Southland

Nicki Hall

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Southland

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0275825894
Email: nicki.hall@plunket.org.nz

Hi there, I am a mum of three girls and work as a community support co-ordinator for Plunket in Winton. I enjoy supporting mums regardless of their feeding choices and helping families with their parenting journey and the inevitable challenges along the way:)

Susannah Greer

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Southland

Home Phone: 03 225 7819
Mobile Phone: 0275396533
Email: skgreer@hotmail.co.nz

I am a mother of two, my first was eight weeks early and my second full term. I received lots of help to get started breastfeeding with my first born so would love to be able to help other mothers on their breastfeeding journeys.

Anna Thomas

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Southland

Home Phone: 03 2498399
Mobile Phone: 0211605850
Email: mcnaughten_anna@hotmail.com

I am a mother to two children Bella and Harry and aunty to ten. My children are a bit older now and I would like to help and support mothers and their families in my rural community.

Gore

Vicki Ramsay

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Gore

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0274668236
Email: vgramsay@gmail.com

I am a mum of four children, I became a mum for the first time in 2014 and have found breastfeeding challenging but incredibly rewarding. Through volunteering at Parents Centre I want to support anyone on their own breastfeeding journey.

Kendall Witham

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Gore

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0277144741
Email: dallzy@hotmail.com

Hi I'm a Mum to two busy boys who keep me on my toes. My partner runs an Electrical Business here in Gore and I work part time as a Registered Nurse. I had a really hard breastfeeding journey with my 1st child and therefore have experienced low supply, mixed feeding and pumping just to name a few things. Motherhood/parenthood is a whole lot of learning so don't be afraid to reach out.

Queenstown

Catkin Bartlett

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown

Home Phone: 0800 560 650
Mobile Phone:
Email: zulucatkin@hotmail.com

Babies are born to breastfeed and what else are boobs for? But it is not always as simple as that. Having had a baby that showed no interest in breastfeeding and then the oh so many challenges that ensued started Catkin on her journey of supporting other mothers and families. Every mother and every baby is different and she appreciates that mothers deep down know what is best for them, their baby and their family and can decide on their own priorities. Catkin feels fortunate to be in a position to provide support and information to mothers and also to train the wonderful volunteer breastfeeding peer supporters from which she continues to learn so much. Catkin has four children and is based in Queenstown as both a peer supporter and the peer support programme coordinator.

Kirsten Turner

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0211078391
Email: kirturner32@gmail.com

I live in Queenstown

Alex Bowles

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0210305999
Email: alex_j_hoffmann@yahoo.de

I'm based in Queenstown.

Zara Kingsbury Hale

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0223153297
Email: zarakingsbury@yahoo.com

I'm based in Queenstown.

Clutha

Jessica Mead

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Clutha

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0274670339
Email: jessica.jane@live.com

Hi! I have recently completed the peer support training programme that was run in Balclutha. I am a mother of two sons born 2015 and 2017, I am currently still on maternity leave so we are making the most of this special time together spending our days getting out and about and discovering our own backyard. I am excited to be able to support parents to reach their own breastfeeding goals. I did not think I would be so passionate about breastfeeding but my own breastfeeding journey has shown me just how wonderful of an experience it is for mother and baby. Even though it is a wonderful experience I know how hard it can be to get going, and to continue, and I am looking forward to supporting you through the good and the bad. Please call/text/email if you would like to meet up or chat about anything. Amazing what a cup of tea and a chat can solve sometimes!

Kendal Anderson

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Clutha

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0278404966
Email: kendal.gouman93@outlook.com

Kia ora, I’m Kendal, I’m 26 and I live in balclutha with my partner Samuel and our one year old daughter Eddison. I am still currently feeding Eddison and have really loved being able to do this with her. I love the connection I have with Eddison through breastfeeding and being able to relate and support mums through their journeys. We have overcomed some hurdles in our journey and I love being able to share those.

Tania Allison

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Clutha

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0220484607
Email: taniamaree@hotmail.com

I’m Tania I have 2 girls, Sophie and Emily, and live in Balclutha. I breast-fed both my girls for different lengths of time and felt it built a stronger bond between us, and helped me get to know each daughter in a different way. I have also had experience with bottle feeding formula too as some times things happen, but we do the best for our babies and there’s no right or wrong option for how you choose to feed. Plus who doesn’t love tired baby snuggles? I’m a breast feeding peer counsellor because I have a passion to help support other mums out there that are finding breast feeding to be difficult or who just want support or a coffee and chat in other areas to do with family or baby. I’m here to listen! Thanks Tania

Sarah Moore

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Clutha

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0274247808
Email: hrandsjmoore@gmail.com

Sarah Cragg

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Clutha

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0274127191
Email: sarahwilks88@gmail.com

I fell pregnant with my first child just a few weeks after moving to Balclutha and I worried about having a support network with a new baby. I need not have worried because I found it to be a wonderfully supportive community and I'd love to be able to provide the same support to others.

