Baby Feature 2022

INSIDE

Over 60 Babies born in Wairarapa in 2022

Welcome to the 2022 baby feature

Congratulations to the proud mums, dads and grandparents who submitted photos of their babies: all 67 of them!

Mums with new babies can cast their minds back to the months of carrying their babies - morning sickness that sometimes lasted all day, body changes as baby grew, and then there was the birth itself. And it was all worth it. Whether mums of new babies are parenting on their own or

have partners to help with the parenting, the arrival of baby will have changed their lives. The ten best things about being a parent are listed on one website as:

1 You get to play again.

2 Children can be so funny and so awe inspiring.

3 You can use them as a reason for getting out of doing things.

4 You can start wearing comfortable cotton briefs and wonder why you ever wore thongs (maybe this one only applies to mothers).

5 Other mums - they can help you feel normal when you can’t cope with lack of sleep and a crying baby.

6 You toughen up - finding strength you never knew you had. Even if you’re sick, sleep-deprived, stressed or feeling low, you somehow manage to get up, get dressed and take care of your family.

7 You stay fit because you’ll never sit down and relax again for many years.

8 Coffee – it is to parents what spinach is to Popeye.

9 Cuddles from children – you’ll feel warm with love and a sense of being exactly where you need to be.

10 You strive to be the best person you can be.

For many of us, the toughest thing about parenting is juggling demands – the need for money, time at work, endless chores, the needs of our other children, demands from other family and friends – as well as the 24/7 demands of a baby. Whether we work or not, the attractions and disadvantages of childcare options can weigh heavily on our minds as parents.

One young mum says: “Our first child started at day care part-time when he was six months old. There can be a lot of pressure from ourselves and

Labour of love January

others around placing children in care this young, we all want to do the right thing for our children and our families, and it can be hard to weigh up what exactly that looks like.

“There can be that narrative about having other people ‘raising our child’. For me, having my son attend day care part-time gave me the space to start to be myself again, and to be a better parent. He has also learnt so much from being at day care and interacting with other children. He’s had opportunities and experiences would have struggled to give him.

“In hindsight, it was probably more difficult for me than it was for my son to make the transition to childcare,” she says.

And grandparents, if they’re local, can be a blessing. “They play a hugely important role in my son’s life and the bond he has with them is beautiful to see.”

FINDING A MIDWIFE

Are you pregnant and looking for a midwife? This handy website from the College of Midwives gives you lots of local options: www.findyourmidwife.co.nz/ midwives/wairarapa.

CHOOSING A HOSPITAL BIRTH

You can choose where you have your baby. In Wairarapa, the options are at home or in hospital. Talk to your midwife or specialist doctor about your preferences. To learn more about having your baby at home, visit www.homebirth. org.nz/your-home-birth/.

Most women in New Zealand, however, give birth in hospital, with a midwife or midwives by their side. If you have pregnancy complications or need specialist support, you will be encouraged to give birth in hospital. Packing a hospital bag in advance for both mum and baby can reduce last minute stress.

WHAT TO PACK FOR MUM:

 Clothing – comfortable clothing to labour in, high waisted black cotton undies, pyjamas, comfy trousers, cardigan, a going home outfit, socks, breastfeeding singlets, bras, and pads

 Toilet Bag – all the essentials including sanitary pads

 Other necessaries – such as your phone charger and medications. Your partner or support person may need a change of clothes too

WHAT TO PACK FOR BABY:

 Clothing – beanie, singlets bodysuits, pants, cardigans, socks/booties, warm outfit for going home in etc

 Newborn nappies and water or reusable wipes

 Blankets/Wraps – for swaddling, for warmth, for carrying baby if they are unsettled And don’t forget a car seat for the day you go home.

ELIZABETH (BETTY) ESTHER BALFOUR

WEIGHT 8lb 13oz

A KEY STEP IN KEEPING YOUR PEPE AND TAMARIKI SAFE. WE ASSIST IN INSTALLING FOR FIRST TIME PARENTS AND ANYONE ELSE IN THE COMMUNITY TRANSPORTING PRECIOUS CARGO!

OUR CLINICS ARE HELD BY QUALIFIED CAR SEAT TECHNICIANS AT THE FOLLOWING LOCATIONS:

MASTERTON

FIRST FRIDAY OF THE MONTH @ MASTERTON PLUNKET, CNR BUNNY ST & WORKSOP ROAD 10:00AM-12:00PM

FEATHERSTON

SECOND FRIDAY OF THE MONTH IN

FEB / MAY / AUG / NOV @FEATHERSTON PLUNKET WALLACE ST 10:00AM-12:00PM

Breastfeeding

February

ESMAE MARY WALSH

DOB 14/02/22

WEIGHT 9lb 4oz

Little sister to Xavier

GRACE MARY-ISOBEL DENCH

DOB 01/02/22

WEIGHT 6lb 9oz

Full of smiles that brighten her family’s day

CASEY WILLIAM HOLDEN

DOB 14/02/22

WEIGHT 7lb 14oz

AMOS TEAO ALLEN

DOB 11/02/22

WEIGHT 6lb 4oz

Amos means “God carries” Our fourth loved boy!

WILLOW IYLAH-NICOLE WILLIAMS-SCOTT

DOB 15/02/22

WEIGHT 7lb 1oz

COOPER GRANT DUDLEY

DOB 13/02/22

WEIGHT 10lb 1oz

to Isaac, Sophia and Lulu

NATHAN IAN DAGG

DOB 11/04/22

WEIGHT 9lb

Our cheeky little Chestnut

DOB 12/04/22 WEIGHT 10lb 12oz

Loved little brother for Lily and Jock

DOB 27/04/22

WEIGHT 7lb 15oz

Adorable wee man

April

Breastfeeding provides your baby with all the nutrition they need to grow in the first six months. Plunket advises that it’s generally the best food because it’s easy for your baby to digest. It adapts to your baby’s needs, is the right temperature, and it’s free.

Breast milk provides important benefits for your baby including protection from infections, higher IQ scores, and a reduction in chronic diseases such as diabetes and obesity.

PLUNKET

Books). Contact Isa on 021 08424782 or email wairarapa@lalecheleague.org.nz.

BREASTFEEDING WAIRARAPA

This community network supports you as a Mum to breastfeed. It offers breastfeeding support and helpful tips for breastfeeding mothers.

Check out their Facebook page, call 06 377 9130 or attend a weekly ‘Little Latch On’ session held each Tuesday, 10am at Wairarapa Maternity, 9 Russell Street, Masterton.

BREASTFEEDING

IN PUBLIC

The right for women to breastfeed in public is protected as a human right under the Human Rights Act 1993. Women are able to breastfeed their baby anywhere, anyplace, anytime.

RETURNING TO WORK AND BREASTFEEDING

Our Valentine’s Day

Little sister to Xavier Little Sister to four Proud Big Brothers

March

What’s in a Name?

Our names are considered an important part of our identity. They can carry deep personal, cultural, familial, and historical connections. They also give us a sense of who we are, the communities in which we belong, and our place in the world.

Our names are more than just the labels we respond to. They represent our identity.

Sharing our names with others can help connect us to our extended family and create a sense of community.

The most popular baby names in Aotearoa

New Zealand are:

 Girls (2022): Isla, Charlotte, Amelia, Lily, Mila, Ava, Willow, Olivia, Harper, and Sophie.

The name Isla has been in the top three most popular names every year since 2016. Olivia has been in the top ten most popular names ten years in a row.

 Māori girls (kōtiro) 2021: Mia, Aria, Aurora, Maia, Amaia, Kiara, Kaia, Amara, Kora, and Maria.

 Gender neutral (2022): Riley.

 Boys (2022): Oliver, Noah, Jack, Leo, Luca, Theodore, George, Charlie, Hudson, and William. Hudson is new to the list of most popular names.

 Māori boys (tama) 2021: Nikau, Ari, Niko, Koa, Mateo, Keanu, Mikaere, Manaia, Kairo, and Kiwa.

Retrospective: The First Year

Melissa* took six months off work when Jack* was born, making good use of paid parental leave entitlements.

