Central Hawke’s Bay Pregnancy and Parenting Hub: Supporting mums and whānau

Senior Constable John Flack gives Santa a helping hand at the Central Hawke’s Bay Parents Centre's Christmas party.

The Central Hawke’s Bay Pregnancy and Parenting Ruahine Whakawhanau Tamariki Hub provides support to pregnant women, mothers and their whānau as they navigate the joys and challenges of parenting.

Located within the CHB Health Centre, this essential service offers a welcoming environment for families, connecting them with the resources and care they need during their parenting journey.

The hub is home to a dedicated team of professionals, including five experienced midwives, and the team at CHB Pregnancy Help, Plunket, and CHB Parents Centre.

Together, these services form a strong support network to ensure the wellbeing of mums, babies and their families. From pregnancy through to the early years of parenting, the hub is a place where whānau can access expert advice, attend coffee groups, child birth education classes (antenatal classes) and parenting courses, meet lactation consultants, get car seat checks and receive practical assistance.

For nearly 70 years, Central Hawke’s Bay Parents Centre has been offering valuable antenatal education to help families prepare for childbirth and the early days of parenting. With five sessions held annually, each lasting six weeks, these informative classes provide essential tools and knowledge to ensure parents feel confident as they approach this exciting milestone.

The classes are facilitated by Janeane Strawbridge, an experienced antenatal educator who has dedicated almost 20 years to guiding families in Central Hawke’s Bay. Strawbridge’s wealth of knowledge, compassion and commitment to the local community have made her an invaluable resource for families. She is deeply passionate about supporting parents through the exciting yet sometimes challenging journey of parenthood.

As part of the course, participants are given the opportunity to:

• Visit the Birthing Unit in Hastings to familiarise themselves with the environment.
• Receive expert advice from a lactation consultant, ensuring new parents feel supported in their breastfeeding journey.
• Learn about car seat safety from a qualified technician to ensure their baby’s safety on the road.

Strawbridge’s dedication extends beyond her teaching role – she is also a trustee of the Pregnancy and Parenting Hub, further enhancing her positive impact on the community.

Thanks to generous funding from local Hawke’s Bay funding groups, these classes continue to be fully funded.

Central Hawke’s Bay Parents Centre provides fully funded lactation consultants, who can visit your own home or see you at the Pregnancy and Parenting Hub.

Hub co-ordinator Hannah Tully enjoys meeting new mums and their whānau and invites everyone to come and check the hub out.

“We want every mum to feel supported and empowered on their journey,” says Tully. “Whether you’re in need of advice, a friendly ear, or simply a safe space to spend time with your baby, we’re here for you.”

One of the many highlights of the hub is the Mabin Family Lounge, a special space made possible through the generosity of the Mabin family.

The Mabin family donates some of the proceeds from their annual daffodil sales, which has helped create a warm, welcoming and safe environment for families. The lounge provides a comfortable space for parents to relax, feed their babies, or simply unwind while in town. It’s a place where mums and whānau can connect, recharge and feel supported by a caring community.

“We are incredibly grateful to the Mabin family for their donation,” says Tully. “The Mabin Family Lounge has quickly become a cherished space for families in our community.”

The Central Hawke’s Bay Pregnancy and Parenting Hub is much more than just a physical space ā it’s a place where families can come together, find support, and feel empowered in their parenting journey. Whether it’s a visit to your midwife, attending a Plunket session, or simply spending time in the Mabin Family Lounge, the hub is a vital resource for the whānau of Central Hawkes Bay.

For more information or to make use of the services at the hub, please get in touch with hub co-ordinator Hannah Tully by phoning 021 057 6139.