Nicola Ryan

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Clutha

Home Phone: 4184424
Mobile Phone: 0211779917
Email: nicandjock@gmail.com

I have breastfed my 4 children each beyond a year and am passionate about supporting and enabling breastfeeding. I am also a registered nurse with a post graduate diploma in well child health and happy to chat with, or listen to you anytime

Waitaki

Elle Taylor

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Waitaki

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0276302247
Email: elle.gracetaylor@gmail.com

Lydia Quested

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Waitaki

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0276363663
Email: Lydiaquested@hotmail.com

I live in Oamaru with my Partner and our two girls (4 & 1). I've always been passionate about breastfeeding and look forward to helping mums create a healthy happy feeding experience with their babies.

Southland

Hannah Lind

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Central Otago

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0273847886
Email: hannahlind4@gmail.com

I am a Mum to two girls - Bea, nearly 7 and Frankie, nearly 3. I became a peer counsellor 6 years ago because of how helpful I had found the service when my eldest was little. Having other Mums to talk to who were in the thick of it but just that little bit further ahead really helped. Mums who had tips and tried and tested ideas to get through the rough patches and enjoy the sweet ones were so valuable. I wanted to be able to pay it forward to other Mums. As well as a Mum and a peer counsellor, I am a marriage celebrant, big fan of anything with Nathan Fillion in it and always trying to find the perfect chocolate cake. Whether what you need is some help with a parenting or breastfeeding issue... or to have a cup of coffee and talk about anything but kids, I am available at most Mums 4 Mums meetings or via cell phone .

Connie Davidson

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Central Otago

Home Phone: 03 4492754
Mobile Phone: 0211676638
Email: kandcdavidson89@gmail.com

Nicola Rae

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Central Otago

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0274064480
Email: nkcopeland@hotmail.com

Hi, I am Nicola, a stay at home mum to our wee girl. I really wanted to breastfeed but found it to be a lot harder at the beginning than it looked. With a lot of support from our midwife, a lactation consultant and a peer supporter friend we persevered and after a number of weeks we had it sussed! Through our journey, I have met a lot of mums who have also struggled with breastfeeding and all the comes with being a new mum and hope to be able to support them through the difficult times so they can enjoy the experience like we are now.

Jennifer Mataitis

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Central Otago

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 027 229 9213
Email: jennifer.mataitis@gmail.com

My name is Jennifer and I live in Chatto Creek, just outside Alexandra, with my partner and two daughters (2 yrs and 5months) Originally from Canada, I moved to New Zealand almost 5 years ago now. I have had a wonderful experience breastfeeding my daughters so far but I know not everyone has had a positive breastfeeding experience. I want to support other mothers in my local community on their journey, and work towards normalising breastfeeding. I believe that women should be empowered to make their own choices in regards to their parenting and should have as much support as possible. I am currently a stay-at-home-mum but also work as a swim instructor. I was a teacher prior to becoming a mum (9 years teaching) and am passionate about being involved in the community and developing a culture of positive open discussion around breastfeeding and parenting choices. I am happy to come visit you or meet up for a coffee or a walk. Whatever suits you. Feel free to call or text.

Melissa Syben

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Central Otago

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0274508329
Email: mel.syben@hotmail.com

I'm based in Wanaka.

Naomi Fruean

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Central Otago

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0210394642
Email: stoombie@hotmail.com

I'm based in Wanaka.

