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 the Peer Support Programme Administrator for the Dunedin, Clutha and Waitaki areas. I have two grown 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 20 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 saxophone, 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
Vienna Sutherland
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0220713975
Email: viennarose15@gmail.com
Kia Ora. My name is Vienna Sutherland. I grew up in Dunedin but now live on a sheep, beef and deer farm in Lee Stream, 40 minutes out of Dunedin. I live with my partner, two young children and lots of pets! Before having children I was a qualified early childhood teacher. I have always had a passion for working with whānau. After having two beautiful breastfeeding journeys, I am wanting to use my knowledge learnt through the WellSouth course to help support other māmā and pēpi on their feeding journeys, however that may look.
Carrie Williams
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0272888197
Email: carrie.williams@thebreastroom.org
Hi, my name is Carrie and I live in Mosgiel with my partner and our two girls. I have been a breastfeeding peer supporter now for approximately 11 years. I coordinate the team at The Breast Room and have been volunteering there now for about 10 years. I also facilitate the antenatal breastfeeding classes here in Dunedin. I am very passionate about breastfeeding. It can be such a rewarding time but can also come with struggles. I love having the opportunity to listen and support mums and their families to navigate their breastfeeding journey. In my spare time I love to run, explore the outdoors with the family and being in the kitchen, cooking makes me happy. So if you would like to talk you can find me weekly at the breast room or contact me on my details here.
Tessah Braid
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin
Home Phone: (03) 4859971
Mobile Phone: 02041723232
Email: tessah@thebreastroom.org
Hi I'm Tessah, your local Breastfeeding Peer Supporter for Lawrence, Milton, and surrounds. You can also find me some weeks at The Breast Room in Dunedin. I began this work hoping to share with others what I have learnt breastfeeding my three children through each of their unique ups and downs. I am glad to be able to meet you where you're at, with calm support for all things breastfeeding. Home visits available. Please email me: tessah@thebreastroom.org Or, due to very rural cell reception, text only to 020 4172 3232, or call the landline 034859971.
Bushie Calvert
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0212604678
Email: bushiepcpa@gmail.com
My name is Bushie Calvert, I trained as a peer supporter in 2011. I currently run the Antenatal Breastfeeding programme in Dunedin. 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: dev@thebreastroom.org
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