“I would have liked longer, but finances wouldn’t allow it.” When she did return to work, however, Melissa was lucky enough to be able to do parttime hours.

Like many, Melissa lives in a blended family. Her husband’s son from a prior relationship lives with them part of the time. She also has a bevy of nieces and nephews, so she’d had prior experience looking after babies and toddlers.

“I felt more confident with Jack because of that.”

“The hardest thing is lack of sleep, especially when you need to perform at work. But you can’t stress about it.”

Melissa took the advice of a sleep coach and sat near Jack while he was dropping off to sleep, without engaging with him. “He knew he wasn’t alone, so let himself go to sleep.”

There is nothing surer than change with a little one.

Melissa has “loved every stage of Jack’s growth. haven’t wanted any of the stages to end.”

* Not their real names.

Breastfeeding isn’t always easy, however, and it can take up to six weeks to establish. A page on Plunket’s website is devoted to breastfeeding problems and their solutions. Visit www. plunket.org.nz/caring-for-yourchild/feeding/breastfeeding/ breastfeeding-problems-andsolutions/.

If you’re finding breastfeeding painful or are worried about something such as lumps on your breast or low milk supply, it’s a good idea to talk to your midwife or Plunket nurse as soon as possible. Or call PlunketLine, day or night, on 0800 933 922.

LA LECHE LEAGUE NZ

La Leche League also helps mothers with breastfeeding. Visit La Leche’s website: https://lalecheleague.org.nz/

La Leche breastfeeding mums and their babies and toddlers meet in the Wairarapa on the first Friday of each month between 10.30 and noon. The venue is The Parenting Lounge, Fitzherbert St, Featherston (behind Loco Coffee and

Many mums go back to work and keep breastfeeding their babies. Breastfeeding at work is protected by the Employment Relations Act 2000. By law, as far as reasonable, employers are required to:

 Give you unpaid breaks to breastfeed your baby or express milk at work.

 Provide you facilities to do this.

BREASTFEEDING A BABY WITH FOOD ALLERGIES

Even a baby who has never had any food besides breast milk may show signs of food allergy including diarrhoea, bloody stools, vomiting, colic, eczema, constipation, and poor growth.

Babies can develop allergies to foods you are eating while you are breastfeeding.

SAMUEL DAVID MCKENZIE

CHESTER SAM CRAIG

July

Safety first

Taking care of your child can be a full-time job, and safety around the house is critical. Top risks to children in the home come from suffocation, strangulation, choking, burns, drowning, falls, and poisoning. And there are lots of hazards around the home you may not notice until you become a parent – dangling cords, plastic bags, and hot drinks, to name just a few. Some of these don’t become a problem until your wee one is a bit more mobile, but some things are an immediate hazard. Each year, sudden and unexplained death of an infant during sleep affects 40 to 50 babies. Safe sleep practices are:

1 Place baby in their own baby bed in the same room as their parent or caregiver for at least the first six months.

2 Eliminate smok ing in pregnancy and protect baby with a smokefree whānau (family), whare (home) and waka (car).

3 Position baby flat on their back to sleep, with their face clear.

4 Encourage and suppor t breastfeeding and the gentle handling of baby.

SOPHIE O'DONOGHUE

KIANA ATAAHUA ROSEMAN

DOB 05/05/22

WEIGHT 7lb 6oz

On this night, the stars shined a little brighter

DOB 09/05/22

WEIGHT 5lb

Coming into this world with a glowing smile

DOB 14/05/22

WEIGHT 8lb 9oz

MATILDA MARTINE ALEXIA DOOLAN-LONG

ROMY MAY HEPBURN

DOB 03/07/22

WEIGHT 7lb 6oz

Danny & Tayla’s sweet little girl

OLLIE

baby brother to Noah

Show me the money

DOB 23/05/22

WEIGHT 9lb

Thankful for a safe arrival on Opa's Birthday

VIOLET SKEET

DOB 28/05/22

WEIGHT 7lb

My first Christmas with the whanau

June

DOB 31/05/22

WEIGHT 8lb 1oz

Adored by Adelaide, Josh, and big sister Aurora

For many families, juggling caring for babies and having enough money to live on can be a stressor. Go to www. smartstart.services. govt.nz/financial-help/ financial-help-checker to see if you might be eligible for assistance. The figures published here are accurate as at March 2023 but are subject to change.

