A childbirth class has equipped 10 young Northland mums and their families with the knowledge - and equipment - to look after their newborn.
The seven-week Noho Rangimarie (Living in Harmony) course taught the young mums everything they need to know about pregnancy, birth and how to give their babies a successful first 100 days.
At the end of the course last month, the families were gifted BabyStart boxes, which contain around $900 worth of products to help ensure the baby has a safe and warm first 100 days while the boxes themselves double as a safe, portable sleeping option.
The boxes were given to this group as part of a trial. In order to receive the box the mums-to-be had to complete their workbook and attend all of the weekly sessions.
During the course they learned about pregnancy, labour, birth, breathing, pain relief, the maternity unit, newborn safety, breastfeeding and more.
The second group of women undertaking the course are likely to also receive boxes but future gifts depend on funding and sponsorship.