PALMY PARENT PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
February / March . 2022
SUNFLOWER CRAFT
CAMPING WITH KIDS
SELF DIRECTED PLAY
EDITOR’S NOTE Welcome to 2022 and the February/March issue of the Palmy Parent Magazine! It’s a brand new year and we hope you all had a lovely and relaxing holiday period with your families. In this issue we touch on the important subject of postnatal mental health as well alongside articles on why early brain development matters,plus tips for camping with small children, self directed play, and reducing screen time for small children. This has been another edition that has come together thanks to the amazing contributions and efforts of the Palmy Parents Centre committee. In our next edition we will be introducing our new Palmy Parent magazine editor - Rowena Dorn! As always we are on the lookout for contributors to our magazine. If this sounds like you or you would like to find out more, please just flick us an email at info@palmyparentscentre.org.nz
Tara and the Palmy Parents Centre Committee
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
4 per year
6 per year
Quarter page
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Half page
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Insert or flyer
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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 304 . February | March 2022 3
CONTENTS SEASONAL FEATURES Kowhai Park Feilding
12
Self Directed Play
20
Camping with Kids
24
IN EVERY ISSUE Editor’s note
3
PNPC Seminars & Events
7
Welcome to the World: Craddle Roll
8
Book Review
10
What’s On
11
Health and Wellbeing: ‘That Ugly Beast’
13
Birth Story, Instant Love
18
Craft: Sunflower Craft
25
Brainwave
26
Family Friendly Outing: Queen Elizabeth Park
30
Community support groups
32
Member discounts
33
Playgroups in your area
34
CHECK OUT OUR WINNERS Bruce McKenzie Book Giveaway
10
GOT SOMETHING TO SHARE?
The Hair Company styling treatment
13
Kind Hearts, Streetwise Coffee
19
Cottage Flowers Arrangement
21
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!
CONTRIBUTORS Desiree Harvey, Sarah Taylor, Brainwave, Ella Diprose, Natasha Napier, Jessie Osland, Sarah Soteria, Tara Parkes, Nicola Reid, Laura Wenden Green Front cover by: Sarah Taylor
4 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
Email the Editor at: palmyparenteditor@gmail.com
COMMITTEE NEWS Tena koutou katoa What a crazy year 2021 was! We are excited to see what 2022 brings us, including new committee members entering new roles, becoming a part of our vision to support parents in the best way possible. We are looking forward to kickstarting this year with a range of seminars, both our usuals and some new ones, that we are all pretty excited about! If you are looking to volunteer within Palmy Parents Centre, please feel free to contact us.
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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Kia pai te wiki Jessie & Palmy Parents Centre Team
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.
PARENT CENTRE PARTNERS:
ISSUE 304 . February | March 2022 5
MEMBERS’ OFFERS: Unique Beginnings
www.thesleepstore.co.nz
with Rebecca Robinson
Birth preparation & beyond, Lactation Consultant support
www.uniquebeginnings.co.nz
5% OFF all services
ph: 021 066 0394
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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 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.
10% off all full priced Items (must show membership card)
117 Ruahine St, Palmerston North | 06-280 3370
Pay no booking fee when enrolling with Puddleducks if parents centre member ($50 saving)
6 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
PNPC
SEMINARS & EVENTS NOVEMBER Infant CPR
Friday 18th March 10am This short course will cover baby and infant CPR, choking, burns, convulsion, fever, illness warning signs and accidental ingestion of toxins. • Qualified Facilitator • Small class sizes • Baby Friendly
Venue: Palmerston North Parents Centre, 117 Ruahine Street Palmerston North. Cost: $6 PNPC Members; $12 Non-members
Speech & Language Development in Children Wednesday 30th March 7pm With Sarah Paewai, BSLT. Registered Member of the New Zealand Speech-Language Therapists Association. 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
Starting Solids Sunday 10th April 10am Perfect for parents of 3-9 month olds. In this popular seminar with Registered Dietitian and mum Megan Somerville, you will learn the signs that your baby is ready for complementary feeding, what to introduce when, other topics to ensure you are confident and ready for this next step Cost: $6 members; $12 non-members. Registration is essential as numbers are limited. 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
Venue: Palmerston North Parents Centre, 117 Ruahine Street Palmerston North. Cost: Free to attend but registration is essential
Newborn Breastfeeding Saturday 2nd April 10am If you are pregnant, come along and learn techniques for an enjoyable, successful, and sustainable breastfeeding journey. Presented by Cheryl Benn Midwife and IBCLC (Lactation Consultant) • Partner Friendly • Small Class Sizes • All Experience Levels
Venue: Palmerston North Parents Centre, 117 Ruahine Street Palmerston North. Cost: Free to attend however registration is essential ISSUE 304 . February | March 2022 7
CRADDLE ROLL
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 October | CBE: Jess White | Hostess: Ailis Burleigh
Bodhi Andrew Weston
Daisy Kate Mckenna
Mike & Sarah
Tim and Simone
born to
born to
27 November 2021
14 October 2021
Class: Due November | CBE: Teresa Watson
Mateo Montoya born to
Carlos Montoya & Eva Maier
Lucy Cheung Rhodes born to
Jason Rhodes & Amy Cheung Rhodes
29 October 2021
31 October 2021
Georgia Lily O’Sullivan
Ella Rose Russell
Tony & Emma O’Sullivan
Daniel & Lucy Russell
born to
born to
31 October 2021
3 November 2021
Henry Douglas Burch
Emilia Claire Williams
Scott & Michelle Burch
Sam Williams & Lauren Christie
5 November 2021
10 November 2021
Valeti- Pádraig Samita
Tomos Dewi Sharp
Moeaki Samita & Claire Maxwell
Sam Sharp & Mari Jones
12 November 2021
19 November 2021
Sofia Soha Sinclair
Stevie Rose Roberts
Gareth & Sareena Sinclair
Luke Roberts & Chelsea Burch
21 November 2021
22 November 2021
Lachlan David Fitzpatrick
Georgie June Kaea Velvin Hodge
Ryan Fitzpatrick & Hannah Coatsworth
Garry Hodge & Laura Velvin
29 November 2021
30 November 2021
born to
born to
born to
born to
8 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
born to
born to
born to
born to
ISSUE 304 . February | March 2022 9
BOOK REVIEW
THE RHYMING PIRATE Written and designed by Glenn Jones Available for $22.00 at Bruce McKenzie Booksellers, George St Reviewed by Desiree Harvey Meet the rhyming pirate! He likes rhyming every word, while he sails around the ocean with his sidekick pirate bird, a cheeky kea. The book is bright and fun, and the kids will love the illustrations, which are truly a work of art. The words that accompany the images are easy for the kids to chant along with you, and there is a touch of humour when the pirate struggles to find a word to rhyme with carrot. Luckily, he finds one - and my 4 year old thought it was hilarious. You may well recognise the artist - the words and designs are all by NZ artist Glenn Jones who is responsible for many a kiwiana collaboration around the country. This book is a lovely addition to your children’s library that will be enjoyed by the younger kids, as well as those on their learning to read journey.
I V G E A K WAY O 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
15
th
March 2022
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 Natasha Napier
: s to
3
Entries for the next draw must be received by
who has won a copy of ‘The Fall of the Ball’
10 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
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.
WHAT’S ON... We recommend you call ahead and c he c k t ha t events are still happening with cur r e nt r e s trictions - a t the time of writing t he s e c o l umns these events were still advert i s e d a s s till happening.
p e r f u m e s , s o a p s , w oo d c r a f t , he a p s o f f u nk y c l o t hi ng, j e w e l l e r y l i k e y o u ’ v e ne v e r s e e n b e f o r e - s i l v e r , b e a d e d , f a s h i o n, b o he m i a n! K i d s t o y s , c r y s t a l s , ha t s , h a i r b r a i d i ng , m a s s a g e , he nna , a nd m u c h m u c h m or e ! ! !
Pre-schooler/under-110cm sessions Cloud 9 Trampoline Park, 37 Taonui St, Palmerston North 9am -10am Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursdays Under 110cm pass: $11.00 ea T he preschooler sessions provide two ho u r s o f exclusive u se of the park for u nd e r 1 1 0 cm kids that haven’t started school y e t . C o me along with your little one for a f u n m orning! F r e e fluffy and muffin for all kids jum p i ng, a c aregiver free per child. You can b o o k o nl i ne or you can just turn up on the d a y .
The Extravaganza Fair Railway Reserve, Main Street, Palmerston North Saturday 19 March 2022 9:00am and Sunday 20 March 2022 9:00am R o l l up. Roll up. Roll up! We l come to Season 7 of New Zeala nd ’ s l a r g est and most fabulous trave l l i ng f e s tival/fair! The Extravaganza Fair! T he Extravaga nza Fair is a commu n i t y c e ntred event with a creative a nd s u s tainable foc us. It is a family affair, F R EE EN TRY, fun day out with a full weeke nd ’ s f r e e entertainment. We bring a spark of fun, zero entry c o s t , gr a ssroots shows & old school va l u e s w hi ch is a thrill for young and old. U ni que & interesting market stalls, a r t s a nd craft, food, musical entertainm e n t , t he fabulous Ashton Family Circus, D y l a n D a i sy’s Magic Show, LuckyStar f r o m f e s tivals such as Splore, unique to NZ t i ny ho mes, solar power, kids shows & gam e s . W i t h our retro inspired sun shade lou nge s a nd hang out zones, you’ll want to sta y a l l d a y !!! A r t s, crafts and interesting market s t a l l s - r a nging from herbal remedies & nat u r a l ISSUE 304 . February | March 2022 11
PARK REVIEW
KOWHAI PARK FEILDING The new playground at Kohwai Park in Feilding has recently been completed so we went along to check it out. I loved that there was a carpark nice and close to the playground, which made it nice and easy to get everyone out of the car and to the playground safely. There are three big shade sails, a smaller fenced playground, and then a bigger playground with a flying fox. They are all
When the appeal of the playground had worn off, we sat under the shade sails right next to the playground to eat our morning tea, before wandering through the walkway and looking at the amazing fairy doors, castles, and mushrooms that have been painted and placed along there. We finished off at the duck pond where we were enthusiastically greeted by the ducks searching for some seed.
nice and close together so if you did have older children with you, it would be quite easy to supervise them on the bigger playground while also watching the young ones. With young children under 5 we spent most of our time on the smaller playground and I am so happy that there is now a fully fenced playground in Feilding! With multiple children this made it super easy to keep an eye on everyone. The playground has a good range of slides, steps, ladders & balance beams and my 2 & 3 year olds were quite happy exploring this on their own. We visited in the morning and it was already scorching hot, with not a lot of shade cover on the small playground so I would recommend packing sunhats, drink bottles, and sun screen! 12 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
WHAT NOBODY TELLS YOU
By Sarah Soteria www.medium.com/@sarahsoteria Trigger warning - Mental Health and Baby loss discussed. Since I had a history of depression in my teenage years we knew to be vigilant of it after my first pregnancy. One in five women suffer from postnatal depression, but they think it could also be more than that. My husband and I planned for my mum to fly down to visit us after he went back to work in the initial weeks. Amazingly the only down I felt was in the couple of days leading up to the birth, the baby blues came early. Before that, the whole pregnancy was not joyous, it was just hoping for a baby at all after being told early on in the pregnancy that I had miscarried, and then later that I may not carry her to term - all of this after two consecutive miscarriages. I was ready to give up trying, but miraculously, we got to the end of it with a healthy baby, which was more than we could have hoped for. I guess you could say I was just stunned, my psyche only just getting the opportunity to prepare for motherhood, having lost hope many times along the way. Once she arrived I was just relieved. Not falling in love and elated straight away, but purposely choosing to give my all to her until I was in
love. And so incredibly grateful that I had her. It lasted all the way up to her first year, when I decided to stop breastfeeding so that we could fall pregnant again. We’d been trying since she was 5 months old (crazy now that I think about it!). That’s when the low began. Because I became pregnant within a month of ending breastfeeding it is hard to tell what change caused it but most likely it was hormonal. I remember looking at the positive pregnancy test for the tenth trying month and feeling sad. I wanted this baby, I should’ve been elated, so why was I suddenly the opposite? I didn’t have much time to process my prenatal depression before I started miscarrying. I was at a bach with friends for my 30th birthday (a setting not too dissimilar from where I was told I had miscarried my previous daughter). Amazingly the contractions stopped after 2 days and a scan revealed the baby was still there. I continued to bleed up until 12 weeks, when I could finally start to believe that I might actually remain pregnant. During this tentative time I was also suffering from hyperemesis. Instinctively, without any prompting, my very young daughter learned to grab me a bowl when she sensed
Congratulates
Sinned Badenhorst 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
ISSUE 304 . February | March 2022 13
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
‘THAT UGLY BEAST’
I was about to vomit. My sadness and empty hopes turned to regret. Who wouldn’t regret bringing that on yourself, but I didn’t want to regret the baby. I tried to focus on hoping they would stay, but my prayers turned to fear and my ability to cope with sickness when I was depressed was low. Cry vomiting was a pastime. Anything in my throat made me vomit, including the water works. My days were often spent sitting hunched over in some random corner of the house where it overcame me. For the first time in my mothering journey, anxiety caged me into the four walls of my house. For the first time I started to not want to be a mother to my beloved daughter. It hurt me to feel that way and I knew I wasn’t myself. I lost my identity as a woman who loved being a mother to her child. It was agony. I remember in the early days of knowing this was depression, having to consciously choose to be a mother. To tell my brain to lift each corner of my mouth to smile, and to calculate and carry out every interaction with my 14 month old, because nothing came naturally. Even though a month earlier it all came so easily. I shared my struggle with prenatal depression with my close friend. The effect was lightening as I released some of the burden of going it alone. I also felt it easier to be honest with her about not enjoying motherhood. On the other hand, telling my husband was necessary, but devastating. I started practicing thought replacement techniques to help me confront
the feelings I didn’t want to feel (escape, sadness), with the feelings I did; choosing to see my daughter for who she was, a delightful child, and absorbing that until it felt more like joy again. Due to our previous miscarriages and the current uncertainty of this pregnancy, we chose to only tell two close friends before the 12 week mark. At the time I believed this was a way to protect my heart from some of the pain after loss. But in retrospect I feel like it was disempowering in so many ways, having to hide my condition and making us feel more alone. To have been more transparent, would’ve brought strength, and a collective support system, rather than quietly suffering. My husband was so worried about me during this time, and we realised how much we would struggle if we ended up actually having this baby. I had a strong feeling of being alone, whether this was our doing from being silent, or my own depression talking, I’m uncertain. One of my wishes when we first planned to start a family was that we would raise our kids close to my family. I became fixated on my parents being far away as a cause for my sadness and a cure. We turned to the offensive. Before we knew it, my husband was offered a job in the town of my parents and we were planning our 12 week pregnancy and leaving announcement party. Within a couple of weeks we were in Whangarei, my home town, living with my parents while our house purchase went through. There was
14 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
initially happiness as my parents tried to make up for lost time with their granddaughter. Quickly this turned to getting on with their usual lives and us as an inconvenience, and by the time we moved into our new place after 6 weeks with them, we felt alone again. There were no spontaneous visits from family, no invitations, and mostly rejections of invitations from our end. Two months later the lockdown hit. The baby’s growth started to become concerning at 25 weeks, my contractions started at 30 weeks, and we were filled with worry again about having a baby at all. I was so scared that we would lose her inside me, and the contractions served to irritate and tire my patience. I became fixated on getting her out. The endless walking and bouncing though came to no avail. She was so small and not growing much that they decided that by my due date she was better out than in, so at the end of lockdown, we got our baby. I remember her lying on my chest during the first 2 hours of life, crying constantly and not wanting to breastfeed. The feeling I had towards her cry was not like when I first became a mother. I remember thinking ‘oh no, I don’t want to do this’. I was really disappointed by this feeling. I wanted this baby and endured so much to get her, but I didn’t feel joy. The lockdown restrictions had lifted but they
may as well have stayed because nothing changed. We were still alone, and the arrival of another child in a new town didn’t change my feelings. Incredibly, the hyperemesis stayed for a year or so after the birth in a lesser capacity. Breastfeeding didn’t leave me elated like it did before. How could anyone get an oxytocin release when she would just scream and fuss and bite and refuse to feed? Although we joked that another baby couldn’t be harder than our first who had severe colic, reflux, and didn’t sleep, we were wrong. Our second surpassed these attributes in every way. As a woman I felt that this time my struggles needed to be transparent. I went to the doctors every 2 weeks because of the screaming. By the time she was one year old it had become just a monthly visit to remind them of her agony and ours. She had gastric oesophageal reflux disease, and an array of allergies, and weight gain was difficult. I had to give up breastfeeding abruptly at 10 months due to the extent of her allergies. This was disappointing for me, but at the time it felt like the only thing left that I could do to reduce her suffering. I often sensed that when talking to medical professionals about my baby, my honesty about my depression caused some clouding of their ISSUE 304 . February | March 2022 15
judgment. A depressed mother complaining about not being able to cope with her baby because the baby was so hard? Looking back, and even now, I wouldn’t doubt my testimony, but I hope that they didn’t doubt it either. Doctors would ask me ‘how are you coping?’ and I would say, ‘I’m not. But I’m safe and the baby is safe’. And we would talk about getting other people to help me, and we would come up blank, and I would say thank you and go home to my not coping life. I received many weeks of counseling, but it became more of a stress to go to than a relief. Throughout this time my husband was barely coping with the terrible job he had ended up taking to get us closer to my family. He became increasingly burnt out, and overtaken by the toxicity of his work environment. All the while trying to help me with the scant energy and time he had left. If I thought one baby was hard, I was even more overwhelmed with 2 kids under 2. In my current state, any level of struggle he shared with me was met with sharp words on my part. I couldn’t see beyond my own inability to cope in order to empathise with his. He could tell I was beyond able to be supportive, and without a support system himself, he too fell into a difficult place.
Eventually the levels of stress and unhappiness became so intense that we knew we needed to break the cycle. I loved my parents, but I knew if we were to continue living so close to them without the time with them that I needed, I would grow irreversibly bitter. My husband was so far gone in his job that he didn’t think he could work another job if he stayed to work out the last few months of the year. We were already in survival mode, coming up two years trying to make it work in this town and we were still sinking, so we turned to the offensive again. While I was in hospital with baby, now a year old, my husband was offered 2 jobs back in Palmerston North. I remember a long phone conversation as I held an oxygen mask to her face while she slept. We were trying to decide everything, which job to take, whether to sell our house, when to break the news to everyone. The conversation was fruitful and level headed, I remember feeling impressed that we managed to have it when we were at such a low point and in such a great amount of stress. Perhaps it was the promise of a change on the horizon, or that these issues we were having were actually beginning to take on shape rather than just being an internal struggle. Moving gave us an opportunity to share a narrative with others as to why. While having
16 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
baby in hospital brought our struggles into the light, turning my exhaustion into a strange and momentary peace in the midst of the storm. The job change was slower this time. Three exhausting months of preparing and winding down our lives there. We were worried we would be nothing but shells by the time we arrived back in Palmerston North. But the town we had grown to love during our early marriage didn’t fail to charm us again; we were happy to be back. We enjoyed making up for lost time with our closest friends, actually living in their basement semipermanently, or as long as we could keep it up! But the honeymoon period wore off within a few weeks and I felt the familiar acquaintance of my depression coming back unwelcomed. We were in a good place. My spirit wanted to be happy, but I was not. It was so frustrating to have it come back when we had gone so far to change our circumstances. But the change had resulted in the depression being caught, rather than going on unnoticed in a whirlwind of stressful circumstances. For the first time, I noticed my tone, with the kids and with my husband. It was something that up until this point I had never been able to notice myself doing. I apologised and told him that I was feeling depressed and that I didn’t want to have that tone with anyone.