PAID PARENTAL LEAVE

Paid parental leave helps make up for lost income when you have a new baby. Whether you’re employed or self-employed, you can be eligible for payments matching your ordinary or average weekly income up to a weekly maximum. This assistance is available for 26 weeks.

BEST START

Best Start is a payment of $69 a week for families supporting a newborn baby. Families who qualify for Best Start can receive the payment until their baby turns one, no matter how much they earn.

If you receive paid parental leave payments, however, you are not eligible for the Best Start payment for the period of paid parental leave. if you’re receiving a benefit, let Work and Income know about your child’s birth. They’ll set up your Best Start payments and let you know about any changes to your benefit. Families can receive Best Start payments until their child turns three in some situations.

WORKING FOR FAMILIES: FAMILY TAX CREDIT

This is a payment for each dependent child under 18 years of age. You can be

EMMETT GEORGE GIDDENS

DOB 07/07/22

WEIGHT 9lb 3oz

Gorgeous wee boy of Mini and Liv

eligible for this whether you are in paid work (through IRD) or receive a benefit (through Work and Income). How much you receive depends on your family income, the number of children you have and whether you have a shared care arrangement for your children.

WORKING FOR FAMILIES: MINIMUM FAMILY TAX CREDIT

This is for families whose annual income after tax is less than around $34,000 and is claimed through IRD. To be eligible, sole parents must be working at least 20 hours per week and couples at least 30 hours per week between

IVY DEBORAH HOPKIRK

DOB 14/07/22

WEIGHT 6lb

Little cousin to Nellie

them. This tax credit tops up your family’s after-tax weekly income to at least $658 from 1 April 2023.

CHILD CARE SUBSIDY

Childcare Subsidy is a payment from Work and Income to help families with the cost of preschool childcare. If you’re not working, studying, or training, the subsidy is paid for up to nine hours of childcare a week. You may be able to get up to 50 hours of subsidy a week if you’re working, studying or on an approved training course.

JED WILLIAM LUCAS

DOB 30/07/22

WEIGHT 9lb

So very loved by Mum and Dad, forever and always

20

HOURS ECE

Older children (aged three to five years) may be eligible for fully subsidised early childhood education (ECE) in an early learning service or kohanga reo, for up to six hours a day and 20 hours a week. This assistance could help new parents juggle toddlers and a newborn.

TAYLA WILLIAMS

LACEY JOAN HARPER OSBORNE

ELIJAH KAHURANGI GILBERT -

Daughter of Tanya & Reon, sister to Kaylani & Kingston

Early learning and childcare for under-ones

Wairarapa has a host of teacher, parent, and whānau-led early learning and childcare services.

Teacher-led services means

50% of the adults who educate and care for children must be qualified and certificated as early learning services teachers.

Whānau-led and parent-led services involve parents, whānau, and caregivers in educating and caring for young children.

Lists of different types of early learning and childcare can be found at these websites. They are categorised by Wairarapa town:

 Childcare Online: www.childcareonline. co.nz/directory/childcare-centreswairarapa

 Destination Wairarapa: www. wairarapanz.com/study/early-education

REAP WAIRARAPA www.reapwairarapa. nz/early-learning/) supports:

 Rural playgroups

 All other early childhood education centres, including kindergartens, playcentres, kohanga reo and childcare centres

 The Wairarapa Early Childhood Network

 Parents, with parenting programmes

TEACHER-LED EARLY LEARNING OPTIONS INCLUDE:

 Education and care services – these services run all-day sessions, or flexiblehour programmes for children from birth to primary school age. They can be owned and operated by private companies, community groups, or organisations providing the service for their employees.

 Home-based education and care – an option available for groups of up to four children aged birth to five years in either the educator’s home or the child’s home. Each educator must belong to a homebased service, which provides support through a coordinator who is a qualified and certificated ECE teacher. An example of this type of care is PORSE. Visit www.porse.co.nz.

