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.
Anna Ryder
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone:
Email: anna.ryder.nz@gmail.com
Kia ora, I'm Anna and I trained as a breastfeeding peer supporter in Wakatipu three years ago. I was driven by a desire to better understand breastfeeding, connect with other mums, and gain peer support skills that I’ve found useful far beyond feeding. I am a mum of two with a heart for community, I juggle parenting with chairing the Wakatipu Toy Library and recently launched my own photography venture, Pop-in Portraits - Queenstown.
Emma Deakin
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 02102921959
Email: kiaora@shakyislesproductions.co.nz
Kia ora koutou! My name is Emma. I am a mum of 18month old Aroha. First child, but 4th pregnancy with many years of challenge around miscarriage and loss. Then bringing earthside our bright and cherished daughter Aroha, what a gift she is. Both my husband and I were raised in Otago (Queenstown & Dunedin respectively), but despite this we have no family here. These spaces we can create and cultivate for parents to connect are so vital. I found being part of the Breastfeeding Peer Support learning programme when Aroha was just 2 months old, was a lifeline. I made some connections in this space with other mums who have in time become friends and women I am so grateful to have in my life. This is the treasure of taking time to connect, chat, share honestly, and encourage one another. Something we all need often, knowing we're never alone. I'd love to connect with you and your bub or toddler at the coffee group. Let's take a cosy cuppa together, staying warm and connected through this winter 🙏🥰
Meredith Gee
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone:
Email: meredith.mamagaia@gmail.com
I'm Meredith and a I did the mums4mums peer support training in 2024. I have two little ones who both had challenging starts to their breastfeeding journey and I was lucky enough to have such great support around me at the time to help navigate. I'm really passionate about helping people to find their own way with birth, pregnancy and parenting because it's so important to have the confidence and knowledge to trust the decisions you make (because they're perfect for you in that moment!). After having a beautiful positive birth of my eldest I was inspired to become a hypnobirthing practitioner (Mama Gaia) and since becoming a peer supporter I've recently started teaching The Nurture Mama in-pregnancy breastfeeding sessions. 🤱 I always love a chat about the real side of parenting and birth or toddler antics, so feel free to say hi and have a chat if you see me out and about!
Ili Zulkiflee
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0273416349
Email: ililiyanazulkiflee@gmail.com
Hi, I’m Ili, proud mum of two beautiful boys and wife to my amazing husband, Steve. Becoming a mother has shown me just how important a strong support system is. Not only to enter motherhood, but to thrive in it. My journey into motherhood was not easy. When I became a first time mum to my now two year old, I found it incredibly tough not having any family around. I felt isolated, even when surrounded by people. Breastfeeding started off well but quickly became a challenge after multiple rounds of mastitis. I nearly gave up. Sleep was a struggle, and trying to follow all the advice out there only added more pressure. I began to doubt myself and my ability to be a “good mum.” Thankfully, I met some wonderful human beings who stood by me and offered the support I needed to get through the tough bits. That experience changed everything and it’s what led me to become a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter in 2023. Since then, I have been honoured to support other mamas in our community. My passion has now grown into something really close to my heart, Mamas Village. This is where I support mamas antenatally, during birth, in the postpartum period and beyond.
Meghan Voigt
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0276510270
Email: Meghan.pickup@gmail.com
I'm Meghan, a mum to 2 kids here in Queenstown. I recently became a breastfeeding peer supporter after finding the peer supporters so helpful and kind when I had my first baby. It's invaluable to have a pair of empathetic ears to talk to and get reassurance. I'm passionate about supporting others to breastfeed after enjoying my journey so much with my daughter and now with my 5 month old son. Being from the UK, I understand how much we miss from not having family on hand, so we make up for it by being each other's village. 🌸
Lindsey Francis
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone:
Email: Lindsefrancis@gmail.com
My name's Linds and I completed the Breastfeeding Peer Support training course alongside my now 10-month-old daughter, which made the experience especially meaningful. Balancing the training while both caring for her and connecting with the other beautiful māmās and bubs reminded me just how valuable support can be in all stages of parenthood. I feel really lucky to have had an enjoyable breastfeeding journey so far, but I also know that’s not the case for everyone. My daughter has loved babywearing since she was a newborn, which also inspired me to start Babywearing Queenstown, a local baby carrier library aimed at helping parents find comfort, connection, confidence, and a bit more ease in their day through babywearing. When I’m not on maternity leave, I work with children and whānau with Central Lakes Family Services—a role that has strengthened my belief in the importance of early relationships and community-based support. I’m also passionate about nurturing safe and responsive family sleep environments, which I see as foundational to mental health, emotional wellbeing and resilience. Whether through breastfeeding, babywearing, sleep support, or simply being there to listen, I love playing my part in building stronger, more supported families in our community.
Rachel Mcdonald
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0273340586
Email: McDonald.rachel1@gmail.com
As a first-time mother, and working as a perinatal support worker, I didn’t put too much pressure on myself for what my breastfeeding journey would look like but hoped for the possibility - but it’s been one of the most powerful and humbling experiences. I went into it with the hope that it would feel natural and intuitive, which it did to a point, Mia latch within the first half hour that she had entered the world, but those early weeks had some challenges. Latching didn’t come easily, and I often found myself second-guessing. When I thought, I was beginning to find a rhythm, I was hit with mastitis a few times. The fever, chills, and soreness and trying to nurse through it felt challenging at times. I also experienced milk blebs, which added another layer of discomfort and made me question whether I was doing something wrong. It was frustrating, painful, but I knew we had a great community of resources I could lean on for support. What helped me was the incredible support from the midwifes, lactation consultants and support groups who offered not only expert advice but also reassurance when needed the most. You can usually find me at the Wednesday Walks mums4mums, Thursday PICS group, Friday yoga with Ili and Tuesday peer support group.
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 Alex, I’m a mum of two - not so little people anymore. Originally trained as an early childhood and Montessori teacher, I later retrained as a Kinesiologist and wellbeing coach. I’m passionate about supporting women and children through every stage of life using natural, holistic approaches to health and wellbeing at Alex Bowles Kinesiology. I’m so honored to be part of the wonderful Mums4Mums community as a Peer Supporter and Peer Supporter Co-Ordinator here in Wakatipu. When my son was three months old, I completed the Peer Supporter programme. It felt like such a beautiful way to give back the support I’d received and share that love and knowledge with others. Since then, you might have seen me around at Mums4Mums - whether at Walking Wednesdays, the Coffee Group lending a hand, visiting mums at home, or most regularly on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Frankton Library. I’m proud to support our Peer Supporters and mothers and their whanau in our community, helping grow this incredible community of connection and care - for many a home away from home.
Zara Kingsbury Hale
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown