Parent Talk - Parents Centres New Zealand Inc

Parent Talk 

CENTRAL AUCKLAND PARENTS CENTRE 

MISSION STATEMENT 

Positive birth experiences and informed parenting in a community 

where parents are supported and highly valued in their role. 

CENTRAL AUCKLAND PARENTS CENTRE 

PO Box 24-520, Royal Oak, 1345. Telephone: 625 0065. 

ak.central@parentscentre.org.nz www.parentscentre.org.nz/auckland 

April/May 2010 

inside this issue: 

Presidents report and Editor’s note 1 

Auckland centre news 2 

Parenting classes and support 6 

Parent support 8 

Tinies to Tots course 9 

Volunteer vacancies 10 

Other ways you can help CAPC 12 

Member discount scheme 14 

CAPC lending library 17 

Taking some time in your day 

for you 18 

Your invite to our 50th 20 

Auckland Parents Centre - 

How it all began 22 

Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster: My 

journey to first time motherhood 26 

Win a fantastic gift basket! 27 

What does my child learn all day? 28 

Eating well supports breastfeeding 30 

Motherhood . . . 

It Will Change Your Life 31 

Mother’s Day History 32 

Ideas for Pampering a New Mum 33 

Preventing Driveway Injuries 34 

Restaurant Reviews 36 

In the kitchen 38 

Advertising rates 40 

Contact us 41

PARENTS CENTRE 

SHOPPING DAY 

Present the coupon below and receive 

20 % off 

on Saturday 8th, May 2010 

Sorry specials, gift vouchers, instore promotions, 

laybys, hireage, Mountain Buggy & accessories 

not included. 

0800 BABY FACTORY 

www.babyfactory.co.nz 

Receive specials straight to your inbox - Join our online e-club! 

Present the coupon below to receive the discount 

20 % off with this coupon only on Saturday 8th May 2010 

Sorry specials, gift vouchers, instore promotions, laybys, hireage, mountain buggy & accessories 

not included. 

Name:................................................................................................... 

Address:............................................................................................... 

Phone:................................................................................................... 

Email:.................................................................................................... 

If you would like to receive information from The Baby Factory via email, please tick this box.

President’s Report 

50 years ago, a 

group of parents - 

perhaps not too 

dissimilar to us 

- established the 

Central Auckland 

Parents Centre. The 

community, parenting 

styles, parenting roles may all be very different 

– but like us they shared a vision of mothers 

and fathers joining together to help other mums 

and dads. It might be through your coffee group, it 

might be through volunteering or simply attending 

a course – but in small and not so small ways – Parents 

Centre is fundamentally about helping us all 

be the best Mums and Dads we can be. 

On Sunday May 16th we will be celebrating our 

anniversary with a family-focused fun-filled event. 

Invitations are on page 20. We would love to see 

your family there! 

It is therefore fitting that we celebrate Mothers 

Day the following weekend. When I was growing 

up, Mothers Day was about home-made cards and 

breakfast for my mum. I think back on the burnt 

toast with lashings of marmite she bravely devoured 

– and the excitement I felt presenting the 

card I had glittered to death – and think that even 

Welcome to yet another bumper filled newsletter. 

It constantly amazes me how much information 

there is out there for us sleep deprived and busy 

parents to absorb. 

While I am sure this newsletter could be filled ten 

times over with the latest research, new trends, 

media releases all sourced from the internet, we 

would prefer to keep the content more local, about 

you, your family and our community. 

So how many of you can put pen to paper - well 

fingers to the keyboard these days and send me in 

your birth stories, pregnancies highs and lows or 

share your new parenthood experiences. 

All articles received by 7 May 2010 will go in the 

draw to receive a gorgeous gift basket donated by 

Cerebos Greggs. 

Editor’s Note 

on the day when we give a huge shout out to the 

Mums in our lives – they are still working to help 

their children feel special, capable and important. 

One of my favourite quotes about parenthood is 

by Elizabeth Stone: “Making the decision to have a 

child is momentous. It is to decide forever to have 

your heart go walking around outside your body.” 

In this newsletter you will see our first motherhood 

story from one of our members. For me it is a reminder 

that we each have a wonderfully unique tale 

to tell about our different hopes and expectations – 

and of course what actually happens on the day! 

We want to include more of your stories in each 

newsletter so I hope you feel inspired to get writing. 

There is a wonderful Mother’s Day prize up for 

grabs for all stories submitted for our next newsletter 

– see page 27 for more information. 

Finally, we have two exciting new additions to our 

Members Discount Scheme – a huge welcome to 

Molly Moo Cow and Adelina Photography. You can 

check out more information on these businesses in 

the section on the Discount Scheme. 

See you at our Anniversary Celebration! 

Diana Kane and Patrice Jones 

Co-Presidents 

Read on for lots of Mothers Day history, looking after 

mum and ideas for pampering. 

I’ve also condensed Auckland Parents Centres 

early history down to a very fascinating read about 

the beginnings of Parents Centre in Auckland. It’s 

amazing how far we have come in 50 years with 

attitudes towards ante-natal classes and delivery. 

Our pioneering woman were certainly determined. 

It makes you proud to be part of such a fantastic 

organisation. 

Your invite to our 50th party is on page 20, be sure 

to RSVP early as numbers are limited and it helps 

us greatly with our organisation - remember we are 

all volunteers. 

Catherine Watson 

CENTRAL AUCKLAND PARENTS CENTRE 1

AUCKLAND CENTRE NEWS 

We are thrilled to welcome the following volunteers 

and committee members: Miranda Young as our 

Practical Parenting Coordinator and Pip Kember as 

our new e-news editor. 

Thank you for offering your time and expertise to enable 

us to continue to provide courses and services 

to our expectant parents, new parents and families. 

We are also saying farewell to: Holly Ferris as our 

Website Administrator. Thank you for the time and 

effort you have dedicated to volunteering. It is much 

appreciated. 

Are you keen to get involved and learn new skills 

or use your existing ones to help a great organisation? 

If so, please email us at ak.central@parentscentre.org.nz. 

2 

Welcome Aboard 

What’s on our website? 

www.parentscentre.org.nz/auckland 

Our website has recently been updated to include 

lots more information. Be sure to check often to 

find out what’s going on. You can find out more 

about the following: 

Lending Library • Member Discount Scheme 

Course Information • Membership 

Volunteering • Past Newsletters 

Certificate of 

Childhood Diet and Nutrition 

Parents Centre are proud to offer a fully supported 

distance education program for parents and carers 

with an interest and passion for child health and 

well-being. 

The programme covers from birth to adolescence 

and all you need to know about early nutrition and 

healthy eating is in this course. 

This comprehensive and practical course will ensure 

you feel confident that children in your care 

are getting the best start to life. 

The programme has a flexible, distance learning 

approach with open book assessments. 

For more information visit 

www.parentscentre.org.nz 

TENS machine hire 

A TENS machine can help reduce your pain during 

labour and childbirth. 

We have five TENS machines available for hire by 

our members. You can make a booking for the two 

weeks prior to your due date until two weeks post. 

All machines are hired with new pads. Please supply 

your own 9 volt batteries. 

Cost: $50.00 plus $50.00 bond. Your bond will be 

refunded within 7 working days. 

YOU are responsible for collecting and returning 

the TENS machine. We appreciate that early days 

with your baby are busy, but as others are waiting 

to hire the machine, we ask that you return it as 

promptly as possible. 

To Book: 

Contact Jane McEntee (Lending Coordinator) 

Phone: 625-1579, Email: janemcent@gmail.com 

Committee Meetings 

Our committee meetings are held 

on the second Monday of the 

month at 7.30pm. 

If you would like to join us please email 

us at ak.central@parentscentre.org.nz 

for further information. 

Need labels for your little one’s things? Go to 

www.stuckonyou.biz and type Central Auckland 

Parents Centre into the referral field when you 

make your purchase. CAPC will receive up to 20% 

of your purchase price. 

CENTRAL AUCKLAND PARENTS CENTRE


CONGRATULATIONS! 

to Jo Oborn 

Jo renewed her Central 

Auckland Parents Centre 

membership in December 

2009 and won the draw prize 

of a Mickey Mouse Clubhouse 

activity pack. 

Membership Renewals 

Renew your membership subscription before 

30th April 2010 and go in the draw to win 

$30 petrol vouchers. 

Did you know? 

If you renew your membership for 2 years you pay only $100. 

If you are a community services cardholder you can renew 

your membership for 1 year for only $20. 

Toilet Training Course 

Coming in August. 

Watch your newsletter and 

email for more information or 

register your interest today. 

Email ak.central@parentscentre.org.nz 

Do you have a burning 

nutrition question? 

Chances are you are not the only one. Email it 

to us at capc.newslettereditior@gmail.com. We 

will ask the fantastic nutritionists at New World 

supermarkets to answer it and then share it with 

our readers. 

Are you receiving 

your CAPC E-news? 

If you aren’t receiving yours, get signed up today 

and stay updated with everything we have going on. 

Email us at ak.central@parentscentre.org.nz or use 

the signup box on our website under newsletters. 

Join us to celebrate! 

Your invite is on 

page 20-21 of 

this newsletter. 

Don’t miss out 



AN10/09 

CBE: Melanie Benge 

New Arrivals 

Course Host: Sara Dando 

Name of Parents Name of Baby Date of Birth 

Vrena and David Joyce Conrad James Joyce 14/11/09 

Bernadette Ryan-Hopkins and 

Gareth Hopkins 

George Richard Ryan Hopkins 15/11/09 

Melissa Carter and Sam Tangitau Ella Kate Carter-Tangitau 17/11/09 

Bridget and Alex Parfitt Freddy Alexander Parfitt 28/11/09 

Sheryl Kurte and Mark Anderson Ella Marina Anderson 30/11/09 

Fiona and Simon Peacocke Jacob William Peacocke 1/12/09 

Kerry and Brian Manthenga Anashe Jose Gaston 2/12/09 

Elinor and Max Mudu Alessia Mudu 7/12/09 

Suzi Nevell and Matt O’Brien Bobby Nevell O’Brien 9/12/09 

Rachel and Krish Rambisheswar Maia Anne Rambisheswar 13/12/09 

Emily and Jeremy Burn Jude Alexander Burn 15/12/09 

Charlotte and Paul Mathewson Oscar Douglas Mathewson 17/12/09 

CORRECTION: In our last issue we had mixed up some babies and parents in AN07/09. It should have read: 

Carol and Dave Collins Abbigail Bell Collins 6/10/09. 

Christina & Martin Freeman Nicholas Michael Alan Freeman 9/10/09 

Your turn to help! 

We need hosts for our antenatal classes 

and to successfully kick-start the coffee group. 

