Early brain development

Getting the brain you need for the world you’re in – why early brain development matters

From conception until about the end of their third year of life, humans grow faster than they’ll ever grow again.

What makes tamariki turn out the way they do, and learn so much so More…

Dressing infants for colder months

Even for older babies, winter can be potentially hazardous to their health – unless the parents dress them adequately – because their body’s ability to regulate its temperature is far less efficient than adults.

The best way for babies to avoid convection heat loss is being in what is termed More…

Water Safety Tips for Your Baby’s First Bath

Welcoming a new baby into the world is an exciting and joyous time. As parents, it’s essential to prioritize their safety, especially when it comes to water. The first bath is an important milestone, and by following a few simple water safety tips, you can create a safe and enjoyable More…

Pregnancy, Newborns, Feeding Baby

Safe car seats saves lives

Keeping pēpi safe on the move

If you give birth in a hospital or birthing centre you will need a car seat to drive pēpi home safely. It’s a good idea to practise fitting your car seat before the birth.

Car seats can be a confusing business – once you’ve More…

Pregnancy, Newborns, Feeding Baby

Foremilk and Hindmilk

Foremilk, hindmilk…it’s all breastmilk!

When you have your baby, in fact even when you’re pregnant, you’ll find that everyone has advice for you… and it doesn’t always match what you are doing, or how you want to do things. This can lead to a lot of confusion and often leaves More…

Newborns, Becoming a Parent

The importance of sleep for new parents

In the weeks and days leading up to the arrival of our baby or babies, much of the focus is on The Birth. In reality, the birth experience is usually complete within a day (or two) and then, without the assistance of any divine guidebook or intervention, we are left More…

Newborns, Your Growing Baby

Protecting your baby from too much noise

Your baby’s ears are delicate and more susceptible to hearing loss than an adult’s. The muscles that protect babies’ hearing are not fully developed.

Sound is similar to warmth. Too little warmth and baby is cold; too much and they overheat. We want them right in the middle, where whānau, More…

Labour Journey

Māori birthing traditions

Customs, cultural practices and beliefs of tangata whenua during hapūtanga and whakawhānau

In Te Ao Māori, health can be understood by the concept Te Whare Tapa Whā. The wharenui symbolises the four dimensions of wellbeing. These cornerstones are taha tinana (physical wellbeing), taha wairua (spiritual wellbeing), taha whānau (family wellbeing), More…

Becoming a Parent

Looking after your pelvic floor

For most women, having a baby is a wonderful experience, and in New Zealand we are lucky to have good support through pregnancy and during the first weeks after childbirth.

The reality though, is that as time goes on many women struggle to regain strength and function of the More…

Dads/Partners

Dads inspiring future Kiwis

If there is one thing I learned through this whole experience it is this…No matter how important you think your job is, being a father and a husband is the most important job you will have in this life and it’s really important to look after ourselves physically, mentally and More…