Pregnant in Fiordland
How to connect with your community and support services
Being pregnant can be both an exciting and daunting time, you're at the beginning of this particular parenting journey. You may find you need new types of support and connection.
This brochure is to help you find out and connect with what is available for hāpu whānau/pregnant families in Fiordland.
Fiordland Medical Practice
A dedicated team of local doctors and nurses provide face-to-face or telephone consultations (fees generally apply but pregnancy related GP visits are free). They are also available after hours for urgent or emergency pregnancy care. Whānau planning a pregnancy are encouraged to see a GP (fees apply) or other support to discuss plans and optimise a healthy pregnancy.
You can access a Health Improvement Practitioner (HIP) and a Health Coach free and without referral by calling Reception and asking to make an appointment (more details overleaf). If needed, ask them or your GP about accessing up to 5 free sessions of locally based brief intervention counselling.
Fiordland Medical Practice, 25 Luxmore Drive
www.fiordlandmedical.health.nz
1737 National Support Line
Anyone feeling stressed, anxious, worried, depressed, down or overwhelmed can contact this service. If you need to talk to someone, they are there for you. You can also contact them if you're worried about a friend or whānau member or need advice on mental health or addiction issues.
Free call or text 1737 - open day and night 24/7
Local Services
Fiordland Health Improvement Practitioner (HIPs) & Health Coach
Health Improvement Practitioners are qualified and registered health professionals with experience in mental health. They offer 15 - 30 minute appointments to assist you to take positive steps forward in improving your well-being.
Health coaches come from a range of health and well-being backgrounds, supporting people to take positive steps forward for improving their health: from how to take control of your health and wellbeing; goal setting; to becoming more active.
Both are free services and you don't need a referral. Call Fiordland Medical Centre and ask for an appointment.
Fiordland Medical Practice: (03) 249 7007
Family Start
Family Start is a free home-based programme which works alongside parents/caregivers to help achieve better health, education and social outcomes for their children. They support families in the areas of child development and safety, mental health, substance abuse, addictions, domestic violence or any other issues pertaining to family needs.
Sam McBride: SMcBride@familyworkssld.nz 027 204 5465
Fiordland Community House
Fiordland Community House (FCH) is a Heartland Services provider offering information and support for accessing government services, a food bank, and a Community Health Shuttle for transport to Invercargill for health or government appointments. Their Community Wellbeing Coordinator is available for one-on-one support to individuals and whānau experiencing hardship and/or seeking support to make positive change in their own lives.
Fiordland Community House: 21 Luxmore Drive, Te Anau (03) 249 7754 office@fiordlandcommunityhouse.co.nz
Fiordland Physio
Cathy Lewsley is a local physiotherapist with extensive knowledge around pelvic and pregnancy related issues. She offers pre and postnatal support for women in Fiordland. Contact her directly for a private appointment or talk to your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) or GP for a referral.
Cathy Lewsley fiordphysio@gmail.com (03) 249 9114
based at Fiordland Medical Practice
Car Seat Safety Service
A locally based Plunket car seat technician can provide advice on the best types of child restraint for your situation, as well as check or install car seats, For costs and to make an appointment contact Megan.
Megan McMurtrie: 027 4971732
Grace Place & Hospice Shop
These outlets provide affordable second-hand clothing and household items in good condition. Pop in to see their maternity clothes, baby clothes and resources.
Grace Place: 112 Te Anau Terrace, behind the Presbyterian Church
Hospice: 66 Town Centre
Groups & Social
Antenatal Classes
For our area, online antenatal courses are run through Plunket's Pregnancy and Parenting Education programme. To find out upcoming dates, register your interest on the Plunket website and more information will be emailed to you.
Parent Social Groups
A parents coffee group runs weekly on a Wednesday morning at the Te Anau Plunket rooms. Visit the Te Anau Plunket facebook page or email Fiordland Families Network for the current group's meeting time. Pregnant whānau welcome to come along and meet new parents. Contact Danielle for more details.
A social antenatal group runs monthly in the evenings. All pregnant whānau welcome, or bring along your new baby. Contact Anna S for details and the next session date.
There is also a local home birth group. If you are interested in connecting with this group please contact Anna S.
Danielle C: 027 6899 161 Anna S: 021 055 3535
fiordlandfamilies@gmail.com www.facebook.com/TeAnauPlunket
Pregnancy Pilates
Te Anau Pilates runs specialised Pregnancy Pilates classes at the start of the monthly Antenatal Group at the Te Anau Plunket rooms. Classes focus on movement and strengthening; particularly the abdominal, pelvic floor and hip muscles. Deep breathing helps to prepare for labour and child-birth. There are also options of one-to-one sessions, and online video workouts.
Marianne Carroll: teanaupilates@gmail.com 021 0871 7823
Regional Services
Midwives
Most maternity care is free in New Zealand. Te Whatu Ora has a Southern Fiordland/Northern Southland Caseload midwife for Fiordland (Sarah Stokes). To find regional midwives currently servicing Fiordland look on the find-your-midwife site and narrow your search by location. Ask around as there may also be additional midwives not listed on this site.
Te Whatu Ora Midwife Sarah Stokes: 027 225 4651
Pregnancy Support/Te Ao Puawai
Based with Jubilee Budget Services, this Invercargill group is here to support, encourage and assist pregnant families. They can help access items for baby, rent to buy car seats and cots, and navigate financial changes to parenthood.
www.jubileebudget.co.nz (03) 214 0942
Loss and Grief Centre
This free support service is available for whānau who have experienced miscarriage, abortion, stillbirth and/or baby loss. Their Maternacare Service is available monthly in Te Anau by
appointment. Contact them to arrange support.
www.lossandgriefcentre.com (03) 214 0393
Maternal Mental Health Service
This Te Whatu Ora Southern service provides quality care for women who may be experiencing difficulties relating to mental health throughout their antenatal, birth, and postnatal experience.
0800 44 33 66 or (03) 214 5786
Antenatal Breastfeeding Classes
WellSouth provide free online courses about breastfeeding and how labour and birth initiate the breastfeeding journey. Visit the WellSouth page, and search breastfeeding - health
promotion for a registration link, or contact via email.
www.wellsouth.nz health.promotion@wellsouth.org.nz
WellSouth-trained Fiordland breastfeeding peer support volunteers are also available to you during pregnancy and beyond. Visit the BreastfeedingSOS website to find local Peer Supporters. Or contact Anna S.
Anna S Ph: 021 055 3535
You can also read and download the PDF brochure here: