths and see where you end up. Our favourite thing to do is to play hide’n’seek amongst the huge pine trees. So much fun in such a gorgeous space!
This gorgeous place has become our local ‘go to’ when we all need some outside grounding time. It’s easy to spend a couple of hours walking through and exploring. Kids of all ages will find something cool! Check it out, it might become your favourite nature spot too!
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Chelsea Hudson
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FAMILY FRIENDLY OUTING
HALLOWEEN CRAFTS Halloween can be such a fun time for kids (and lets face it adults to) why not expore some of these great craft ideas to really get in the swing of things. For instuctions and more ideas visit: www.thesprucecrafts.com/halloween-craftsfor-preschoolers-1251715
Googly Eye Sensory Bag
Pumpkin Number Hunt This learning activity will keep your preschoolers occupied all October long! Simply hide the pumpkins around the house and send your child off to find them. Once found, they can match the number on the pumpkin to the number on the sheet.
This Halloween activity is especially great for the younger kiddos–just be sure to always supervise as your child plays. Your little one can poke and squish at the bag, exploring the creepy contents to their heart’s content.
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Ghost Feet
Toilet Paper Roll Monster
What young child doesn’t love dipping their fingers, hands, or feet into some paint? There’s a reason hand and footprint crafts are so popular! These playful ghost footprints will get your kiddos in the holiday spirit.
Pro tip: Save any and all cardboard (shipping packages, scraps, and of course empty toilet paper rolls) as a sturdy, easy media for an impromptu kid craft session. These adorable toilet roll monsters come together with things you definitely already have on hand, so they’re the perfect plan B or rainy day activity.
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COMMUNITY SUPPORT GROUPS Across Te Kotahitanga O Te Wairua We can provide a range of social services which include: Counselling, Family support (including respite care for children), Parenting advice/information and programmes, Advice on other services available for parents and families. Contact: Graeme on (06) 356 7486 or visit www.across.org.nz Allergy New Zealand Support groups are a great way to meet others in a similar situation to you. They are very relaxed, informal sessions to share ideas, discuss your concerns, and get information and resources. Our regional support group is there to help put you in contact with others, to provide you with information such as those all important recipes, and to listen when you need someone to talk to. They are not medically qualified but can refer your queries on and seek information on your behalf. For further information phone 0800 34 0800 or visit www.allergy.org.nz Babywearers Manawatu This is a great way to try different carriers while finding a carrier that suits you and your baby. Babywearers Manawatu Sling Library is on most Wednesdays 12 pm - 1 pm (check FB for up to date info) at Palmerston North Parents Centre, 30 Waldegrave Street, Palmerston North. Membership is one off payment of $10 and carrier hire costs $5 for one week.https://www.facebook.com/groups/ babywearersmanawatu/ Brain Injury Association Central Districts We provide advocacy information and support for people with brain injury, their families, whanau and carers. For more information call (06) 354 3540. Breastfeeding Help An IBCLC (often called lactation consultant) is a breastfeeding specialist qualified to prevent, recognise, and resolve breastfeeding problems. All members of NZCLA hold the professional qualification of International Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). Any mother, family member or health professional interested in obtaining the contact details of an IBCLC can phone 0800 4 LACTATION (0800 452 282) during daytime hours. HOPE An opportunity for parents of premature babies to meet and chat and to offer hope and support to those who currently have babies in the Neo-Natal Unit. Graduates welcome. Held at: Plunket Family Centre, 42 Albert Street, Palmerston North. Monday 1pm – 2.30pm. Contact: Karlyn Sullivan-Jones (06) 353 0663 or karlynandmark@xnet.co.nz Itchy Kids A national support group for parents and whanau who care for children with eczema and allergies. For more information contact Sarah Hartley 027 333 7385 or email hartleyfamilynz@gmail.com or visit itchykids.org.nz Manawatu Toy Library Now located at 200 Church Street, Palmerston North, this fabulous toy library has a collection of over 2000 toys. Our members include families, carers, and educational groups. We have toys suitable for babies 5+ months through to school age children. Membership costs $95 per annum or $60 for six months. You are welcome to visit to see what we offer. To find out more, including opening hours: manawatutoylibrary.nz, or call 027 364 6911. Manawatu Down Syndrome Association Regional contact is Andrea Wales (06) 356 1767. Manawatu Home Birth Association Offering information, advice and support to women and their families seeking to birth their babies at home. Birth pools and other equipment available for hire. Library, sibling kits, and bimonthly