Somehow, along the way, my parenting had become harsh and cold, something that I didn’t even have in me when he married me. I did always regret the way I acted towards him and the kids, wishing myself to be more warm and loving, but putting out a rough exterior instead. I suppose it was the way I protected myself and got through not coping. And even now that my husband is home with me and the kids 4 days a week, it still prevails and pervades me. During the early days with baby, the counsellor used to assure me I wasn’t depressed, that it was all circumstantial and I just needed to find a way to get through it or to change my circumstances. Now I know that my depression never really left me since I weaned my first child and became pregnant with her. My husband tells me that was also when the harsh Sarah started. To think, a woman can become a person she never wanted to be, nor noticed she was becoming. That she could live her whole life not knowing, not dealing with her depression face on for what it is. I don’t want to miss out like that. I wanted my life before this depression, so I’m not going to let that ugly acquaintance keep taking my joy from me. And I will take pride in knowing that I choose to be the best mum I can be despite my depression, and I will try to find joy again when it is taken away without admission.
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: Palmerston North Parents Centre, 117 Ruahine Street, info@palmyparentscentre.org.nz. Please pay in cash. Full terms and conditions supplied upon inquiry. Note: TEENS pads are reusable, you can purchase new TENS pads for $35.
ISSUE 304 . February | March 2022 17
BIRTH STORY
INSTANT LOVE... OUR DAUGHTER’S ARRIVAL By Anon My mother always likes to remind me that I was born two weeks postdates, and I was pretty sure that my own baby would follow suit. Sure enough, the due date came and went, and time slowed down to a crawl. I was feeling really impatient and just wanted to meet our daughter! Six days postdates my midwife attempted a stretch and sweep; not a pleasant experience, but it seemed to get things started. I had bloody show, and in the evening I started to get tightenings. I went to bed convinced that these faint pains would develop into labour. No such luck. Then eight days postdates my waters broke. Just a trickle really, but again I went to bed excited that things were definitely going to get started. The next morning I woke up perplexed. No more waters leaking, and no labour pains. My midwife advised going into hospital for a checkup. Tests and ultrasound showed that I had indeed lost some amniotic fluid, and baby was doing just fine. However, due to the risk of infection, they recommended induction if labour didn’t get underway soon. I was given the choice
Nurturing,loving, consistent relationships which provide the foundations that children need in order to develop and flourish
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of being induced there and then, or coming back to hospital the next day if labour didn’t get started on its own overnight. I didn’t fancy another night of waiting so I decided on immediate induction. One dose of gel was inserted and I was told, “This probably won’t work and then we’ll need to give you another dose in the morning, so try and rest.” Fat chance of that! Within a couple of hours I was having strong and regular contractions. What I remember most clearly is a fierce burning sensation in my lower back. Mentally, I found the start of each contraction was the worst, because I knew it was only going to build in intensity. At the peak of each contraction, although the pain was at its worst, I felt calmer knowing that it would soon die away. Initially they were far enough apart that I could smile and joke between contractions, and I was still able to stand. When I had discussed my birth plan with my midwife I had said that I wanted to remain as upright and active as possible during my labour, but I only managed to complete one lap of the labour ward before things got too intense for me to walk around. The hospital midwives hooked me up to the foetal monitor at that stage, which limited walking and moving anyway.I loved hearing my baby’s heartbeat, and found it really reassuring. It also gave me something to focus on. By early evening my contractions were coming right on top of each other, with no time for recovery in between. I was shaking with exertion, and kept on vomiting every time I tried to lay down. Dehydration became an issue and so I was hooked up to an IV. Gas and air helped a little bit - the rubber mouthpiece was great to chomp on! I managed to spend some time sitting on a swiss ball rather than leaning on the bed, and the rest of my waters came out in a rush all over the floor. Birth can be messy! I had my eyes clenched shut through most of this time, but my poor partner saw it all. All I can remember clearly from this stage was his voice, calm and clear, urging me to breathe more slowly. One of the most amazing things to come from my birth experience was the closeness I felt with him. Going through such an intense experience together really does transform your relationship to another level. By around 10pm I had reached my limit and I requested an epidural. Unfortunately, due to low staffing in the ward I wasn’t able to receive one straight away. Then two women in the labour ward had emergencies,
18 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
which meant that all available staff were called away to help them. It ended up being two more hours before I received the epidural. While I was waiting my midwife gave me some fentanyl to try and reduce my pain, but I don’t remember it being much help. The epidural was amazing! Within minutes of it taking effect I was able to lay down comfortably and relax. Then an internal examination revealed I was at 8cm, wahoo! I felt great to know that during all that pain I had achieved something. Surely I would get to meet my baby soon. My labour stalled. Contractions died away, not that I could feel anything. I was hooked up to the syntocinon drip to try and get things going again, and the hospital midwives advised me to try and get some sleep. But I was still too excited, and since the midwives would pop in frequently to check our vitals, it’s no wonder I didn’t sleep a wink. All night my partner and I waited, talking quietly to each other, our baby’s heartbeat thrumming away in the background. In the morning I was examined again several times, by several different doctors, but I was still at 8-9cm. My cervix was swelling rather than dilating - we found out later it was because my daughter’s head was jammed against it sideways. Throughout the second half of my pregnancy I’d tried a lot of exercises to keep her in a good position for labour but she obviously had other ideas! By mid-morning it was clear I wasn’t going to dilate any further, and by now there was meconium in the waters and baby’s heart rate indicated she was going into distress. It was time for a caesarean section. The midwives and doctors were wonderfully supportive. I didn’t feel stressed or pressured into anything. We were making the right choice for our baby. The surgery itself was remarkably quick, and there was a happy, relaxed atmosphere in the operating theatre. Hearing my daughter’s first cry was fantastic. She arrived at midday, over 20 hours since my induction started. Another special moment was seeing my partner have the first
cuddle. He’d never held a baby before! Then she was brought over to me and I got to stare into her beautiful wide eyes for the first time. Instant love. I want women to know that even if their births do not go according to their birth plan, and end up being very medicalised, they can still be a positive experience. The most important thing to me was the safe arrival of a healthy baby. I was pleasantly surprised by how smoothly my physical recovery went in the weeks following the birth.