 Kindergar tens – most don’t accept pre-schoolers until they’re aged at least two, but these could be a great option if you’re juggling a toddler and a newborn. They have set morning and afternoon sessions for different age groups.

WHĀNAU-LED EARLY LEARNING SERVICES INCLUDE:

 Te Kōhanga Reo – which offers a Māori immersion environment for tamariki and their whānau and caters to tamariki from birth to school age.

PARENT-LED EARLY LEARNING SERVICES INCLUDE:

 Playcentres – which cater for children from birth to school age and are run cooperatively by parents and member families.

 Playgroups – these are run by community-based groups organised by parent and whānau volunteers. Sessions are held regularly for no more than four hours a day and are often set up in community halls. To be a playgroup, more than half the children attending must have a parent there with them.

 Ngā Puna Kōhungahunga - playgroups that encourage learning in and through te reo Māori and tikanga.

 Pacific Island Playgroups - playgroups in Pasifika languages and cultures including Samoan, Tongan, Cook Island, Niuean, Tokelauan, Tuvaluan and Fijian.

LYRA MAE DAVIES

DOB 06/08/22

WEIGHT 7lb 9oz

First born to Jordan and Cara

JEREMIAH ELIAS SEBASTIAN

JAMES

DOB 11/08/22

WEIGHT 8lb 12oz

Our family’s little treasure

RYKER OLIVER DAVIES

DOB 14/08/22

WEIGHT 5lb 9oz

Baby brother to Carly and Jayden

CADHLA JURA FRASER-MACFARLANE

DOB 22/08/22

WEIGHT 9lb 10oz

Little sister to Orlagh

PARKER SEAN JARVIS

DOB 15/08/22

WEIGHT 9lb 2oz

Endlessly loved by his big sisters, Rylee and Kenzie

HARLEY TOWLER

DOB 28/08/22

WEIGHT 5lb 1oz

Adored son to Jack and Caitlin

COOPER WILLIAM HARTNELL Welcome

Lean on me

Absolute perfection DOB 01/09/22 WEIGHT 3lb 5oz TUI JOY MCDOWALL

LUCIA ELLISON

DOB 07/09/22

WEIGHT 6lb 10oz

She’s got one very smitten big brother

ANTENATAL CLASSES

Antenatal classes are a great way to meet other pregnant women and learn together about healthy pregnancies, preparing for labour and birth, when the unexpected happens in labour or birth, healthy babies and families, and breastfeeding.

Many women in antenatal groups continue to meet after their babies are born, for friendship, solidarity, and mutual support.

Ask about antenatal classes here: www.wairarapamaternity. nz/antenatal-class-enquiryform. They are held at Wairarapa Hospital every Thursday evening. You can enrol after 28 weeks of

pregnancy and can take a partner or support person along with you.

The Wairarapa Parenting Centre can also link you with antenatal classes. Send an email to: wairarapaparentscentre@ gmail.com to make enquiries.

PARENTING SUPPORT

Pēpe Ora is a local group providing support for hapu mama and pepi. You can bring along whānau or friends for support. It aims to provide a safe and supportive environment to ask questions and connect with other pregnant mums. It’s facilitated by Sam Kahukua, Wairarapa’s Māori lead maternity carer, supported by Kaiawhina Dushka Graham. Kai is provided. Pēpe Ora aims to improve health outcomes for babies. Its purview starts before conception and continues to day 1,000. Visit www.pepeora.nz.

The Wairarapa Parenting Centre is another local group

bringing you opportunities to further develop your parenting skills and to join in with a host of fun activities with your children. Visit www.wairarapa. parentscentre.org.nz

PLUNKET | WHĀNAU AWHINA

Plunket is a charity and the largest support service for the health and wellbeing of tamariki under-five, and their whānau. They offer free health and development checks, a free 24/7 parenting helpline on 0800 933 922, and a range of local services.

MENTAL HEALTH

The Ruth Project is a free service for families struggling with mental health - before, during and after childbirth. Women suffering from perinatal depression are supported, as well as their partners, children, and whānau. You can self-refer. There is one to one mentoring, an online support group and weekly coffee groups on Wednesdays. Contact: 027 778

8022 or check out The Ruth Project on Facebook.