newsletters also available. Call (06) 356 BABY (06 356 2229) for more information. Manline Manline services are unique in that we are the only “men helping men” organisation in the Manawatu and Tararua region offering services for men to explore issues within their lives. Our programs are designed to be educational, developmental, rehabilitative, and preventative. http://www.manline.co.nz/home or 06 358 1211 Miscarriage Support Miscarriage can be a very lonely experience and is often not talked about. Miscarriage support groups have produced quality information and pamphlets for women/couples who may need information and support. These invaluable resources can be downloaded from miscarriage.org.nz Methodist Social Services Offering free programmes for primary/intermediate aged children and their parents/caregivers, around the areas of anger management, grief loss and change, and confidence building. We also offer family, couple, and individual counselling, and have both male and female counsellors available. Advocacy and social work support services are provided along with an emergency food service. For all enquiries, please call 06 350 0307, 663 Main Street, Palmerston North. Palmerston North Breastfeeding support group We provide a relaxed place to come and ask questions about breastfeeding and parenting , we hold regular meeting on the first Monday of the month at Palmy Parents Centre, Ruahine St, 10am. We have a library with a wide range of books relating to breastfeeding and parenting. http://www.lalecheleague. org.nz/palmerston-north or https://www.facebook.com/ PNbreastfeedingsupport/ Parent to Parent Supporting families of children with a special need, health impairment, or disability. For more information please phone (06) 355 0787or email manawatu@parent2parent.org.nz Parentline 24 Hour Crisis Line. Offering help and support for parents 24 hours a day. Phone 0800 4 FAMILY. Plunket Education Services For parent education classes please contact the Plunket family centre in Albert Street, Palmerston North, (06) 356 7248 for more information regarding classes in 2016. Reflux Support Contact: Sharon 354 7280 Sands A voluntary group who have lost babies before, during or after birth. They can provide first hand support, guidance, and information on miscarriage, stillbirth, or newborn death. Further information and support can be found by contacting Shaun and Gaylene Vivian (06) 356 9715 or visiting sands.org.nz Supergrans Manawatu Charitable Trust Supergrans Manawatu is all about helping people help themselves. A service to all to brush up on the basic skills needed to provide for oneself or for a family. Our motto is not a ‘do it for you today’ it is a ‘help you to do it tomorrow’ concept. This is a free service. It is concerned with encouraging better skills in those everyday tasks around the home that sustain life. We work with you in your own home. Phone (06) 354 3804 or 021 0669 442 for further information.
32 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
MEMBER DISCOUNTS Want to see your advert here? Contact palmyparent@hotmail.com
FREE! Address labels with any birth announcement, thank you cards
GRANT IRVINE PHARMACY
10% OFF
Ground Floor, TSB Building 12-19, Fitzherbert Ave, Palmerston North
168 Albert Street, Palmerston North Ph: 06 357 8782
10% off for all massages over $40 to PC members
Want to see your advert here? Contact palmyparent@hotmail.com
FREE TEA OR COFFEE
06 358 8549
Receive a free tea or coffee with the purchase of food. 95 the Square, Palmerston North
HAIR TRANSFORMER
15% OFF Discounted, low ratio childcare – For 30 hours WAIVED weekly admin & placement fees
Want to see your advert here? Contact palmyparent@hotmail.com
Link Arcade, Broadway Avenue Palmerston North Ph: 06 358 1309
Want to see your advert here? Contact palmyparent@hotmail.com
ISSUE 297 . October | November 2020
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PLAYGROUPS IN YOUR AREA Plunket Family Centre Playgroup
ASHHURST
Ashhurst Playcentre
AWAPUNI/WESTEND
Kingston St Chapel Palmy Playgroup
CENTRAL
42 Albert Street
021-808-340
Mondays & Fridays 10am to 12noon
118 Standford Street
326 9270
Mon to Thurs 9am - 12pm
Kingston St 358 0716 Tues & Thurs 9am- 11:30am Awapuni Community Centre, 22 Newbury St Tues & Fri 9.30am to 11.30am Facebook: Palmy Playgroup Please bring your own morning tea and a donation of $2 per child.
