Is it free to come to Wharekai Pēpē?
There is no cost, although a gold coin koha/donation is appreciated if you are able.
Do I need to make an appointment?
We don't work on an appointment basis, but we do recommend coming as early as you can. We are open from 9am-12pm and we aim to see the last baby at 11.30am. Ideally you'll be seen when your baby is ready to feed, so this may mean waiting for a while. People are not seen in the order in which they arrive. If it is a particularly busy session we will prioritise time with the lactation consultant, and offer you the best support we can with our volunteer Mums and other available resources. In the meantime you'll be able to have a cuppa with us and we can talk more with you about what's happening for you at the moment.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, there is plenty of free parking right outside the hall. We also have lots of room inside for car capsules, buggies and all the other things that come with a baby.
Can I bring my partner or other support people?
Definitely - we welcome partners and any other key support people you may have. It’s just as important for your whanau to hear more about what’s happening for you and baby, and how they can be involved and of further support to you. And it’s often great to have another pair of ears there to help take information in too.
Can I bring my toddler/older children?
Yes, you are very welcome to bring any toddlers and older children you have. We have a child carer available to look after any children who are happy to play with other young kids and toys at the back of the room.
Is it ok to bottle feed?
Absolutely! As a breastfeeding support group we are here to help and support you in feeding your baby, and we understand if you are using a bottle as part of that. We definitely won’t be frowning at you for it, and we want you to feel comfortable and relaxed to feed your baby while we work to give the support that’s right for you and your baby’s situation.
Is there somewhere to change my baby?
Yes, we have a change table available in the hall. For hygiene reasons please take nappies etc away with you.
What if I can’t come on Thursdays?
You are welcome to email us anytime if you have a question we may be able to help you with. Please note our email is checked by our volunteers, so you may not receive an immediate reply.
Alternatively you may also want to contact your Plunket or Tamariki Ora nurse, or visit another breastfeeding support group available within the region.
I’m not having any major problems breastfeeding - can I still come along?
Absolutely! You don’t have to be having major (or even minor) problems to come to Wharekai Pēpē. You might have a question or would like some reassurance about how breastfeeding is going for you. Or you may just want to come along with your baby and feed alongside other Mums and have a cuppa and the chance to chat - we’re here for all Mums interested in breastfeeding in a supportive environment. And if you want to bring along some friends or get your antenatal group together that would also be great - everyone is welcome.
I’m pregnant - can I still come along even though I’m not breastfeeding yet?
Yes, we would love to see you! As well as being able to talk to our Volunteers and Mums, we also have a good range of helpful information that can help prepare you for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is considered by many to be a very natural process, but there is an amazing amount you can learn about that can be both helpful and interesting for your breastfeeding journey - and it’s never too early to begin :-)
There is no cost, although a gold coin koha/donation is appreciated if you are able.
Do I need to make an appointment?
We don't work on an appointment basis, but we do recommend coming as early as you can. We are open from 9am-12pm and we aim to see the last baby at 11.30am. Ideally you'll be seen when your baby is ready to feed, so this may mean waiting for a while. People are not seen in the order in which they arrive. If it is a particularly busy session we will prioritise time with the lactation consultant, and offer you the best support we can with our volunteer Mums and other available resources. In the meantime you'll be able to have a cuppa with us and we can talk more with you about what's happening for you at the moment.
Is there parking nearby?
Yes, there is plenty of free parking right outside the hall. We also have lots of room inside for car capsules, buggies and all the other things that come with a baby.
Can I bring my partner or other support people?
Definitely - we welcome partners and any other key support people you may have. It’s just as important for your whanau to hear more about what’s happening for you and baby, and how they can be involved and of further support to you. And it’s often great to have another pair of ears there to help take information in too.
Can I bring my toddler/older children?
Yes, you are very welcome to bring any toddlers and older children you have. We have a child carer available to look after any children who are happy to play with other young kids and toys at the back of the room.
Is it ok to bottle feed?
Absolutely! As a breastfeeding support group we are here to help and support you in feeding your baby, and we understand if you are using a bottle as part of that. We definitely won’t be frowning at you for it, and we want you to feel comfortable and relaxed to feed your baby while we work to give the support that’s right for you and your baby’s situation.
Is there somewhere to change my baby?
Yes, we have a change table available in the hall. For hygiene reasons please take nappies etc away with you.
What if I can’t come on Thursdays?
You are welcome to email us anytime if you have a question we may be able to help you with. Please note our email is checked by our volunteers, so you may not receive an immediate reply.
Alternatively you may also want to contact your Plunket or Tamariki Ora nurse, or visit another breastfeeding support group available within the region.
I’m not having any major problems breastfeeding - can I still come along?
Absolutely! You don’t have to be having major (or even minor) problems to come to Wharekai Pēpē. You might have a question or would like some reassurance about how breastfeeding is going for you. Or you may just want to come along with your baby and feed alongside other Mums and have a cuppa and the chance to chat - we’re here for all Mums interested in breastfeeding in a supportive environment. And if you want to bring along some friends or get your antenatal group together that would also be great - everyone is welcome.
I’m pregnant - can I still come along even though I’m not breastfeeding yet?
Yes, we would love to see you! As well as being able to talk to our Volunteers and Mums, we also have a good range of helpful information that can help prepare you for breastfeeding. Breastfeeding is considered by many to be a very natural process, but there is an amazing amount you can learn about that can be both helpful and interesting for your breastfeeding journey - and it’s never too early to begin :-)