We need hosts for the childbirth education 

courses running on these dates: 

Tuesday - 6th April to 11th May 

Thursday - 6th May to 10 June 

Tuesday - 1st June to 6th July 

Thursday - 15th July to 19th August 

6.30pm to 9.30pm - 6 evenings 

Duties include: 

• Setup and pack down venue 

• Coordinate product sales to class 

• Organise supper 

• Set up Coffee Group at end of course 

Training is provided and a remuneration of $150 per 

course is payable 

If you can help or for more information please contact 

Diana on 638-3990 or dianajkane@yahoo.ca 

4 



AN11/09 


New Arrivals 

Course Host: Amanda Crawford-Smith 


Annette Vaimoana and Cam Smith Oscar Samuel Smith 3/12/09 

Helen and Barnaby Harding Sophia Aroha Harding 31/12/09 

Catt Pitt and Jeremy Stockton Benjamin Daniel Stockton 1/12/09 

Cathy Chen and Frank Liu Jacob Christopher Liu 5/1/10 

Rebecca and Joshua Broadbent Oliver Douglas Broadbent 31/12/09 

Justine and Dan Lundon Charlee Grace Lundon 24/12/09 

Abi Smith and Greg Monteith Arabella Monteith 11/1/10 

Rebecca Purdy and Simon Little Joshua Maxwell Little 4/1/10 

Kylla and Rob Petersen Benjamin Peterson 22/12/09 

Fiona and Tom Bendall Zachariah James Bendall 13/1/10 

Michele and Sam Duncan Charlotte Duncan 5/1/10 

Miranda and Cary Young Harrison James Young 1/1/10 

AN12/09 


Course Host: Caroline Sorby 


Kumudith and Jennifer Ekanayaka Eve Rose Ekanayaka 19/12/09 

Charlie and Jade Pludthura Rico Harry Pludthura 22/12/09 

Kayne Asher and Anita Aggrey Roman Kofi Aggrey Asher 1/1/10 

Simon and Emma Davies Ethan Fletcher Davies 5/1/10 

Jeff and Karina Wong Caleb Jeffrey Wong 13/1/10 

Bret and Jolandie Bothma Abigail Bothma 16/1/10 

Simon Lee and Lou Kivell Alex Kivell Jet Lee 16/1/10 

Scott Bannan and Eleanor Williams Luke Michael Bannan 21/1/10 

Mike and Melissa Stininato Brooklyn Michael Stininato 25/1/10 

Paul and Carol Gibbard Annabelle Rosa Jean Gibbard 30/1/10 

Dave and Chelsea McKay Willow Jean McKay 4/2/10 

James and Jennie Parker Charlie James Parker 10/2/10 


PARENT EDUCATION 

Parenting Classes and support 

Central Auckland 

Parents Centre 

Baby and You 

A morning course run over 5 weeks for parents 

of babies up to four months old. Covers 

feeding and sleeping, infant health, postnatal 

exercises, postnatal depression, CPR, first aid 

and child development. 

The start dates for our next courses are: 

20 April, 25 May, 29 June. These courses 

fill very quickly so contact Caroline on 

845 0020 to reserve a space. 

Moving and Munching 

Targeted at parents of 4-8 month olds, over 

two mornings this course discusses introducing 

solids, baby development and baby safety 

with a free baby recipe book for all attendees. 

The next course dates 15/22 April and 20/27 

May. 

For more information or to book, phone 

Patrice on 360 7149. 

Tinies to Tots 

A three session course aimed at parents of 

children 9-18 months. The next course will be 

on 5, 12 and 19 May 2010. The course will 

cover fitting first shoes, caring for first teeth 

and preventing tooth decay, learning/development/safety 

and play and nutrition and 

behavioral habits towards eating. 

For more information and bookings, phone 

Patrice on 360 7149. 

In the community 

Birth Care 

Preparation for Breastfeeding 

• Care of you and your breasts before and after 

pregnancy 

• Getting off to a good start 

• How to avoid and manage common problems 

• Expressing and storage of breastmilk 

• Introducing solids and weaning 

• Where to get support and help 

• Other resources 

Venue: BIRTHCARE - 20 Titoki Street, Parnell, Education 

Room, Level 1 

10.30am - 12.30pm Tuesday once a month 

$30.00 

Fresh Perspective 

www.freshperspective.org.nz 

Freephone 0800 555 300 

Everybody needs a little help at some time in their 

lives. This is especially true for parents and caregivers 

raising young families. Whether it is learning 

about managing a child’s behaviour and providing 

boundaries, feeding your family well on your weekly 

budget, managing challenging family situations, 

connecting with others in your community or just 

needing someone to talk too. Fresh Perspective is 

there to help. 

Fresh Perspective is a subsidiary service of the 

Open Home Foundation developing a network of 

family mentoring services in partnerships with various 

Christian churches throughout New Zealand. 

This free mentoring service aims to help parent(s)/ 

caregiver(s) in families to recognise their strengths 

and abilities and to link them with supports that 

are available in their community to improve their 

lives and their parenting. 

6 


PARENT EDUCATION 

Plunket Family Centres 

159 Landscape Road, Mt Eden 

Phone 620 8539 

30 Rose Road, Grey Lynn 

Phone 376 2639 

Centres are staffed by Plunket nurses, community 

karitane, Plunket kaiawhina and volunteers. 

Family centres offer support and information on 

different parenting issues. They also run various 

group discussions and one-on-one consultations 

on the following topics: 

• New born tired signs video 

• Settling and sleep for babies 

• Feeding and behaviour 

• Breastfeeding - lactation consultants 

• Baby massage 

• Maternal health support 

• Development 

Call your local centre to make an appointment. 

Karitane Cribtalk TM 

First Thursday of every month 

9.00am - 3.00pm 

1 Wallingford Street, Grey Lynn 

Telephone (09) 5757174 

Free coffee and free advice. 

Karitane Nurses and Nannies Bureau invite you to 

Karitane Cribtalk TM - an informal gathering for new 

parents. Karitane Cribtalk TM will be casual and relaxed 

and is as much about gaining valuable advice 

from an experienced Karitane Nurse as it is about 

meeting other new families. 

Karitane Nurses are trained in working with newborns 

and have become renowned among parents 

needing assistance with their baby’s unique circumstances. 

Our Karitane Nurse has many years of 

experience and is happy to assist with any queries 

that you may have about your little ones. So come 

along on the first Thursday of every month with 

your baby, enjoy a coffee, and get one-on-one advice 

with a trained Karitane Nurse. 

Space 

Email: katy@pl.net 

Phone: 815 0866 

The SPACE programme is for (mainly) first time 

parents with newborn babies. Sessions run weekly 

at a Playcentre or suitable community venue, for 

3-4 terms extending through the first year of the 

child’s life. 

The sessions are held in a relaxed and baby friendly 

environment, and include: 

1 Opportunities for parents to meet and get to 

know one another. 

2 Discussions and information sharing on relevant 

child development and parenting topics. 

3 An introduction to rhymes, music, and books 

for infants. 

4 Play sessions with age-appropriate equipment 

that supports infants’ learning and development. 

SPACE provides a quality curriculum in order that 

the parent may maximise on this valuable time 

with their child. 

Parent Aid 

Central West Auckland - Avondale, Point Chevalier, 

Blockhouse Bay, Hillsborough, Lynfield, Waikowhai, 

Mt Roskill, New Windsor, Mt Albert, Owairaka. 

Phone 815 0330 Mon-Fri 9am-4pm 

Email: parentaidcentralwest@gmail.com 

Free practical help to families with pre-school children 

in Central West Auckland who need a helping 

hand due to: the birth of a baby, illness, accident, 

tiredness, stress. 

A Parent Aid fieldworker will assist your family in a 

friendly and supportive way by providing childcare, 

light housework and baby minding in your own 

home while you rest or attend an appointment. 


PARENT SUPPORT 

Support Services 

8 

Allergy New Zealand 

Phone 623 3912 

www.allergy.org.nz 

Barnardos Parent Help Line 

(Mon – Fri 9.00am – 5.00pm) 

0800 4 PARENT / 0800 472 7368 

www.barnardos.org.nz 

Healthline (24 hours per day) 

0800 611 116 

www.moh.govt.nz/healthline 

La Leche League (Breastfeeding) 

846 0752 

www.lalecheleague.org.nz 

Miscarriage Support Auckland 

378 4060 

www.miscarriagesupport.org.nz 

National Poisons Centre 

0800 POISON / 0800 764 744 

www.poisons.co.nz 

Parent to Parent Special Needs Children Support 

0508 236 236 

www.parent2parent.org.nz 

Plunket Car Seat Rental 

623 8357 

www.plunket.org.nz 

Plunket Line (24 hours per day) 

0800 933 922 

www.plunket.org.nz 

SKIP 

Phone 04 916 3300 

www.familyservices.govt.nz/skip 

Starship Hospital 

307 8900 

www.starship.org.nz 

Trauma and Birth Stress Support Group 

575 7404 

www.tabs.org.nz 

Women’s Refuge 

303 3939 

www.womensrefuge.org.nz 

Work and Income (WINZ) 

Phone 0800 559 009 

www.workandincome.govt.nz 

Working for Families 

Phone 0800 257 477 

www.workingforfamilies.govt.nz 

Work and Income 

Work and Income provides financial assistance and 

employment services throughout New Zealand. 

We offer a single point of contact for New Zealanders 

needing job search support, financial assistance 

and in-work support. 

Work and Income helps people into work and pays 

income support on behalf of the Government. 

Work and Income also administers: the Community 

Services Card, International Services and the Enterprising 

Communities grants programme. 

We work with other government agencies, employers, 

business and community groups to design 

and run projects that generate work opportunities. 

These projects assist people throughout New 

Zealand to improve their and their family’s lives 

through paid employment. 

Working for Families 

Working for Families is a package designed to help 

make it easier to work and raise a family. It pays 

extra money to many thousands of New Zealand 

families. Greater financial support is available for: 

• almost all families with children, earning under 

$70,000 a year 

• many families with children, earning up to 

$100,000 a year 

• some larger families earning more. 

This increased assistance is delivered by Work and 

Income and Inland Revenue. 

Working for Families Tax Credits 

Working for Families Tax Credits are made up of 

four types of payments: 

• family tax credit 

• in-work tax credit 

• minimum family tax credit 

• parental tax credit. 

You may qualify for one or more , depending on 

your personal situation. 

To estimate your entitlement you can use an online 

calculator or call Inland Revenue’s automated 

phone service INFOexpress on 0800 257 477. 


Session 1 

Child Development 

How play can stimulate 

learning and development; 

environment and equipment 

safety 

Sleeping Issues Sleep requirements of 

older babies, routines and 

transition from two to one 

daytime sleeps 

Session 2 

Caring for First Teeth A qualified Dental Therapist 

will cover tooth 

development, caring for 

first teeth and preventing 

tooth decay 

Fitting First Shoes Learn how to identify correctly fitting 

shoes, allowing for protection, support and room for growth 

Session 3 

Nutrition 

Developing good eating habits for toddlers and moving to eating with the 

family 

Mainly Toys 

A presentation of age appropriate toys, games and activities 

When: Wednesday 5th, 12th & 19th May 

Where: Athol Syms Hall, 11 Griffin Ave, Epsom 

Time: 7.00-9.00pm 

Cost: $40 member single or $45 member couple 

$55 non-member single or $60 non-member couple 

For more information or to book a place on this course 

please contact Patrice on 

Phone 360 7149 or email ak.central@parentscentre.org.nz 


VOLUNTEERING 

Volunteer Vacancies 

PRACTICAL PARENTING FACILITATOR 

We are looking for a confident speaker with 

parenting experience and an interest in childbirth/parent 

education. 

You would be co-facilitating the sessions with our 

qualified Childbirth Educators on a rostered basis. 

Practical Parenting sessions are run on a Sunday afternoon 

as part of each antenatal course. 

Each session includes set up and pack down and requires 

a commitment of approx 5 hours per session. 

A small remuneration of $40 is payable per session 

MARKETING COORDINATOR 

We need ideas and expertise in this area! Can we 

use yours to help us? 

This tasks involved include: 

• Create an annual centre marketing plan 

• Review our existing material 

• Promote CAPC services in the local community 

• Liaise with current partners and contacts 

The time commitment is 2-3 hours per week and 

you need to be available to attend monthly committee 

meetings. 

ANTENATAL COURSE HOSTS 

We need a Host for each of the Childbirth Education 

courses running in 2010 on Tuesday, Wednesday 

and Thursday evenings. Each course runs for 6 

weeks from 7pm to 9.45pm. 

Duties include: 

• Setup and pack down venue 

• Coordinate product sales to class 

• Organise supper 

• Set up Coffee Group at end of course 

A small remuneration of $150 is payable for each 

course. 

WEBSITE ADMINISTRATION 

Have you visited our website: www.parentscentre.org.nz/auckland? 

Central Auckland Parents Centre maintains its own 

web pages within the Parents Centre website. 

We need someone with the skills to maintain our 

web pages and keep our information up to date. 

Training is available. 

You need to be available to attend monthly committee 

meetings. 

Most of these roles may be job shared between two people. 

WANT TO HELP! THEN CALL OR EMAIL TODAY! 

Debbie Booth - Phone 624 1877 Email booth@ihug.co.nz 

Some good reasons to volunteer 

Personal satisfaction from being involved and helping others 

You can involve your children in many of the activities 

Meet new people, make new friends and have fun 

Share your talents, while gaining new ones 

Access to heavily discounted parenting education and childrens products 

Add your volunteering experience to your CV. 

If you are looking for a rewarding challenge you could make an ideal volunteer, 

so even if you only have an hour or so to spare we are still keen to hear from you. 

10 


Birthcare Maternity Hospital is situated on Titoki Street in Parnell, with tranquil 

views looking out over the Domain, and the Museum. It is a primary care maternity 

hospital available for both birthing and postnatal care. Birthcare is a secure 

facility offering free undercover parking and easy access. Use of Birthcare is free 

to all birthing and postnatal women, but there is an option of upgrading to a private 

room should you choose. The private upgrade provides a single room with 

ensuite, television, fridge and special menu and the freedom for partners to stay 

over should they choose. However the same high quality midwifery service is 

available to all women using the facility. 

The Birthing rooms have large pools for those wishing to use warm water immersion 

for pain relief and relaxation. There are many midwives who currently 

provide birthing services here for those wishing to have their baby in a smaller, 

more intimate unit. We are close to Auckland Hospital for transfer over should 

this be necessary. 

We have our own team of midwives, who provide continuity of care for those 

women choosing to birth at Birthcare. They are passionate about supporting 

and promoting natural birth at Birthcare. There is also a great team of professionals 

who provide postnatal services. These include physiotherapists, visiting 

paediatricians, and lactation consultants. The core midwifery and nursing staff 

are highly skilled in all aspects of postnatal care. They give special attention to 

parentcraft, and education to assist in that transition to parenthood. They liaise 

closely with the LMC’s who are providing care for the women here and enjoy 

working in a close relationship with them. 

We have a lactation clinic which is held twice a week and is free for up to 4 weeks 

postnatally with a written referral from the woman’s LMC otherwise there is a 

$60 charge. 

There are regular tours of Birthcare for prospective parents. 

For further information call 09-3740800, 

or visit www.birthcare.co.nz

Other Ways You Can Help CAPC 

You can support us in so many ways! 

CAPC is a not for profit organisation. We do not receive any government funding 

to offer our courses and support services to the community. 

Our Treasurer, Grants Coordinator and Fundraising Convener put in 

many volunteer hours to ensure we receive sufficient funding to 

cover our costs each year. 

You can help us raise funds through a few simple things: 

• Before buying baby gear for you or others check out 

our product range at your next class or contact Tracey 

on 361 5588. We stock quality baby products and 

sell at discounted prices to our members. 

• Need labels for your little one’s things? Go to 

www.stuckonyou.biz and type Central Auckland 

Parents Centre into the referral field when you 

make your purchase. CAPC will receive up to 

20% of your purchase price. 

• Do you own a business? How about advertising 

in our newsletter or e-news. Check out our 

rates and terms on page 40. 

• Could your business donate some items for us 

to raffle as a fundraiser? 

• Each year we run a number of fundraising events, 

such as the very popular Fotoman Portrait Sessions, 

The Great Jaffa Race and the Christmas Heirloom 

evening. Look out for these and other events 

advertised in the CAPC newsletter and support our 

fundraising efforts by purchasing a ticket. 

• Renew your CAPC membership. For $60 for 1 year or $100 

for 2 years you receive: 

- 6 issues of Kiwi Parent Magazine 

- 6 issues of your CAPC newsletter 

- CAPC Lending services, see page 17 

- Discounted enrolment to Parent Education courses and Special Interest Sessions 

- Access to the Retail Discount Scheme, see page 14 for participating retailers 

Remember one major purchase on our Baby Factory Discount Day can more than cover the cost of 

renewing your membership! 

• We need you! Your hands-on support is very valuable to us. Parents Centre is a volunteer organisation 

run by parents for parents. We are always looking for new faces to help us keep this wonderful organisation 

running. If you have some time to spare each month, then why not think about volunteering 

with us and meet some fantastic people in the process. We value our volunteers and respect individual 

levels of commitment. As parents ourselves, we understand the need for families to come first. 

If you are keen to support us contact us on 625 0065 or email ak.central@parentscentre.org.nz 

12 


Book Review 

Where is the Green Sheep? 

Mem Fox 

RRP $18.00 Board Book 

Here is the blue sheep, and here is the red sheep. Here is the 

bath sheep, and here is the bed sheep. But where is the green 

sheep? 

Winner of Speech Pathology “Best Book for Language Development”, 

Winner of Children’s Book of the Year, Early Childhood. 

Lovely repetitive language, introduces new concepts all the 

while searching for the sleepy green sheep. Good Luck. 

To order your family a copy email wendy@teenytiny.co.nz 

Free delivery Auckland wide to CAPC members. (not valid 

with any other offer) 


MEMBER DISCOUNT SCHEME 

The following retailers offer discounts to 

Central Auckland Parents Centre members. 

To get the discount, please remember to take your membership card to the store. 

3 Wise Monkeys 

Website: www.3wisemonkeys.co.nz 

Discount: 10% when quoting PSDIDAKL 

Adelina Photography 

Phone: 09 576 3969 

Email: adelina@adelina.co.nz 

Website:www.adelina.co.nz 

Discount: $25 sitting fee for Parents Centre members 

(usually $150) and 25% of sales donated to 

Central Auckland Parents Centre 

Baby Factory 

Discount: 12.5% off shopping day. 

See coupon in CAPC bi-monthly newsletter 

Baby on the Move 

Phone: 0800 222 966 

Website: www.babyonthemove.co.nz 

Discount: 10% off 6 month capsule hire 

(Sales goods, specials not included) 

Egg Maternity - Newmarket 

2 Balm Street, Newmarket 

Discount: 10% discount off all non sale stock at our 

Newmarket store 

Fatso.co.nz 

Website: www.fatso.co.nz 

Discount: Free 3 week trial visit www.fatso.co.nz 

and enter the promo code ‘parentscentre’ 

Hive of Activity 

Inside Pumpkin Patch, 377 Manukau Rd, Epsom 

Discount: 10% off non sale stock (does not include 

Little Tikes) 

Kid Republic 

2 Kent Tce, Newmarket 

Phone 522 8334 

10% off full priced items 

Library Cafe 

5 Princes Street, Onehunga 

Website: wwww.librarycafe.co.nz 

Discount: 10% discount weekdays on spends over $15 

NEW!! 

Molly Moo Cow 

Phone: 09 817 6458 

Email: info@mollymoocow.co.nz 

Website: www.mollymoocow.co.nz 

Discount: 10% off all term fees, any venue. 

Neat Kids 

www.neatkids.co.nz 

Discount: 15% off products. Enter the word aklpc 

in voucher box, and add your parent centre membership 

card number in the comments section. 

Pepsicles 

Phone: 0508 737742 

Website: www.pepsicles.co.nz 

Discount: Free postage on our nappy hire kits or 

when buying these nappies through us. Quote 

“Auckland Parents Centre discount” in subject line 

when emailing. 

Singing Rainbows 

Website: www.lewiseady.co.nz 

Phone: 524 4119 

Discount: Free trial valued at $15. 

Snug as a Bug 

Website: www.snugasabug.co.nz 

Discount: 10% discount on all our products (except 

already discounted) 

Teeny Tiny Consulting Early Childhood Specialist 

Wendy Perera 

Phone 443 4668, Email: wendy@teenytiny.co.nz 

Website: www.teenytiny.co.nz 

Discount: 10% discount on all products and services 

YMCA—Jordan Centre, Onehunga 

Phone: 636 8825 

Email: Y-Kids.Jordan@nzymca.com 

Discount: 10% on any Y-Kids term programme 

NEW!! 

For further information on any of these 

businesses or on how to join our scheme 

please check our website: 

www.parentscentre.org.nz/auckland 

14 


MEMBER DISCOUNT SCHEME 

Molly Moocow 

Sing Dance Play 

Explore and develop the 

Moocow way. 

Moosical Discovery for the 

Under 4’s 

10% Discount off all term fees, any venue, on 

presentation of Parents Centre Membership card 

Free Trial !! 

Contact us now to reserve a space 

09 817 6458 info@mollymoocow.co.nz 

www.mollymoocow.co.nz 

Birthday Parties 

Celebrate your 1-6 year 

olds Birthday in Molly 

style. Choose from a 

range of themes including 

Treasure Island, Enchanted 

Castle, or Wild West.

Purchase your new 

2010/2011 Entertainment Book 

It’s the best book ever! 

Central Auckland Parent Centre is raising funds by 

selling the 2010/2011 Entertainment Book. Books 

sell for $65 and for every book sold Parents Centre 

receives $13 in fund-raising. 

Entertainment Books contain hundreds of 25-50% 

off and two-for-one offers from popular restaurants, 

attractions, retailers and hotel accommodation. 

Books are valid from the end of March 2010 

until June 2011 which means plenty of time to 

get your money’s worth! 

There is definitely something for everyone, with 

high value offers from places like The Grove, 

La Zeppa, Iguacu, GPK, Sale Street, Lone Star, 

Nandos, McDonalds, Auckland Zoo, Butterfly 

Creek, Kelly Tarltons, Sky City and Hoyts cinemas, 

Speciality Bouncy Castles. 

Just look at how easy it is to save with an 

Entertainment Book. You really only need to use it twice and it’s paid for!! 

Anniversary Dinner with your husband at Kermadec = $44.00 approx save 

A day at the Zoo with the kids = $19.00 approx save 

Husband escaping for a round of Golf at Aviation = $60.00 approx save 

Coffee Group at The Coffee Club for coffee and cake = $ 8.00 approx save 

Total Savings so far: = $131.00 

To purchase your copy of the new Entertainment Book 

please contact: Melissa Carter 

Phone: 624 3800 or 021 549 426 

Email: sam.and.mel@xtra.co.nz 

16 


WOMEN’S HEALTH 

CAPC Lending Library 

Central Auckland Parents Centre has the following items 

that we lend out to members for a gold coin donation. 

Thrush, The Yeast Infection You Can Beat. 1991. 

Butterworth, J. 

PREGNANCY 

Childbirth as it Really is. New Zealand Mothers 

Tell Their Stories. 1995. Grayson, S (compiled by). 

New Zealand Pregnancy Book. 1997. Pullon, S. 

Conception, Pregnancy and Birth. The Childbirth 

Bible for Today’s Aus-tralian Parents. 2000. Dr 

Stoppard, M. 

Over 15,000 Baby Names for New Zealanders. 

2003. Matthews, A. 

BABY 

Call Me Dad - A Manual for New Fathers - Lancaster, 

S. Mooij, E. and Korn, S 

Hush – A - Bye Baby – How to recognise tired signs 

in your baby – DVD. 

The Importance of Massage - A Parents guide to 

infant massage - DVD and Video. 

Moving to Learn Book & CD – This provides ideas, 

activities and music for learning and being active. 

It is aimed at children from 0-3years. We have 3 

copies available. 

Toilet Training, The Brazelton Way. 2004. Brazelton, 

T and Sparrow, J. 

Your Baby on a Budget. 2003. Clegg, M. 

Listen to Your Child. A Parent’s Guide to Children’s 

Language. 1986. Crystal, D. 

Mature-age Mothers. 1987. Frydman, G. 

Aromatherapy and Massage for Mother and Baby. 

How Essential Oils Can Help You in Pregnancy and 

Early Motherhood. 1999. England, A. 

On Becoming Babywise. Book One. 1998. Ezzo, G. 

and Bucknam, R. 

They Look So Lovely When They’re Asleep. Advice 

and Anecdotes for Practising Parents. 2004. Levy, 

D. 

Beginning Fatherhood. A Guide for New Zealand 

Men. 1998. Pudney, W and Cottrell, J. 

TODDLERS 

You And Your Toddler. 1999. Dr Stoppard, M. 

Little Volcanoes. Young Children’s Anger and Happiness. 

A Handbook for Parents and Others Caring 

for Children. 2003. Whitehouse, E. and Pudney, W. 

MISCELLANEOUS 

Teddy Bear Cake Tin – Why not save money and 

bake that perfect 1st birthday cake. 

If you are interested in borrowing any of these 

books please call Jane on 625 1579 or email 

janemcent@gmail.com. 

Each book may be loaned for two weeks (there 

is some flexibility on this timeframe unless 

someone else has reserved the book). 

A gold coin is requested for the loan of each 

book (this supports CAPC fundraising activities). 

Book donations are welcome - please contact 

Jane on 625 1579 or janemcent@gmail.com to 

discuss. 

Before I got married I had six theories about bringing up children; 

now I have six children and no theories. 

John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester 


ACTIVE MOVEMENT 

Taking some time in your day for you 

If you are reading this you must have found a 

spare minute in your day – well done! 

Now can you please try something? Breathe. Close 

your eyes and take a long inhalation through your 

nose and see if you can match the length of your 

inhalation with your exhalation out through your 

nose. Repeat three times. Try not to open your 

eyes but feel the breath expanding from deep 

within your belly and rising up through your chest; 

hold that for a brief second and then release out 

through your nose. Repeat three more times. How 

do you feel? 

It is a moment like this which can help you get 

through your day, have energy to play with your 

child, have energy to be a wife but most importantly 

have energy to be yourself. I once read somewhere 

that if a woman gives up one part of herself 

– whether it is the woman in her, the mother in 

her or the wife in her then the other two parts will 

suffer. I thought this was very powerful. Can you 

please try something else? Take some time to think 

“how can I reconnect to me?” Living a life where 

you put yourself first is not living a selfish life but 

one that will benefit others in it. A happy you will 

equal a happy family – that is one of the most important 

things to remember of all. 

When I asked you to breathe at the beginning you 

were participating in an aspect of yoga – breathing 

connects the mind and the body. On the inhalation 

you are nourishing and oxygenating your body 

while on the exhalation you are releasing stress, 

tension and carbon dioxide waste. Breath control 

can be rejuvenating, energising and centering and 

one of the most valuable tools to take you through 

the day. Try to find short moments throughout the 

day where you can close your eyes and become 

aware of your breath; it could be while you are in 

the shower, waiting for the sink to fill with water 

for dishes or while you are waiting for the computer 

to load up. 

People often say it is important to have a healthy 

work-life balance. Parenting being important work, 

it is also important to find a healthy parent-life balance 

and participating in yoga can help to find this. 

Breath awareness is just one aspect of yoga – it is 

an age old practice that has many health and wellbeing 

benefits. 

Through a strengthened body and calmed mind, 

benefits such as improved flexibility and stamina, 

increased energy and vitality, reduced stress and 

tension, improved circulation, metabolism and balance, 

improved confidence and self-esteem can be 

felt. This can all lead to quality sleep which will allow 

you to feel fresh and energised to keep up with 

the day to day runnings of just being you. 

If you can’t get to a yoga class then try introducing 

a few postures at home – have you ever noticed 

that every time a cat wakes from a nap it stretches? 

Try to take a stretch first thing in the morning 

before you doing anything else. A few suggested 

postures to do at home are below. Try each posture 

3 times. 

Chest opener 

Stand with feet hip width 

apart, take an inhalation 

and as you exhale interlock 

your fingers and 

reach out in front of you, 

inhale as if you feel like 

someone is pulling you 

forward by your hands 

but stay grounded with 

your feet. Inhale and 

on the next exhalation 

stretch high up towards 

the ceiling, inhale and 

exhale to release your 

hands to the side and 

take behind you and repeat 

stretching your arms to the back. 

18 


ACTIVE MOVEMENT 

Cow and Cat 

Start on all fours – have your knees about two fist 

widths apart with feet pointing directly behind 

you. Spread fingers wide and place your hands just 

in front of your shoulders with straight arms. Ensure 

that the inside of your elbows are facing each 

other, not rotating towards the front. Sink into your 

back, stick your bottom out and lift your head (like 

a cow). Bring your spine back to neutral, tuck your 

head under and inhale into an arched back like a 

cat stretching. Repeat. 

Child’s Pose 

In a kneeling position spread your knees wide, 

keeping big toes touching. Bring the belly to rest 

between the thighs and forehead to the floor. Either 

stretch the arms in front of you with the palms 

toward the floor or bring the arms back alongside 

the thighs with the palms facing upwards. Do the 

most comfortable position for you and breath. 

Alissa is our Moving and Munching speaker as 

well as the Active Movement Advisor for Sport 

Auckland. Alissa is very passionate about ensuring 

a healthy start in life and has recently 

developed a service called Eat Play Grow. Alissa 

teaches a regular yoga class for mum and baby 

(newborn to walkers) at The Parenting Place in 

Greenlane. Visit www.eatplaygrow.co.nz for 

more information on how Alissa can help you! 

Come and 

join the fun! 

Our high energy structured 

play programme 

is specifically designed for boys and girls 

aged 2 – 4 years. Our indoor sessions are 

all about your child learning through fun 

using a variety of ball activities and games. 

Further details www.soccer4tots.co.nz or contact Lisa on 974 3644 


Auckland Parents Centre - 

How it all began 

Central Auckland Parents Centre celebrates 50 

years of supporting Auckland parents this year 

with a celebration party on Sunday 16 May (see 

your invite on the previous page). Therefore it 

seems fitting to take a look back at how it all began, 

what there was before Parents Centre and 

medical professionals attitudes on giving birth. 

The following has been taken from a memoir written 

in 2002 by Mary Dobbie, Auckland Parents 

Centre’s first President, who sadly passed away 

last year. 

I was one of a small group of potentially interested 

people invited to Marie Griffin’s (President of Auckland’s 

Family Guidance Centre) house on 4 December 

1957, to discuss the possibility of starting a Parents 

Centre in Auckland with the aim of providing 

better preparation for childbirth and parenthood 

than was currently available. My interest stemmed 

from having read Grantly Dick Read’s book “Childbirth 

Without Fear” in time for the birth of my fifth 

child at National Women’s Hospital and persuading 

Professor Carey to let me room in and demand 

feed her at a time when this was simply not an option. 

In return for this privilege he had asked me 

to keep a written record of my baby’s feeding and 

sleeping patterns for his own information. 

A Dr Jim Henderson from Devonport had encouraged 

the North Shore Parents Centre to set up. He 

was convinced that the increasingly heavy use of 

drugs in childbirth was a mistaken approach that 

often led to avoidable difficulties. He saw a better 

way to control childbirth pain with good ante-natal 

preparation, the teaching of relaxation and breathing 

methods combined with good support when 

the patient reached hospital. He believed that the 

extra time spent with his patients, talking with 

them, dropping in at the hospital when they came 

into labour, all helped. 

Dr Henderson’s approach brought him so many 

obstetric patients that he had to employ a physiotherapist 

to give the much needed instruction. 

Hearing about Parents Centres that had started in 

Wellington, Christchurch and Palmerston North 

he approached several mothers about the 

22 

idea of starting up on the North Shore. 

National Women’s had an expanded ante-natal programme 

that covered physiotherapy, talks on health 

care, the labour and birth process, breast feeding, 

and general baby care. Rooming-in was slowly being 

introduced - all of which put National Women’s 

well ahead of other hospitals around the country. 

National Women’s Dr Margaret Liley was a convincing 

advocate of rooming-in, not only as a measure 

against staphiloccus infection, but as a help to 

breast feeding in that it allowed the baby to establish 

it’s own feeding pattern and strengthened the 

mother/baby bonding. 

Professor Carey’s view was that ante-natal education 

was an undervalued segment of health care 

and one that he was determined should be given 

its rightful place in maternal and infant care. He 

had arranged for a conference on ante-natal care 

which was to be held at National Women’s aimed 

at raising awareness of this among doctors, nurses, 

Plunket and public health administrators. The Parents 

Centre movement had been invited to take 

part and we were invited alongside them. 

A memorable quote from the conference came 

from Quentin Brew saying that he believed fathers 

in our culture had been deprived by a taboo on 

tenderness, an All Black complex that encouraged 

them to believe that it was unmanly to be really 

interested in and to enjoy looking after babies and 

young children. Men, were in fact, capable of getting 

much the same pleasure as their wives in handling 

and caring for their babies. 

In May 1958 about twenty people gathered for a 

follow up meeting. Professor Carey had a high opinion 

of the work of the Parents Centre movement 

in the field of antenatal education, but it was not 

a view shared by many of his medical colleagues. 

There was, in fact, considerable prejudice against a 

lay organisation entering this field. 

However Professor Carey very much wanted National 

Women’s Hospital to have the benefit of a 

lay group working in association with its ante-natal 


department, but not under the name of a parents 

centre. He proposed that it work independently 

calling itself a Parents Hospital Committee. Their 

role was to help loosen up the rigidities of the 

hospital system by bringing the wishes and needs 

of ante-natal patients to light, improving communication 

between patients and staff and in general 

infusing a warmth and friendliness that would encourage 

patients to keep their appointments and 

attend physiotherapy session. He also wanted help 

with an introductory booklet for patients. 

A committee with Mary Dobbie as President and 

nine others was formed. They set about familiarising 

themselves with the ante-natal department of 

National Women’s Hospital. They sat in on classes 

and tentatively offered impressions and suggestions 

to medical staff and hospital personnel. 

The first newsletter to members reported “New 

Health Department regulations allow mothers to 

use the ward toilets after four days in bed and this 

reduction in panning chores will be as welcome to 

nurses as it is to mother... Ward 30 has been divided 

into single rooms and will re-open as a roomingin 

ward... unfortunately no prospect of a change to 

single rooms in the labour ward. The bare privacy 

of curtains drawn between beds makes it very difficult 

for husbands to feel at ease it they wish to be 

with their wives in the first stage of labour.” 

The hoped for working association with the department 

was proving nebulous. Staff had not been prepared 

for the presence of a lay organisation and distanced 

themselves. Professor Carey was away a great 

deal of the time and the committee were regarded 

as superfluous to the running of a busy hospital. 

Then, unexpectedly an invitation came to help organise 

an ante-natal programme for Bethany Salvation 

Army Obstetric Hospital in Grey Lynn. This was 

a busy hospital confining 45-50 patients a month 

and providing live-in care for unmarried mothers. 

It was not just for the privately booked patients 

that the matron Captain Thelma Smith wanted better 

childbirth preparation for; she saw it as equally 

needful for the single mothers. She asked that the 

needs of these girls be catered for as well. This 

opened up a new field of interest for the committee 

and later for the whole Parents Centre movement. 

Bethany opened their arms to the committee, in 

striking contrast to National Women’s. Captain 

Smith was already encouraging husbands to stay 

and support their wives in labour. She felt it was 

important for the birth environment to be as stress 

free as possible. 

It was however, harder to convince Bethany’s Medical 

Director, Dr FCM Shortt to allow husbands to be 

present at their child’s birth. But after one or two 

had been present in the theatre without fainting 

and had, in fact, been quite useful when staff were 

busy, and when he saw how deeply moving such 

an experience could be for the couple involved, his 

doubts faded. 

One other specialist was adamant he would never 

tolerate a husband in theatre, until he made an exception 

for a blind couple. The gratitude of his patient 

together with the argument that “if it worked 

so well for them, why deny it to others” finally won 

him over. 

Together with Captain Smith, the committee 

worked out a programme for ante-natal classes 

much along the lines of the Parents Centre classes 

in Wellington. The first session covered physiotherapy, 

a talk on the progress of pregnancy and the 

nutritional needs of the mother and unborn child. 

The next week was a serious talk on the business 

of labour and delivery, with emphasis on the part 

that relaxation and breathing methods practised in 

the physiotherapy session would play in birthing 

the baby. 

It was decided that something of a visual nature 

was needed showing a birth, but nothing could be 

found. (Mary Dobbie and Auckland Parents Centre 

went on to make a film showing the birth of a baby 

in a New Zealand hospital in approximately 1962.) 

The programme also included a talk on breast feeding, 

bonding and the importance of the father’s 

support. A Plunket nurse would come along and 

demonstrate nappy changing and burping and to 

talk about the day to day practical care of a baby, 

sterilising bottles and making up formula. 

Parenting, managing a toddler, understanding the 

needs of the pre-schooler, as well as play activities 

and the importance of play were also covered. 

The final evening centred on the birth experience 

with a recording of a natural birth and a couple from 

an earlier class coming back to tell their birth story. 

The whole course covered ten evenings and cost 2 

pounds per couple. And unlike courses at National 

Women’s were run in the evening so that husbands 

and working women would be able to attend. 

At the May 1959 AGM of the Parents Hospital Committee 

it was decided that as their aims and 

classes were so close to that of the Par- 


ents Centre, that they should join the Federation 

of New Zealand Parents Centres. The three medical 

advisors agreed despite grumblings from Professor 

Carey who predicted the early demise of the 

Parents Centre movement as more public hospitals 

offered ante-natal classes. 

When a Mt Eden doctor learned that Parents 

Centre organised evening classes at Bethany he 

enquired if anything similar could be arranged for 

patients at other hospitals. Auckland Parents Centre 

responded with a class at the Quaker Meeting 

House on Mt Eden Road. The response from private 

hospitals was one of friendly interest and a 

willingness to welcome Parents Centre mothers to 

their hospital. 

In April 1960 Auckland Parents Centre officially became 

an incorporated society. 

Bethany’s classes were overflowing and had a waiting 

list. Earlier classes were having reunions in the 

form of a morning tea or a luncheon with one class 

member playing hostess in her own home and the 

rest of the group bringing along baby and a plate. 

The Parents Centre committee were becoming increasingly 

aware of the problems facing unmarried 

mothers at Bethany and elsewhere. 

Many organisations were church based and the 

girls were often treated as a cheap source of labour. 

The babies were usually placed for adoption 

by the agency. There was also a custom of keeping 

the girls on to breast feed and care for their babies 

until they were adopted, which could be for 

some weeks. When the time came for mother and 

baby to part it was a huge emotional wrench for 

the mother. 

Bethany decided it was better for the girl to make 

her own mind up about adoption and once decided 

upon not to breast feed, but to leave the hospital 

as soon as the adoption papers were signed. 

Bethany was also different from other organisations 

in that they welcomed the father of these 

babies to visit and be involved in any discussion, 

for they were often in need of help in coming to 

terms with fathering a child. Captain Thelma Smith 

claimed “Many boys are very glad to come, for they 

are very often in a similar state of tumult as the girl. 

Even if marriage is not likely, the girl is strengthened 

by the boy’s willingness to stand by her during 

pregnancy. It gives her dignity and the boy’s self 

respect in built up too.” 

It is interesting to also note that an unmarried 

mother who kept her baby could expect 

support from Social Secu- 

24 

rity for one month only (a sum of three pounds five 

shillings or four pounds and ten shillings, according 

to her age), but if she elected to breast feed the 

support was available for three months. 

Rissa Scelly, a midwife and breast feeding speaker 

on Parents Centre courses became National 

Women’s first social worker. A lot of her work was 

dealing with adoptions. Rissa had an idea that she 

took to Auckland Parents Centre. She wondered if 

adopting couples could attend ante-natal classes. 

In place of the labour and breast feeding talks 

they were given opportunities to talk about adoption 

and learn something of the plight of the birth 

mother. After a few successful trials a separate 

Adoption course was developed. 

Over the next few years other courses were offered 

by Auckland Parents Centre such as the Follow-Up 

Class covering; a child about the place, how does 

your child play, staying happily married, the family 

man and keeping in shape. 

From there Auckland Parents Centre continued to 

grow with the addition of more courses for parents 

and advocate for the rights of the unborn child, the 

pregnant woman, parents and unmarried mothers. 

If you are interested in more of the history of Parents 

Centre, Mary Dobbie wrote a fantastic book 

“The Trouble with Women - The Story of Parents 

Centre New Zealand” which documents how Parent 

Centre as well as providing education has 

helped establish rooming in with your baby/child 

in hospital, supported breast feeding on demand, 

encouraged and supported fathers to be present at 

the birth. This book is available from our Lending 

Library by contatcting Jane on phone 625 1579 or 

from Auckland City Library. 


Riding the Emotional Rollercoaster: 

my journey to first time motherhood 

Our son, Harrison, was born on New Year’s Day. The 

journey to his arrival was full of highs and lows, a 

veritable rollercoaster. And an awesome ride. 

A baby was a very recent addition to my life plan, 

which up to now included enjoying life as a professional 

couple. My husband is one of those guys you 

know will be an awesome Dad. I was one of those 

women who when she announces she is pregnant 

prompts the question “was this planned”? So having 

a vaginal birth was never a priority for me, in 

fact, my biggest concern was that the trauma of 

the birth would inhibit my bonding with our baby. I 

wanted a Caesarean section. Having had abdominal 

surgery several times I had no concerns about another 

operation, albeit the most major one so far. 

At 28 weeks we found out our son was in the breech 

position and a Caesarean (‘Caesar’) section a possibility. 

The obstetrician warned us not to plan the 

due date just yet as there was every chance our 

son would flip over. We also had options such as 

acupuncture to assist him to flip. Given that I wanted 

a Caesar I decided to leave it up to our son. As 

the weeks went on, and our son stayed put, I was 

feeling ever more hopeful. 

At 33 weeks our son looked a lot smaller than he 

should be, so we went in for a growth scan to double 

check the obstetrician’s measurements. Thankfully 

our son was bigger than the obstetrician had 

thought, but still small enough to be disconcerting. 

Coupled with his breech position the obstetrician 

decided a Caesar should be booked just in case. 

The Caesar needed to be booked over the Christmas 

period at a time of the year where every second 

person seemed to be heavily pregnant and the 

only slot we could get was on Christmas Eve. My 

husband and I had mixed feelings about this date. 

Our son would only be 37 weeks so developed 

slightly less than what was ideal, but if he was not 

growing as well as he needed to he would be better 

off being born this early. There was also the risk 

people would try and combine his birthday with 

Christmas for the rest of his life! 

At 36 weeks the obstetrician decided our son 

was growing well and the Caesar for 

26 

the next week was cancelled so he could develop a 

bit longer. Our son was still breech so a Caesar was 

a definite plan however there were no available appointments 

until 5 January, only five days before 

our son’s natural due date, so there was a real risk 

I would go into labour and we would have to have 

an emergency Caesar. 

At 37 weeks the obstetrician said he would try to 

deliver our son the next week, either on New Year’s 

Eve or New Year’s Day, by going to hospital and waiting 

for a theatre slot. By this stage our son would 

be 38 weeks, so developed enough to be delivered 

with little risk and early enough to minimise the 

risk I would go into labour. While the plan was for 

a combined spinal and epidural anaesthetic there 

was always the risk I would need a general anaesthetic. 

I could not eat before I went to hospital so I 

was not looking forward to the prospect of sitting 

in a hospital all day waiting for the operation. 

At 38 weeks the obstetrician said we would be going 

into hospital on New Year’s Day and we’d wait 

for an available theatre slot. 


At 38.5 weeks, on New Year’s Day, we checked into 

hospital at 8am and waited for the obstetrician to 

arrive. The nurse on the ward was very upset that 

I had not had blood tests done the previous day 

and told us we may not be able to go into theatre. 

Having prepared myself for surgery I was very upset. 

When the obstetrician arrived he did the blood 

tests and confirmed I had a 10.30am theatre slot. 

So we were all on! Our son was born at 11.04am. 

When Harrison was born he was “grunting”. This 

indicated an issue with his lungs, typical of being 

born by Caesarean section and still having some 

fluid in his lungs. This fluid is ordinarily squeezed 

out as part of a vaginal birth. Harrison was put onto 

CPAP (Continuous Positive Air Pressure) in theatre. 

This did not fix the problem in theatre so our son 

went to NICU (Neonatal Intensive Care Unit) while 

I remained in recovery after theatre. 