As part of the Kind Hearts Movement
d n i K ea ts H
has bestowed a random act of kindness upon
Sacha Lipinski You will each receive a free coffee voucher! Don’t forget to pay it forward! Streetwise Coffee Cart, Rangitikei Street, Palmerston North
ISSUE 304 . February | March 2022 19
FEATURE
SELF DIRECTED PLAY FOR BABIES By Ella Diprose We love our babies and we know how beneficial it is for them to have lots of interactive time with us, having cuddles, singing to them, making eye contact, and reading books. But as well as enjoying time with our babies, us parents need a break sometimes to have a hot drink or a few minutes to get the washing folded or the dishwasher unloaded. Some parents may feel there is no other way to get a break or get dinner cooked in the evening than to put your baby, toddler, or kids in front of the TV. I am not against this, and I freely admit that I give my almost 2 year old daughter small amounts of TV some days because it does keep her entertained. What I want to suggest is a healthier and safer way to get a break which will also positively impact your child’s brain and body development: Self directed play time. My baby is at an age, at 5 months, where he is more vocal and chatty. It is so cute and also can be more demanding. He wants me with him, holding him, bouncing him on my knee, or helping him stand up to look at things. This can get exhausting and it can feel like you put them down on their play mat and a few seconds later the grizzle or protest starts and they want to be with you again. This isn’t something bad, this is our babies communicating to us, and is developmentally normal. It means they have a strong, secure attachment to us.
some more?” and I pick him up and reassure him. When he’s calm, I pop him on his back on the floor again. It’s so hard to resist moving a toy closer to them or shaking a rattle to entertain them, but by sitting back and giving them time we are helping them to do what they are born to do: explore and learn. Babies are born with an innate ability to explore, discover, and imagine and they know how to play. When we give them lots of daily time for self directed play we are giving them opportunities to learn and grow. It’s about showing respect for your baby and trusting them to learn at their own pace. Making sure your baby has a 100% safe space that’s gated off to play in and move around is key to self directed play. This means they aren’t off getting into every room in the house, if they’re up to the crawling stage. This can take a little bit of thought to set up and prepare but is worth it. For me, with a baby and a toddler I have to have a space where I can separate them so that my 5 month old is safe from his big sister, who loves him so much but can love him too much and wants to cuddle and almost smother him. Otherwise, it simply wouldn’t be safe to leave them in the lounge together for a couple of minutes while I’m in the kitchen.
But it’s also ok to help our babies to have time independent of us, even if it means starting with a few minutes at a time. So, what does self directed play look like for a baby? During his awake and alert time, after my son is fed and burped and changed if needed, I put him on a play mat on his back. He instantly rolls onto his tummy now that he’s learned this skill. I put some toys or loose parts that are safe and age appropriate around him. Then I sit by him and just watch. To start with if your baby is used to you playing with them and showing them the toys or holding them often they may protest. I always respond when my baby is communicating, so I chat to my boy and say, “Yes this is different to how we normally play. You sound frustrated.” I get down to his level and show him I’m still there. If he’s still grizzling and clearly not enjoying it, I say “Do you need a cuddle with mama before you want to play 20 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
Candie Hastie-Hunt
My baby goes in a playpen if my older daughter is awake and when I can’t watch them both, and my toddler has the lounge to roam around in which I’ve baby proofed. They both have access to a small selection of loose parts and toys and they choose what toys they want to play with. I rotate the loose parts every few days to keep a sense of novelty, but I always keep their favourite toys out that get played with every day. A big thing I’m learning is trust - to trust that my son will move his body the way he wants to and trust that when he needs help or needs me he will let me know. I’m learning to trust that he can start to problem solve. If he’s trying to get a toy just out of reach, he will learn to try rolling over to get it, or to start
using his legs or arms to push or move himself to get it. Giving him the freedom to move and explore helps him to self direct his play. It can be so tempting to step in and help our babies - say if they’re rolling over but they’re stuck halfway, to help them over or if they’re grizzling, to just hand them a toy - but by waiting and watching to see what they will do, it’s giving them time to start being more independent. Instilling the habit of self directed play isn’t a quick fix and takes time and patience to cultivate. But it will be so worth it in the long run! 5 minutes of play can build up to 10-15 minutes of self directed play where your baby or toddler is choosing what and how they learn.
ISSUE 304 . February | March 2022 21
PRODUCT REVIEW
WIND AND COLIC RELIEF Wind is a commonly discussed topic among mums with newborns or young babies. Some babies are definitely affected by and in pain when a burp is stuck in their tummy, and other babies don’t seem to get bothered by it. Babies get wind by swallowing tiny air bubbles when feeding, which become trapped, causing pressure and discomfort in the stomach. I asked my mum friends whether they used any natural remedies or medicines for wind or colic and if they work or were they just a waste of money? There are a number of products recommended and they all work slightly differently. All are given at different times and in different dosages and can be different for breastfed or bottle fed babies. You may personally find that this influences what will suit you and your little one more than the product itself.
Rhuger
Rhuger retails at $29.50 and is available at most pharmacies. This product is also highly rated by myself and other mums. Some parents found, however, that over time their baby built up a tolerance to it and it became less effective. It has a three way action on the surface of the stomach and gut by relaxing the smooth muscle, releasing trapped air, emptying the stomach, and aiding the passage of contents through the gut.
Colic Calm Homeopathic Gripe Water is developed to provide effective and instant relief from a range of infant digestive ailments. These include colic, gas pain, baby reflux, upset stomach, and hiccups.
Rhuger is best given before feeds and in small frequent doses. It is most effective when the dose is warmed to body temperature. This can be done by warming a teaspoon with hot water, or by using a little expressed breastmilk, before administering directly to your baby. Rhuger can be added to formula or given during feeds.
This product is the most expensive and retails for $49.99 for a 59ml bottle. I found it didn’t help my boy but other mums in my antenatal group said it worked really well for their babies.
Rhuger works mostly on the surface of the gut wall, so it may require you to give doses before every feed for several days in order to begin to see improvements.
This infant gripe water also works to support your baby’s delicate digestive system as it develops. Colic Calm Homeopathic Gripe Water gently encourages your infant’s body to heal itself rather than suppressing the symptoms of digestive discomfort and associated ailments. It says it is for baby gas relief, colic, reflux, and hiccups.
If you are using a dropper to administer the dose, use 5-10 drops or by syringe use 1 to 2 mls with equal amount of boiled water from jug. The ginger works faster to relieve colic and reflux symptoms if warmed up. Direct dose with a syringe into baby’s mouth.
Colic calm
22 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
Gripe water
Woodwards Gripe water was another remedy that some mums gave positive reviews. This retails at $7.79 for a 150ml bottle.
If your doctor has ruled out these medical issues and your baby is still extremely fussy or colicky, there are some other things you can try before resorting to the use of herbal remedies. • Swaddling your baby, providing they are not rolling, so they feel snug and secure. • Wearing your baby in a sling or carrier around the house when they are fussy • Using white noise can sometimes help • Learning to massage your baby’s tummy gently, using circular motion to help move gas • Gently and slowly bicycle your baby’s legs to see if the movement helps move gas along • Try walking or dancing with your baby as movement can help babies during fussy times. We hope you find these reviews helpful for you and your baby.
It contains oil of Dill herb and Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate and brings relief of wind and gripe. Dill Oil warms and relaxes the tummy, breaking down trapped air bubbles. Sodium Hydrogen Carbonate neutralises acid in the baby’s tummy. The results are usually a resounding burp! It’s important to note that, just like other herbal products, there is a lack of standardization of gripe water. So different brands of gripe water contain slightly different variations of ingredients. You should discuss with your GP, Plunket Nurse, or Well Child provider use of any of these to ensure they are appropriate for your baby. Back in my mum’s day she used gripe water, but then it had ingredients like alcohol and sugar. Most gripe water products on the market nowadays are alcohol and sugar free but you have to be careful to check the ingredients list to be sure. There are no scientific studies to support the effectiveness of gripe water, it’s mostly from anecdotal stories from parents who have found it helpful. It is important to always read the label with any product being used on your little one to ensure correct dosage and that it is being used as it was intended. The above reviewed products also have minimum age requirements ranging from newborn to 1 month old. If you have a baby who is unusually fussy, has problems with digestion, or you suspect has colic, it is best to work with a doctor or paediatrician to try to find a solution. There may be an underlying medical condition, such as acid reflux or food sensitivity, that can be treated.
Infacol
This product has been highly rated by myself and many friends. It retails for $19.99 for a 50ml bottle and you can get it from Countdown. Sometimes it’s even on special for $16. It is suitable to use from 1 month old onwards and is one of the most affordable wind remedies. Infacol is specially formulated drops to help relieve wind, griping pain, and reduce the severity of crying attacks associated with colic. Simethicone is the active ingredient in Infacol and it causes the small bubbles of gas in the baby’s stomach to join together. This forms a larger bubble which can be easily expelled. It can either be added into a bottle or directly into the baby’s mouth before breastfeeding. It can be used up to 12 times a day when they are under 2 years old.
ISSUE 304 . February | March 2022 23
FEATURE
CAMPING WITH KIDS By Helene Stock During the Summer months, our whānau love nothing more than to get out into nature and to create memories that last a lifetime. The best times are shared with our close friends who enjoy camping and finding the best swimming holes, just as much as we do. We are a family of 5 (plus our old lady dog); our tamariki are 9,5, and 4,so it absolutely pays to be organised! We make sure before we set off that we create lists of all the essential items that we will need, a food list and extras list.
We get the kids to pack a bag to take along with them too - this usually consists of drawing books, colouring pencils,playing cards and their fidgets. To be honest though, they generally stay packed up as they are too busy going on adventures and immersing themselves in nature. Jess xo
Some great items to have on your essential list are a 20ltr water bottle and a blanket for underneath the beds. A blanket for underneath the beds helps to minimise the cold rising up during the nights. I am someone that needs extra warmth when camping,so I make sure to also pack thermal socks and a warm beanie to prevent heat from escaping. Our top food items are a pre-prepared dinner for the first night, a chilly bin and frozen bottles of water, perfect to keep food cold and use for later on during the camping trip. There is nothing worse than getting to your campsite, setting up, then having to prep and cook food. So be sure to cook a dish that can be heated on the BBQ or over a fire. My top 3 prepared kai are bacon and egg pie, foil nachos, or wraps - such a time and sanity saver after wrestling with tent poles! Our extras list usually consists of fairy lights, a clothes airer and if we are going to a campground with lots of space and tracks,our bikes! Fairy lights are great for creating calming and cozy spaces in the tent and adds an element of home for our kids. The clothes airer personally I would put on the essentials list - they are great for when you get back from the river, quickly strip off the togs to let them dry, before putting them back on again in the afternoon, rather than trying to find a big enough tree to put all your whānau togs on! 24 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
Above all, try and go with the flow, camping with tamariki is beautiful chaos, spending quality time with the ones you love, all while creating the best memories with a heap of experiences to grow with.
YOU WILL NEED: • Green card • Yellow card • Brown Card • (If you don’t have any card, don’t panic. This can be easily made using paint on paper!) • Brown felt pen • Scissors • Pencil • Some plain paper for your background STEP ONE: Cut out the stem and leaves, then stick them to your background. STEP TWO: Trace around each child’s hands between 4-6 times onto yellow card, then cut out & stick onto the background above the stem. STEP THREE: Cut a circle of brown card and stick in the middle of your flower, then have fun drawing seeds on with your brown felt pen.
ISSUE 304 . February | March 2022 25
CRAFT
SUNFLOWER HANDPRINT CRAFT
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
26 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
ISSUE 304 . February | March 2022 27
28 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
ISSUE 304 . February | March 2022 29
FAMILY FRIENDLY OUTING
QUEEN ELIZABETH PARK This edition’s family friendly outing takes us an hour drive away from Palmerston North. We didn’t even plan to go! We had wanted to visit Pūkaha National Wildlife Centre due to a previous review in this magazine. It was also one of those ridiculously hot days not long after Christmas, so the thought of spending a while in an air conditioned car rather appealed. The universe decided that Pūkaha was not going to happen that day, so we continued into Masterton, no idea what to do next. A quick google told us to go to the park. “Why not? We’re already here. It seems a bit sad that the main attraction in Masterton is a park though” Boy. Were. We. Wrong. This park has everything for everyone. I don’t believe it’s possible to go to this park and not find something you’d enjoy doing. Through a lot of trial and error of writing this, the best way to tell you seems to be a list. • There’s a huge playground for kids, well designed for prams, and a gated area of the playground for babies and toddlers. •
Large areas of field for picnics and backyard cricket games
•
Lots of bridges for those toddlers that have obsessions with them
•
Mini golf - $8 for adult, $5 for under 18
•
A really decent flying fox that I was very tempted to go on until I realised that I am way too tall and would probably KO myself at the end
•
A miniature train, full of coal, steam, tunnels - and only $1 a ticket!
•
Paddleboats for hire to go out on the
lake, starting at $16 for 20 minutes •
A cafe, with icecream certified by my 10 month old to be delicious
Funnily enough, being the sunburning machine that I am, one of the best things I liked about the park was the trees. They were very well placed around the park so that you could be on parts of the playground, have a picnic etc while being shaded. I am proud to say that I did not finish the day looking like a lobster (and some decent sunscreen helped a lot). If you’re wanting a day trip, this is the place to go. There’s no way you could be disappointed with your outing. I didn’t even say all the things that you can do at this park! There’s just that many options available to you. Pack up the fam and go enjoy yourself. 10/10 – almost considered moving to Masterton for this park.
30 PALMY PARENT . PALMERSTON NORTH PARENTS CENTRE MAGAZINE
ISSUE 304 . February | March 2022 31
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
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Link Arcade, Broadway Avenue Palmerston North Ph: 06 358 1309
Want to see your advert here? Contact palmyparent@hotmail.com
ISSUE 304 . February | March 2022 33
PLAYGROUPS IN YOUR AREA Plunket Family Centre Playgroup
ASHHURST
Ashhurst Playcentre
AWAPUNI/WESTEND Kingston St Chapel Palmy Playgroup
CENTRAL
Crossroads Early Childhood Salvation Army Rudolf Steiner Seventh Day Adventist Church Playgroup with Hope
FEILDING
Feilding Playcentre Community Fielding Playcentre Doodlebugs SPACE Bright Sparks Preschool Programme
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. 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
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 304 . February | March 2022 35
Palmy Parents Centre is excited to have Puddleducks on board as our newest Gold level sponsor
Locally and family owned and operated 7 centres throughout the Manawatu including a Montessori Pre-school and our Puddleducks’ Private Kindergarten. Centrally located. Spaces available now!
Enquire Today
0800 897 382
enquiries@puddleducks.co.nz PuddleducksPreschool
www.puddleducks.co.nz