Dunedin

Denise Ives

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin

Home Phone: 027 476 1339
Mobile Phone: 027 476 1339
Email: bfc.denise@gmail.com

Hello! I am one of the Peer Support Programme Administrators for the Dunedin area. I have two grown up children and a granddaughter, and live with my family and our dogs in Macandrew Bay. I qualified with a Diploma in Breastfeeding Counselling from the University of Bedfordshire in the UK and have been working with breastfeeding families in the UK and NZ for over 17 years, and am also a Certified Healing Birth Practitioner. I created The Breast Room in Dunedin which is a registered charity back in 2011, write articles for Kiwiparent magazine and published the book Mamas in Lockdown. Aside from my passion to help families with their feeding questions and concerns, I enjoy learning, trying to play clarinet, reading, knitting and attempting crochet! I'd love for all parents to feel happy about their decisions on how to feed their baby (whatever that choice may look like), and would love them to have the help they need right when they need it, so if you have questions or concerns, before or after your baby is born, then drop me a text or email, or pop in to The Breast Room on a Thursday morning, 10.30am to 12.30pm. My email is denise.ives@thebreastroom.org

Bushie Calvert

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0212604678
Email: bushiepcpa@gmail.com

My name is Bushie Calvert and I am excited to have recently completed the PSPA training through Well South. I trained as a peer supporter in 2011 and have regularly volunteered at The Breast Room since it began and have helped with the management of it since November 2015. I have also visited several families through the antenatal breastfeeding classes and had countless conversations with friends and family about various challenges and joys that arise during a woman’s breastfeeding journey. I am mum to three delightful girls, Stella, Gretel and Lola – all of whom delight and challenge me and keep me on my toes on a regular basis. My husband, Steven and I own Nectar Cafe, the first café to be featured on the BURP app, and any pregnant mum popping in for a coffee or lunch is as likely to have a conversation around breastfeeding with Steven as she is to have a flat white! I am looking forward to training future peer supporters and expanding the support networks for breastfeeding families within Dunedin and North Otago.

Samantha Gittoes

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin

Home Phone: 0223059913
Mobile Phone: 0223059913
Email: sammy_g86@hotmail.com

After my own struggles as a solo mum with breastfeeding my daughter, I'd love to be able to support other mums with their breastfeeding journey.

Sam Richardson

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin

Home Phone: 027 3404 630
Mobile Phone: 027 3404 630
Email: sam.richardson@thebreastroom.org

Hi my name is Sam Richardson and I trained at as a peer breastfeeding supporter in 2018. I am mum to two girls, and we live in Dunedin with my husband and our dog Evie. I was inspired to become a peer supporter after the difficult feeding journey I had with my first daughter, which would have not been so difficult had I had the support and education around breastfeeding that I needed at the time. As well as volunteering at The Breast Room, I am also a volunteer Babywearing Educator for Otepoti Dunedin Carrier Library, and co-librarian at Caversham Toy Library. When I’m not caring for my family or working in the community, I enjoy learning new things, sewing, reading, or a good tv show. I am passionate about supporting families reach their feeding goals whatever they may look like. To contact me you can text 0273404630 or email sam.richardson@thebreastroom.org

Emma Frew-Tobaiwa

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone:
Email: emmafrewtobaiwa@gmail.com

Hello, kia ora, mamukasei, I am Emma Frew-Tobaiwa, wife to Elmo, mother to Marlon & Sahara and an early childhood educator based in Mosgiel, Dunedin. Along with my career in early childhood education and my personal experiences of motherhood, especially an awareness of the importance of nurturing mothers in the 4th trimester and avoiding post natal depletion, I became passionate about holistic wellbeing for mothers and infants in the early years. My husband is from Zimbabwe and my experience of seeing first hand how different motherhood can be approached with a village of support inspired me to become involved in a service that can create similar support for our mothers hear in NZ 💜

Devashini Bottinga

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone:
Email: devashini15@gmail.com

My name is Devashini and I have recently completed my breastfeeding peer supporter training. I live in Dunedin with my husband and 2 year old son. I am Sri Lankan Kiwi and I work part-time as an optometrist. Breastfeeding has been one of the hardest yet most wonderful experiences of my life, and I wouldn't still be breastfeeding without the support of peer supporters. I feel honoured to be able to pass on that support to other mums on their breastfeeding journeys.

Zoe Brook

Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin

Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 022 536 5907
Email: zoe.brook@hotmail.com

Hello, my name is Zoe Brook. I was born and raised here in Dunedin and after a few years away overseas am back living here with my partner Cam, our retired greyhound Alfie, cat Celo and two wee girls Jean and Julia. My days are spent working as a clinical tutor at the Dental School, parenting, and trying to bake and eat as much bread as I can. I recently completed my training to be a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter through Well South and am very excited to provide any help I can to families experiencing the turbulence of early parenthood. I know that breastfeeding in particular can bring many joys and challenges and feel passionate about providing non-judgmental, informative support to mothers and families, however their baby is fed.