Perinatal Depression and Anxiety Aotearoa’s website www.pada.nz/ provides helpful information about depression and anxiety.

HEALTHLINE

If you have any health concerns about yourself or your baby, you can call Healthline free (including from a mobile phone) 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call 0800 611 116.

Healthline team members are specialists in assessing and advising over the phone. They can arrange to talk with you in your language - when your call is answered, just say you’d like an interpreter and the language you’d like to speak in. They can also engage with the NZ Relay Services and support you if you are Deaf or hearing impaired.

HAZEL ROSE STEWART

Hazel has brought so much happiness and joy to us

SPENCER AVERY NORMAN

Adored little sister to Frankie

HUDSON RIPIA HOVERD

7lb 14oz

FOX CODDE

DOB 28/10/22 WEIGHT 6lb 3oz

Little brother to Izaiah and Cairo

Both corners Dixon & Harlequin Streets Masterton 0800 104 103 www.eastwoodmotorgroup.co.nz

JACK JAMES BROGDEN

DOB 05/11/22 WEIGHT 8lb 7oz

Mr Man

ISLA MARIE COLLINS CLARK

DOB 23/11/22 WEIGHT 5lb 2oz

DOB 20/11/22 WEIGHT 7lb 9oz

Three years in the making

ANGUS STANLEY HAWAIKIRANGI WOLFF

DOB 27/11/22 WEIGHT 6lb 5oz

DOB 22/11/22 WEIGHT 8lb 11oz

JACK OLIVER WATSON Little sister to Thea and Summer

TULLY KENNEDY Sorry kiddo the gremlin nickname is here to stay

small people

Under New Zealand law, all children under seven years must use a child restraint (car seat) that’s appropriate for their age, size, and development. They can’t travel in a vehicle without one. Car seats help to keep children safe on our roads.

Child restraint technicians have been trained and certified. They can provide informed advice on the type of car seat you need and how to fit it. Call 06 377 1379 for more information or go to www.pickuptime.com/carseatclinic to book a time for a free car seat check. The clinics take place at these venues and times:

 Masterton Plunket Rooms, Corner of Bunny Street and Worksop Road. First Friday of each month (except January) between 10am and noon or by arrangement.

Son to Katie & Jase.

DOB WESTON ALFRED LIVERTON Our little ray of sunshine

 Fea therston Plunket rooms, 15 Wallace Street. Featherston Clinics are held on the second Friday of February, May, August & November between 10am and noon or by arrangement.

Retrospective: The birthing

“I can’t remember life without him,” says Melissa* whose little boy Jack is now 16 months old. “And I feel he is growing up too fast.”

For Melissa, however, the birth experience was not straightforward. She was induced at 3pm one Wednesday when it was discovered there was no fluid around the baby. It wasn’t until Thursday afternoon, however, that she started having contractions. Twelve hours of contractions later, but with minimal dilation, Melissa accepted an epidural. “I needed to sleep,” she says.

“Baby arrived at 6.59pm on Friday. Suddenly, there were eight nurses in the room trying to stop the bleeding.” She was given gas to cope with the pain. All was right in the end, but it gave Melissa a new understanding of how quickly things can go pearshaped. “If something goes wrong,” she says, “I’d want to be in a hospital.” Melissa didn’t have a birth plan.

“I was nervous about the birth and didn’t want to be disappointed if things didn’t go to plan,” she says. Would she have another child? “Definitely. I’d do it all again no matter the difficulties, in order to have another baby.” Melissa has suffered from endometriosis, however, so feels lucky to even have been pregnant once and carried her baby to full term.

“I’ve always wanted to be a mother. I love kids so much and am very family oriented. I’d love to have more children.”

* Not their real names.

WEIGHT 9lb 3oz

DOB 30/12/22

WEIGHT 7lb 6oz

First baby of Paddy and Olivia

ZOE GRACE GLUCK

Lili Bear. The best little sister to Mimi Bug

LILI VALDA KEINZLEY

MADDISON JANE BOYLES

First child of Ashlyn and Stu

LUCAS LEE TURVEY

Our little legend Fionn, welcomed by big sister Niamh