The NICU staff were fabulous and gave my husband 

a photo of our son for me to keep close seeing as I 

could not have our son with me. NICU also made a 

name tag for his crib and this now graces his door 

at home. 

For the next 24 hours while our son was in NICU I 

could concentrate on getting myself better after the 

operation. Our son was discharged in time for us to 

go to Birthcare on the day after New Year’s Day. 

Now our son is here life is still an emotional rollercoaster. 

Our journey to this stage was a mixed 

bag of things I wanted, things I did not want and 

encountering things I had not even thought of. 

However, when our son looks at me with the absolute 

trust only he can convey I am reminded it’s an 

awesome ride. 

Miranda Young 

Would you like to share your birth story, pregnancy experiences, or your first impressions of parenthood? 

We would love to share them with our other members. Contact capc.newslettereditor@gmail.com to 

find out more or submit your story. 

Win this fantastic gift basket! 

Simply send us your birth story, pregnancy 

experience or parenthood impressions 

for inclusion in our newsletters 

before 7 May 2010 and we will 

put you in the draw to win this fantastic 

gift basket from Cerebos Greggs 

containing a selection of teas, coffees, 

sauces and pastes. 

All stories will be entered in the draw and we will 

endeavour to print them all in future issues of our 

newsletter or publish them on our website. (If you 

would prefer your story not to be published online 

please note this on your entry.) 

All entries should by typed preferably in Word 

and no more than 1500 words. An accompanying 

photo would be appreciated. 

Email your entry to 

capc.newslettereditor@gmail.com 

before 7pm on 7 May 2010. 


What does my child learn all day? 

Previous articles have talked about some aspects 

of a childs day in childcare. We continue identifying 

other areas of play that prepare your child for 

school. 

When you drop your child off at her early childhood 

centre and watch her dash off to the sand pit or the 

dough table, do you wonder if she learns anything 

all day, and will the sand pit and the dough table 

prepare her for starting school? 

The answer is absolutely yes! What looks like child’s 

play is actually the basis for a life-time’s learning. If 

they don’t learn these things as pre-schoolers, they 

are actually already behind their age-group when 

they start school. The different learnings that the 

core curricula below encourages are part of building 

the base of understanding maths, language, 

writing, exploration, social skills and much more. 

Children love learning so a good childcare centre 

will create an environment where they can be immersed 

in learning and absorb literacy and numeracy 

as part of what looks like play. 

Sand and water play 

Starting with sand and water play - this is where 

the development of maths and science concepts 

start. Children weigh and measure and begin to understand 

volume. As children play alongside their 

peers they develop relationship skills, taking turns 

problem solving and sharing, as they see something 

that looks like fun, and want to play with it 

themselves. 

As they grow older, they begin to grasp scientific 

concepts like gravity, volume, inter-action of chemicals, 

and mathematical concepts like volume and 

weight. And while they’re all huddled in the sand 

and around each other, all those emerging little 

personalities are learning social skills, sharing, bargaining 

and team work. 

Block building and puzzles 

Block building and puzzles are an important step 

in cognitive development, meaning that as children 

experience the world around them, they form pictures 

in their minds of what they see. Playing with 

blocks gives them the opportunity to re-create 

these pictures in concrete form. To be able to do 

this is an important step towards abstract thinking. 

Blocks also teach co-ordination, children have to 

manipulate, stack, balance, lift and arrange them. 

It is great for hand and arm muscles and hand and 

eye co-ordination. 

Literacy 

Children are immersed in language and words at 

centres through displays and labelling of everyday 

objects and equipment. Centres offer a print rich 

environment that help expose children to all forms 

of literacy. Story telling and books from an early 

age encourage children to explore a world of make 

believe, fantasy as well as facts. Reading books and 

looking at pictures also helps foster a love of books, 

and develop the understanding that the words tell 

a story. All this develops the necessary early literacy 

skills needed to support children’s reading 

development at school. 

Dramatic play 

Children have an innate sense of make believe so 

they love our dramatic playtime. It’s an opportunity 

for them to express themselves, share experiences 

and learn to socially interact with others, 

making sense of the world they live in. This is a 

great time for children to explore, express and role 

model emotions and feelings. 

Science and nature 

Children’s natural curiosity to investigate new and 

unusual things draws them into the natural environment. 

Here they discover bugs and plants, find 

out what is hiding under a rock, plant things and 

28 


watch them grow. We offer experiences with activities 

like baking, worm farms, floating and sinking 

experiments in water to encourage children to ask 

why and how? 

Group time 

Group time is organised so children learn how to 

respond to the needs of others while in a group. 

This can involve the whole group, smaller groups for 

story and language development, music and movement, 

literacy, sharing, turn taking and much more. 

Outdoor play 

Climbing, running and jumping, throwing balls 

help children develop gross motor skills and build 

muscles in their arms and legs. Other activities like 

catching and throwing, kicking or batting balls develop 

hand eye co-ordination and develop the left/ 

right brain connections that will support future 

brain development and learning. 

Wow! You had no idea you’d learned all that stuff 

yourself when you played with your bricks, did you? 

And probably neither did you realise that those 

games you played, imagining people and situations 

in worlds you’d created, were also developing your 

ability for dramatic play! So while they’re playing 

what look like games, your children are actually living 

and learning. 

By Fiona Hughes, General Manager Development and Quality for Kidicorp. 

Kidicorp has centres all over New Zealand under brands like 

Kids To Five, Edukids, Early Years, First Steps, Mainly Kids and Montessori centres. 

fotoman 

is coming to Central Auckland Parents Centre 

Free 10 minute sitting for family portraits 

No obligation to purchase 

Quality photos 

Minimum 10% commission paid to Central Auckland Parents Centre 

A range of black and white, colour and sepia tone photos 

Sunday 1 August 2010 

Onehunga Community Centre, 83 Church Street. 

For bookings call Cheryl on 620 7446 


Eating well supports breastfeeding 

Eating well while breastfeeding helps to ensure 

the best possible nutrition for babies without 

compromising mothers’ health. 

It is important to keep hydrated when breastfeeding 

by drinking plenty, aiming for 10 cups per day 

– especially in summer. Encourage Mums to have 

a drink every time they feed baby. Water and reduced 

fat milk are good choices, while tea, coffee, 

fruit drinks and carbonated drinks can provide variety 

but should be limited, due to their caffeine and 

sugar content. 1 

To get all the key nutrients needed to keep Mum 

in good health and to encourage the production 

of breast milk, a wide variety of foods should be 

encouraged within a balanced diet. It’s important 

to include some healthy fats, as low fat diets may 

affect the important fat levels in breast milk. 1 

Snacking regularly helps keep hunger at bay and 

healthy snack choices help to provide key nutrients. 

Breastfeeding can be tiring – especially for Mums 

with newborns when everything’s new. 

REFERENCE 

1. Ministry of Health. Food and Nutrition Guidelines 

for Pregnant and Breastfeeding Women: A background 

paper. Ministry of Health: Wellington, 2006. 

Snack ideas 

• A sandwich made with wholegrain bread. 

Filling ideas: 

o Tuna, sardines, chicken, lean meat, or 

peanut butter 

o Edam or cottage cheese 

o Salad vegetables 

• A bowl of breakfast cereal with milk and fruit 

• Sushi 

• A pottle of low fat yoghurt 

• Cheese on two wholegrain crackers 

• A glass of milk or low fat milk shake/smoothie. 

• A boiled egg with wholegrain toast 

• A handful of nuts 

• A bowl of fruit salad or stewed/canned fruit 

and yoghurt 

• A piece of fruit loaf 

Tips for saving time and 

reducing stress 

• Make several meals at a time, so that leftovers 

can be frozen, or re-heated (thoroughly) 

the next night 

• Using frozen or canned vegetables is quick, 

easy and helps provide lots of variety 

• If friends offer to help, let them make a meal 

or two 

• If meals are planned ahead for the week, it 

can mean only one trip to the supermarket; 

shop online, or send someone else out with 

a list to avoid a trip completely 

We never know the love of the parent until we become parents ourselves. 

Henry Ward Beecher, US Congressional clergyman 

30 


Motherhood . . . 

It Will Change Your Life 

Time is running out for my friend. We are sitting at 

lunch when she casually mentions that she and her 

husband are thinking of “starting a family.” What 

she means is that her biological clock has begun its 

countdown and she is considering the prospect of 

motherhood. 

“We’re taking a survey,” she says, half jokingly. “Do 

you think I should have a baby?” 

“It will change your life,” I say carefully. 

“I know,” she says. “No more sleeping in on Saturdays, 

no more spontaneous vacations...” 

But that is not what I mean at all. 

I look at my friend, trying to decide what to tell 

her. I want her to know what she will never learn in 

childbirth classes. I want to tell her that the physical 

wounds of childbirth heal, but that becoming a 

mother will leave her with an emotional wound so 

raw that she will be forever vulnerable. 

I consider warning her that she will never read a 

newspaper again without asking “What if that had 

been my child?” That every plane crash, every 

fire will haunt her. That when she sees pictures of 

starving children, she will look at the mothers and 

wonder if anything could be worse than watching 

your child die. 

I look at her carefully manicured nails and stylish 

suit and think she should know that no matter how 

sophisticated she is, becoming a mother will immediately 

reduce her to the primitive level. That a 

slightly urgent call of “Mum!” will cause her to drop 

her best crystal without a moment’s hesitation. 

I feel I should warn her that no matter how many 

years she has invested in her career, she will be 

professionally derailed by motherhood. She might 

successfully arrange for child care, but one day she 

will be waiting to go into an important business 

meeting, and she will think about her baby’s sweet 

smell. She will have to use every ounce of discipline 

to keep from running home, just to make sure he 

is all right. 

I want my friend to know that everyday routine 

decisions will no longer be routine. That a visit to 

McDonald’s and a five year old boy’s desire to go to 

the men’s room rather than the women’s room will 

become a major dilemma. That right there, in the 

midst of clattering trays and screaming children, issues 

of independence and gender identity will be 

weighed against the prospect that danger may be 

lurking in the rest room. 

I want her to know that however decisive she 

may be at the office, she will second-guess herself 

constantly as a mother. Looking at my attractive 

friend, I want to assure her that eventually she will 

shed the pounds of pregnancy, but will never feel 

the same about herself. That her life, now so important, 

will be of less value to her once she has 

a child. That she would give it up in a moment to 

save her offspring, but will also begin to hope for 

more years, not so much to accomplish her own 

dreams, but to watch her child accomplish his. 

I want her to know that a caesarean scar or stretch 

marks will become badges of honor. 

My friend’s relationship with her husband will 

change, but not in the ways she thinks. I wish she 

could understand how much more you can love a 

man who is always careful to powder the baby or 

who never hesitates to play with his son. I think 

she should know that she will fall in love with her 

husband again for reasons she would never have 

imagined. 

I wish my modern friend could sense the bond she 

will feel with other women throughout history who 

have tried desperately to stop war and prejudice 

and drunk driving. 

I want to describe to my friend the exhilaration of 

seeing your son learn to hit a baseball. I want to 

capture for her the laugh of a baby who is touching 

the soft fur of a dog for the first time. I want her to 

taste the joy that is so real that it hurts. 

