‘It looks like it’s going to be a lovely summer this year but I’m worried about sun exposure and using sunblock for my child’ In New Zealand, we know that our sun is harsh and as adults, most of us have been bought up with More…

“I loved my antenatal class and feel inspired; how can I join the team of Parents Centre Childbirth Educators?“ How many of you loved your antenatal classes?  Can you see yourself in this role?  Training to become a childbirth educator is an amazing journey and More…

‘It’s spring!  And with spring can bring pollen irritants’  It isn’t common for babies under the age of one to develop a seasonal allergy such as this.  So if you’re wondering if it is a cold or other sickness, or if it is ‘hay fever’, More…

Atamārie all A message to those of you who are providing face-to-face services in your Centre. As you will know the Covid restrictions have been lifted.  For us, this means we are not requiring masks to be worn in our classes from today, and we More…

“I really want to be at my baby’s birth, but I don’t want to feel like a spare part, and how will I cope seeing my partner in pain?” Gone are the days when the father kissed his wife goodbye at the steps of the More…

‘Is it safe to continue breastfeeding during the COVID-19 pandemic?’ During pregnancy, the mother passes antibodies to her baby through the placenta and for extra protection, that baby gains further antibodies, other proteins, and immune cells via breastmilk.  Once ingested, these molecules and cells help to More…

“Tell me about Parents Centre’s Famous Coffee Groups?“ Ah yes, our famous coffee groups!  Parents Centre has been creating coffee groups for new parents for almost 70 years and we’re very proud of them! So, what are Parents Centre coffee groups all about?  Our programmes More…

“I’m pregnant, but not feeling as happy and excited as I thought I’d be” Pregnancy brings a rollercoaster of emotions, from excitement and gratitude, to fear and worry.  It is so very normal to have highs and lows, and sometimes the changing hormones, the change in More…

Becoming a parent can be one of the most rewarding and challenging things that happen in life. It’s not unusual for a new parent to talk about how much they love their baby one minute, only to be longingly thinking back on how uncomplicated pre-baby More…

“So……..are there rules around resuming sex postnatally?” Unless medically indicated otherwise, the only rule to resuming sex postnatally is that it is comfortable for both of you, and you are both ready.  It is generally considered ideal to wait until the lochia (bleeding after birth) More…

Even strangers say, “is your baby sleeping through the night yet!” It’s interesting how sleep becomes such a huge topic when a new-born baby enters the world.  Is your baby sleeping through the night, is your baby sleeping enough, does your baby have cat-naps, are More…

‘I’m keen on an active birth, can you tell me more?’ An Active Birth is a term first defined by Janet Balaskas, although birthing actively is actually nothing new in the history of giving birth.  It was apparently King Louis XIV who insisted that his wives should lie down on More…

With a new COVID 19 variant in the community and coronavirus media coverage and discussion appearing no matter where we look – it’s natural for feelings of anxiety or stress to crop up in yourself, or members of your family – including your children. When More…

Setting boundaries with family and friends when you have a new baby can be tricky. Especially around the festive season and summer holidays where you have increased friends and Whānau  visiting.  The joy of welcoming a new baby into their lives and celebrating with the More…

As we enter November, many of you (more organised people than us) might be starting to think of Christmas and carefully selecting what will be the perfect presents for your kids, anticipating their heart’s desires—and yours. Christmas morning arrives and the weeks of anticipation are More…