Crossroads Early Childhood Salvation Army Rudolf Steiner Seventh Day Adventist Church Playgroup with Hope
220 Church St 358 0669 cnr Church & Princess Sts 358 7455 187 Ruahine St 354 4514 257 Ferguson St 282 Cuba Street (opposite Briscoes) Contact: Heather 027 334 9981
Mon to Fri 9am to 12noon Thurs 9:30am to 11am Tues 9:30am - 12noon & Thu 2pm -3:30pm Wed 9:30 to 11:00am Tuesday 9.30-11.30am playgroup@hopevineyard.nz
FEILDING Feilding Playcentre Community Fielding Playcentre Doodlebugs SPACE Bright Sparks Preschool Programme
254A Kimbolton Rd 42 North St Knox Hall, North St 22 Bowen St Feilding Library
323 6100 323 1918 323 7240 323 7221 323 5373
Mon to Fri 9am to 1pm Mon to Fri 9am to 1pm Thurs 9am to 11:30am Contact for more details Wed 10:30am to 11:30am
12-32 Brentwood Ave
358 2255
Fri 8:30am to 12noon
339 Albert St Huia St extn
357 9411 357 0791
Wed 9:30am to 10:30am Mon, Tues, Thurs & Fri 9am - 12noon
HIGHBURY
Te Aroha Noa Community Services
HOKOWHITU
St Albans Church Park Road Playcentre
LINTON
Linton Playgroup
MILSON
Milson Playcentre
OPIKI
Opiki Playgroup
ROSLYN/KELVIN GROVE
Kelvin Grove Salvation Army Church on Vogel Plunket Roslyn Over 1’s Coffee Group
Linton Camp (Community Centre) 3519970
Mon & Wed 9am to 11:30am
1a Seaforth Ave
Mon, Wed & Fri 9am-12noon
356 9824
St Andrews Church, Main Road
Tues 10am to 12noon
99-103 Kaimanawa St 127 Vogel St 177 Vogel Street
Wed 9:30am to 11:30am Wed 9:30am to 12noon Wednesdays 9.30am to 11am
353 0917 357 7336 021-808-340
RONGOTEA
Te Kawau Playcentre Medway St 324 8246
SANSON
Sanson Playcentre
TERRACE END
St David‘s Presbyterian Church Terrace End Playcentre
Mon to Thurs 9:15am to 12:15pm, Fri 11:45am to 2:45pm
2 Philipps St
329 3503
Tues and Fri 9am to 12noon
Cnr Main & Rainforth 77 Ruamahanga Cres
358 3246 0221400610
Tues 10:00am to 11:30am Wed, Thu, Fri 9.30am to 12.30 school term
SPECIALIST GROUPS
La Leche League 355 3104 Manawatu Multiple Birth Club Kingston St Church 357 9773 Parent 2 Parent Special Needs Matipo St 355 0787 ABCD early intervention group 9 Woburn Place 0800 693 724 - Down Syndrome French for Preschoolers 1st floor, 47 the Square 021 207 0114 Spanish Class – 2 yrs and up 355 8257 Plunket Bhutanese Playgroup 25 Franklin Ave 3574844 Book Bubs baby book club PN Library
34 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
Contact for more details Every 2nd Wed,10am 1st and 3rd Tues each month, 1-3pm Once a month on Thurs 10am to 12noon Fri 3.30pm to 4.30pm Contact for further details Mon 12.30 – 2.30pm Thursday 10.30 – 11 am fortnightly.
ISSUE 297 . October | November 2020
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Parent CENTRE IN-STORE & ONLINE
Day