My friend’s quizzical look makes me realise that 

tears have formed in my eyes. 

“You’ll never regret it,” I say finally. 

by Dale Hanson Bourke 

Chicken Soup for the Woman’s Soul 


Mother’s Day History 

The history of Mother’s Day is centuries old and 

goes back to the times of ancient Greeks, who held 

festivities to honor Rhea, the mother of the gods. 

The early Christians celebrated the Mother’s festival 

on the fourth Sunday of Lent to honor Mary, 

the mother of Christ. Interestingly, 

later on a religious order 

stretched the holiday to include 

all mothers, and named it as the 

Mothering Sunday. People working 

out of their homes were expected 

to return to the “mother” 

church (the spiritual power that 

gave them life and protected 

them from harm). It also became 

an occasion for family reunions. 

The English colonists who settled 

in America discontinued the tradition of Mothering 

Sunday due to lack of time. In 1872 Julia Ward Howe 

organised a day for mothers dedicated to peace. It 

is a landmark in the history of Mother’s Day. 

In 1907, Anna M. Jarvis (1864-1948), a Philadelphia 

schoolteacher, began a movement to set up 

a national Mother’s Day in honor of her mother, 

Ann Maria Reeves Jarvis. She solicited the help of 

hundreds of legislators and prominent businessmen 

to create a special day to honor mothers. The 

first Mother’s Day observance was a church serv- 

To understand Mother’s Day and what it really 

means, you need to understand the person in your 

life called ‘Mother’. 

Mother is one who nurtures you in her womb for 

nine months and brings you forth to enjoy the supreme 

blessing on earth, that is, Life. Mother is one 

who guides you through your infancy and turns the 

soft, helpless creature to the powerful and successful 

YOU. She is the guardian angel protecting you 

and supporting you, feeling for you and serving you 

silently always with a smile on her face. She prides 

herself watching you grow and provides you a shoulder 

to cry on whenever you need. She is every child’s 

best friend. 

For a child, every single day should be a 

Mothers Day. The essence 

32 

ice honoring Anna’s mother. Anna handed out her 

mother’s favorite flowers, the white carnations, on 

the occasion as they represent sweetness, purity, 

and patience. Anna’s hard work finally paid off in 

the year 1914, when President Woodrow Wilson 

proclaimed the second Sunday 

in May as a national holiday in 

honor of mothers. 

Slowly and gradually the Mother’s 

day became very popular 

and gift giving activity increased. 

All this commercialisation of the 

Mother’s day infuriated Anna 

as she believed that the day’s 

sentiment was being sacrificed 

at the expense of greed and 

profit. 

Regardless of Jarvis’s worries, Mother’s Day has 

flourished in the United States. Actually, the second 

Sunday of May has become the most popular 

day of the year. Although Anna may not be with 

us but the Mother’s day lives on and has spread 

to various countries of the world. Many countries 

throughout the world celebrate Mother’s Day at 

various times during the year, but some such as 

Denmark, Finland, Italy, Turkey, Australia, and Belgium 

also celebrate Mother’s Day on the second 

Sunday of May. 

What it Really Means 

of the meaning of Mother’s Day is in the fact that 

we should try and make this day every year a memorable 

one for your mother. She should cherish the 

special feeling of this day and the intensity of that 

feeling should last her the lifetime. 

This is the day to stop, remember, and pray for that 

special person in our life, without whom we would 

not have been, what we are today; a day to prove 

that all her efforts, towards making us a complete 

person, have been worthwhile and make her feel 

proud for us. In the broader sense of the term, 

Mother’s Day is a day to be grateful to God for being 

so kind as to bless us with an angel in the form 

of Mother. 


Ideas for Pampering a New Mum 

Being a mother is special at any time, but being 

a new mum on Mother’s Day is really a time to 

celebrate your role and treat yourself! But how 

do you actually work some pampering into your 

new life, where responsibility for baby often takes 

precedence over everything? 

Try these simple, practical ideas to feel like a million 

dollar mama - go on, you deserve it! 

Some like it hot! When 

you’re pregnant, hot 

baths are out. Hooray, 

now that baby’s here you 

can steam up the bathroom 

with a long, hot soak 

(we recommend waiting 

till your post-natal bleeding 

has ceased). Try adding 

baby-friendly bath treats 

like Angel Baby Bath Blossoms 

and, once the water’s cooled, baby can join 

you in the bath for a wash, cuddle and a relaxed, 

snuggly feed. 

If you call them, they will come. Before kids, having 

a manicure or haircut was a real treat. But add 

in organising a babysitter and finding parking, and 

the whole thing is more stressful than it’s worth. 

So try in-home beauty therapy. Ask around for recommendations, 

or even try friends who are trained 

but are currently at home with kids themselves. 

You often pay the same or less than going into a 

salon, and this way you can arrange for your treat 

at a time when baby will be settled. 

A fraction of friction. 

A massage is the ultimate 

way to relax and sleep better. 

If there’s a bit of slack 

in the budget, try an inhome 

massage therpist. If 

you can’t afford the extra, 

ask your partner to give 

you a back rub. Lie on 

your bed on a thick towel, 

and use other towels and pillows to support your 

n e w l y buoyant breastfeeding breasts. Try using 

Tui Lavender or Unscented Massage 

Wax. 

Zzzzzzzz. Sleep can be the ultimate 

luxury when you’ve got a new baby. 

To make the sleep that you do get 

the best possible, change your sheets 

as often as you can to get that fresh 

uncreased feeling. Get yourself some 

yummy mummy sleepwear with built 

in breast support and feeding clips. 

Squirt your pillow with a scrumptious 

aromatherapy spray like Happy 

Mama Spray. 

Sourced from www.gentlydoesit.co.nz a website packed with information 

and gentle safe products for mums & babies such as pregnancy, labour, 

birth and recovery, breastfeeding and much more. 

Chocolate doesn’t contain caffeine, but... 

While chocolate can have a stimulating effect, like caffeine-containing beverages, in fact it doesn’t 

contain caffeine. The active constituent in cocoa is methylxanthine theobromine – lets just call it MT 

for short (phew!). MT has similar effects on our nervous system to 

caffeine, and while cocoa contains only small amounts of MT, it still 

has the potential to create a state of alertness, which is another reason 

why caution should be used when offering it to young children. 


Preventing Driveway Injuries 

A quarter of all child pedestrians 

hospitalised in the Auckland region 

are injured on home driveways. 

The injuries these children 

sustain are severe, sometimes 

fatal, typically involving significant 

trauma to the head, chest 

and lower limbs. 

On average, two children per 

month are admitted to Starship Hospital as the result 

of a home driveway injury. Most children are 

injured in their own home driveway or in a neighbour’s 

driveway. The greatest risk is to children under 

the age of five. 

In many cases, the driver reported seeing the child 

in a safe place prior to the accident. 

The occurrence of these accidents has not changed 

significantly over the past 15 years but the good 

news is these deaths and injuries are preventable. 

Following these useful guidelines will help you ensure 

the safety of children in driveway situations. 

Look out Mum and Dad! 

In more than a third of cases it is the child’s own 

parent who is driving the vehicle involved. Our children 

are more likely to be run over in the driveway 

by their own mum or dad than anyone else. 

Other drivers who feature in the statistics include 

relatives, friends and neighbours and commercial 

drivers. 

What type of vehicle? 

Large vehicles such as vans, trucks and four wheel 

drives are over represented in driveway accidents. 

Drivers of these types of vehicles need to be especially 

vigilant. Better still, think driveway safety 

when buying your next vehicle - choose a model 

with better visibility. 

Keeping kids safe around driveways: 

• When you leave the house, shut the door securely 

so that children cannot run outside after 

you. 

• Before driving off, make sure you know where 

all children are. Check, check and check again. 

• If you’re on your own and need to move a vehicle, 

it’s safer to get the children to ride in the car 

with you. 

• It is safer to drive forward when leaving a property 

– consider whether you can reverse into 

your garage or driveway. 

• Be sure to check your vehicle’s ‘blind spot’ before 

reversing up the driveway. 

• Hold children firmly by the hand whenever a 

vehicle is being moved. 

• If your driveway borders a play area, fence it. 

KNOW WHERE THE KIDS ARE 

BEFORE GETTING IN THE CAR 

CHECK 

for children before 

driving off 

SUPERVISE 

children around 

vehicles - always 

SEPARATE 

play areas from 

driveways 

THERE’S NO GOING 

www.safekids.org.nz 

John Campbell 

34 


Key facts about driveway 

accidents 

• Children injured in driveway 

accidents often suffer severe 

and sometimes fatal injuries; 

injuries typically involve significant 

trauma to the head, 

chest and lower limbs 

• Most children are injured on 

their own home driveway 

• The greatest risk is to children 

under the age of five 

• Sadly it is most commonly 

the child’s own parent who 

is driving the vehicle when a 

child is hit 

• In many cases, the driver 

reported seeing the child in a 

safe place before the 

accident 

• Driveway accidents are more 

common in summer, between 

December and February, 

when children are more 

likely to be playing outside 

• Most driveway accidents 

happen in the afternoon 

between 4pm and 7pm or in 

the morning between 10am 

and 12pm 

• The occurrence of these tragic 

accidents has not changed 

significantly over the past 15 

years but the good news is 

these deaths and injuries are 

preventable 


A parent’s story... 

“Reuben was 15 months old when it happened, the youngest 

of our children and the only boy. Everyone called him ‘my 

little shadow’ but I never thought he’d follow me out to the 

car that day. 

I saw him inside just before I got into the car. When I felt 

that bump as I backed the car out I knew I’d hit something. 

Then I heard my wife screaming. I’ll never forget the sound 

of her screaming as she ran behind the car where Reuben 

lay. He died in our arms before the ambulance got there. 

That was five years ago and if I could take that day back and 

make it different, I would - but I can’t. No matter how much 

we love him and miss him, we can’t bring him back.” 

CHECK 

SUPERVISE 

SEPARATE 

KNOW 

WHERE 

THE KIDS 

ARE 


www.safekids.org.nz 


Child Friendly Restaurant Reviews in Central Auckland 

Cafes in Mt Eden Village:– Frasers and Sierra Cafeé 

Frasers Café 

I’ve been going to Frasers (434 Mt Eden Road, 

Mt Eden) for years. The food is consistently good 

and the service is quick and friendly. Frasers is 

open every day until late so it’s great for a family 

breakfast, brunch, lunch or early dinner. It’s noisy 

enough to drown out most kid’s noise so you won’t 

have to worry about shushing your kids if their volume 

switch is set to loud. 

Kids Menu: 

There is a small kids menu which is available all day 

(and night) or a standard ‘adult’ menu. They have 

a breakfast/lunch menu which is offered until 4 pm 

and a dinner menu which operates from 4 pm onwards. 

My kids usually share the ‘Breakfast’ from the kids 

menu which is Bacon, Eggs, Sausage and Toast for 

$8.90. If they are extra hungry, they sometimes 

share the Pancake Stack with fresh banana and 

maple syrup for $8.90. Also available on the kids 

menu is a BLT sandwich for $8.90 and a chocolate 

sundae for $6.90. 

I would also recommend the Hokkien Noodle Salad 

with BBQ chicken for $19.80. It serves two children 

generously, so ask for two plates and divide it. It’s 

very tasty, but not at all spicy and the chicken is 

very tender. 

For drinks there are the usual juices and water, plus 

they make very good fluffies (babycinos) with any 

kind of milk (my daughter drinks soy). Fluffies are 

served in cute espresso cups with two marshmallows. 

Pram access: 

The tables are packed in very close to each other 

so there is no room at all for prams inside. Unless 

you are happy to eat outside (at tables on the footpath), 

I would recommend you leave your pram at 

home. 

Extras: 

• High chairs are available near the counter and 

there is also a basket of kids’ picture books. 

• Another good thing is a water filter and glasses 

on the counter so you can help yourself to water 

(for free) or fill up sippy cups and bottles. If 

your kids insist on drinking out of a glass (which 

mine do), the glasses are small so won’t flood 

the place if they get knocked over. 

Negatives: 

• Take care with the café chairs. They are quite 

light and tip over easily if your toddler climbs up 

on them. 

• The lack of pram access may also be a turn off for 

parents of young babies. 

• Frasers is not a particularly cheap outing with 

most adult meals priced from $19.80. 

Sierra Café, Mt Eden 

As a comparison, I visited Sierra Café (418 Mt Eden 

Road, Mt Eden). We’d headed to Frasers for lunch 

and it was packed out so we decided to try Sierra. 

Sierra is a much roomier café than Frasers with far 

fewer tables. There is also a proper outdoor eating 

area in a courtyard out the back of the restaurant, 

which is better than the footpath tables at Frasers. 

However, Sierra is only open for breakfast, lunch 

and afternoon tea so we will be sticking with Frasers 

for dinner. 

Kids Menu: 

Sierra has a big menu with lots of choices to keep 

the kids happy. My two ordered the Poached eggs 

on Toast but you can order your eggs any way you 

like for $10.50 

I only noticed that a kids menu was available (on 

request) after we had ordered so I will have to 

check that out another time. 

In addition to the blackboard menu, Sierra has 

sandwiches, quiches and Panini ready to purchase 

over the counter and there is also a wide range of 

scones, cakes and cookies. 

36 


Pram Access: 

There is enough room next to most tables for one 

pram, but not enough for your whole coffee group 

and their full-sized three-wheelers. 

Extras: 

• Sierra has wooden booster seats for older toddlers 

as well as high chairs. 

• A water cooler with glasses is situated in the 

middle of the café. Take care with the glasses as 

they are bigger than at Frasers. 

Negatives: 

• The tables are a standard café size but the food 

comes on huge plates (and mine was chipped!) 

so if you are sitting across from another adult 

with a meal, both your plates hang over the 

edge of the table, which is not ideal. 

• Like Frasers, Sierra Café is not cheap. For two 

servings of poached eggs, an open chicken sandwich 

and a burger (with two hot chocolates and 

two fluffies), we paid $63.60. 

• I prefer café’s where fluffies are free with a coffee 

purchase. Sierra charged $1.60 (the 60 cents 

was for the soy milk) is a bit overpriced for a tiny 

bit of milk fluff in an espresso cup). 

In conclusion, Frasers would be my top pick, but 

Sierra is a worthy alternative if you want to go out 

to eat but need to bring your pram along. 

By Hana Turner 

Mum to Mackenzie (5) and Jackson (2) 

Mothers Day 

A Mother loves right from the start. 

She holds her baby close to her heart. 

The bond that grows will never falter. 

Her love is so strong it will never alter. 

A Mother gives never ending Love. 

She never feels that she has given enough. 

For you she will always do her best. 

Constantly working, there’s no time to rest. 

A Mother is there when things go wrong. 

A hug and a kiss to help us along. 

Always there when we need her near. 

Gently wipes our eyes when we shed a tear. 

So on this day shower your Mother with Love. 

Gifts and presents are nice but that is not 

enough. 

Give your Mother a day to have some peace 

of mind. 

Be gentle, be good, be helpful, be kind. 

Happy Mothers Day. 

Carol Matthews 

Is it Time to Return to Work? 

Are you experiencing any of the following? 

o Anxiety or guilt about leaving your child in someone else’s care 

o Questioning your ability and skills 

o Feeling pressure from friends/extended family to stay at home 

o Feeling a lack of confidence 

FREE WORKSHOP 

We are currently seeking parents who are thinking about, or in the process of, 

returning to work so they can provide feedback on our latest Workshop. 

Contact Kate for more information on how you can participate. 

For more details on our services go to www.KHS-Services.com or contact Kate on 021 620 178. 


IN THE KITCHEN 

The Chef’s Toolbox is a party-plan based company offering a fantastic opportunity if you’re looking for 

a fun, flexible career. As an independent consultant you can earn the income you want, choose your 

own hours, work from home, receive free business training and cookware, and build your career at your 

own pace. Central Auckland Parents Centre also receives $200 cash for every person who signs on as 

an independent consultant. 

If you would like to host a party or find out more information about becoming a consultant call 

Jane Massey, Independent Consultant, The Chefs Toolbox 

Phone 522 2047 or 021 666 258 Email jane.massey@xtra.co.nz 

Paella (with chorizo) 

Preparation: 15 minutes Cooking: 25 minutes 

The Ingredients 

1L stock 

1.2 teaspoon saffron threads 

1 tablespoon oil 2 chicken breast fillets, halved horizontally, sliced 

2 Spanish chorizo sausages, halved and sliced thickly 1 onion, finely chopped 

1 clove garlic, crushed 1 red capsicum, deseeded and sliced 

1 teaspoon Spanish smoked paprika 1 x 400g can tomatoes, chopped 

1 teaspoon salt (optional) 2 cups Arborio rice 

1.2 cup frozen baby peas 

The Fun 

• Heat stock in 3.5L Brazier until just boiling. Add saffron to hot stock and set aside. 

• Heat 28cm Sauté Pan over medium heat for 2 minutes. 

• Add half the oil and cook chicken and chorizo pieces in two batches. Set aside. 

• Add remaining oil, onion, garlic and capsicum to pan and cook for 2-3 minutes on medium-low heat, 

until vegetables have softened. 

• Add paprika, stir well and cook for 3 minutes. 

• Add tomatoes and salt and cook for 5 minutes. 

• Add rice and stir well to combine. 

• Add half the stock and stir well. 

• Cook over medium heat, without stirring, for 5-7 minutes. 

• Add remaining stock. Do not stir from this point on. 

• Return chicken and chorizo pieces to pan, pressing them down into the rice. 

• Scatter peas over rice. 

• Cook for a further 7-10 minutes or until rice is cooked and stock almost completely absorbed. 

• Remove from heat, cover and stand for 5 minutes. 

Chef’s Tip: Try to find Spanish paprika to give an authentic smokey flavour. “Normal” paprika is sweet. 

38 


IN THE KITCHEN 

Bonnie Peters - Natural Yummies 

I have three children with food allergies and intolerances. I have found it to be an enormous struggle 

to find recipes for food that they can have. As I could not just buy packet food for them from the supermarket 

it was imperative that I found recipes that I could use. 

Over the past 13 years I have spent countless hours adapting and creating new recipes and the end 

result has been my two cookbooks which I have written in the hope that they will help other families 

not to have to go through what we have. 

All the recipes have been devised using inexpensive and accessible ingredients and all are very simple 

and quick to make. Although focused on food allergies such as gluten, dairy, sugar etc they are equally 

as good for parents who want their children to eat healthier. 

www.naturalyummies.co.nz 

Cooked Rice Pancakes 

Ingredients 

1 cup rice flour ¼ tsp salt 

1 tsp baking powder 1 tsp cream of tartar 

⅔ cup cooked brown rice 

1 cup almond or rice milk 

2 Tbsp oil 

Method: 

Mix all ingredients together in a bowl. Put spoonfuls onto hot skillet or frypan and cook until mixture starts 

to bubble. Turn over to cook the other side. 

For a change you could try adding nuts or spice. 

Blueberry Sauce 

Ingredients 

2 cups fresh or frozen blueberries ⅓ cup water 

⅓ cup sugar or ⅛ tsp stevia powder 

1 Tbsp cornflour 

2 Tbsp lemon juice 

Method: 

Place all ingredients together in a saucepan and cook over medium heat 

until the mixture thickens. Use hot as a topping over pancakes, waffles, 

or make into French toast by soaking pieces of bread in the mixture 

and then frying. 


Call Me Dad! 

A Manual for New Fathers 

We recently purchased 2 copies of Call Me Dad! for lending to members. 

Call Me Dad!, the NZ best selling dad book is essential reading for new 

fathers and every guy who is about to enter fatherhood! It was specifically 

written by fathers for fathers and provides a unique take on parenthood 

from a male perspective. Call Me Dad! provides helpful advice about all 

aspects of being a dad, such as: 

• What to expect during pregnancy: Antenatal classes, medical appointments, 

birth plans and preparing for the big day 

• Working out the logistics: Deciding who’s going to look after the baby, 

where the baby will sleep, what essential items you need to buy and what 

not to buy 

• Surviving the birth: What you can expect and where you fit in as a dad during labour 

• Life after birth: How to survive the first days when you don’t have a clue what you’re doing! Suggestions 

for what you can do to support your partner 

• Establishing routines: Feeding, sleeping and hygiene tips and techniques 

• Different exercises you can try with baby at different ages, from baby massage to playing catch. 

If you are interested in borrowing this book or anything else from our library please call Jane on 

625 1579 or email janemcent@gmail.com. Each book may be loaned for two weeks. A gold coin is 

requested for the loan of each book (this supports CAPC fundraising activities). 

Or if you wish to purchase this book we are selling them for $34.95 + postage (retail $39.95). Contact 

Debbie on 624 1877 or email ak.central@parentscentre.org.nz. 

Advertising Rates 

Do you have a product or service you would like to advertise in our newsletter and/or e-news? 

Central Auckland Parent Centre (CAPC) is a voluntary organisation run by parents for parents. In order 

to produce this newsletter we rely on advertisers to help pay for the production costs. Our newsletter is 

distributed to over 350 families in the Central Auckland area. 

NEWSLETTER ADVERTISING RATES 

One issue only 

Six issues 

A5 full page $90 $450 

Half page $50 $250 

Quarter page $30 $150 

Insert in magazine pack $100 

(+ cost of printing if applicable) 

$500 

(+ cost of printing if applicable) 

Insert in Course Packs: $1 per pack (min 4 Classes) 13 per class 

Do you have a product or service you would like to include in our Member Discount Scheme? 

One free advertisement when offering a continuing discount of 10% or more to our members 

Email us to book your space today: ak.central@parentscentre.org.nz 

40 


For education, 

adventure 

and friendship 

Kidicorp promises to provide the best environment for your 

child to grow and develop. Give your child a great start before 

school. Individual learning programmes for each child 

delivered by teachers who love what they do and know how 

to support children’s development. 

Phone 0800 kidicorp for your nearest centre 

Mention Parents Centre and get a week's free fees.* 

* Terms and conditions apply. Based on full time childcare. Valid until May 2010. 

Kidicorp for happy, confident learners

Parent Talk - Parents Centres New Zealand Inc

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