The Talanoa mums

“I may be a mum already but I feel like I’m still learning how to be a mother. I may have underestimated what it takes to be a mother, I thought I knew everything but there are so many layers to being a mother, its not just “carrying a baby, giving birth and then looking after them.

I learnt with my 1 year old son all his needs and responsibilities like feeding time, his check ups and immunisations, making sure hes got all his essentials etc as well as trying to jungle my own responsibilities like the bills, food, the house and most importantly my well being, which has been the last thing I take care of.

From the information being taught to the environment, it really felt like a safe space to be in and share my thoughts.

As a mother going through the postpartum blues, it felt nice to be around other women/ mothers who understand what you’re going through and how you feel, and being validated as well. Being able to talk through all the steps from the moment you find yourself pregnant, to being in labour, to then after birth is not only useful but also reassuring as a mum because I feel majority of mothers IF ANYTHING, just want to be prepared for anything & everything for baby especially us NEW mothers, coming into this new experience with many questions and having not only THIS PROGRAM but also YOU AMAZING LADIES to help us answer them, truly thankful and appreciative…

I didn’t know what to expect from this experience nor did I know what ‘parenting learning” was going to be like (but then again I haven’t been to a parenting class before) maybe being able to access more information about it or being told that there is information out there and where to find it…

This was very helpful, even as a mum who’s already had a baby, yes I have experience but there were things from the class that even I didn’t know about for example, being in an up right positions while in labour, helps baby travel down the womb. I found that all this information will help me through my next birth.

…if it wasn’t for my sister showing me how she takes care of her baby, like feeding, bathing, changing nappies, I don’t think i would know what to do, so I would consider myself lucky.

In saying that, having a place where you can learn how to care for a baby and interacting in activities (being given a baby dolls and learning different ways to breast feed) was very helpful, and at the same time while learning being able to ask questions and have them answered right then and there.

Coming along to this Talanoa helped me relieve some stress not just socially but also having someone there to help and guide me through my pregnancy, and receiving gifts like the labour and birth bags are just cherries on top ( As well as the feed provided it was so delicious, especially dessert.)

The bag had items I didn’t know I needed. I’m just really grateful and appreciative to have received everything, information, dinner, gifts and just great mid wives. You make this whole journey a lot easier.”

“I enjoyed everything about the class from the hands on almost like 1 on 1 learning to the friendly and warm welcoming environment. It was easy to learn and gather all the information I needed as well as asking questions and following along with everything that was going on. A safe space for sure. Also the food was delicious

I enjoyed everything about my classes and wouldn’t change anything… it was easy to follow, ask questions and understand what was being said / explained to you. It covered all the stages and steps that you go through but also explains the many different ways your birth could go and what that would look like for you through each process.

Although these things seem maybe the most simple out of everything I learnt so many new skills and techniques of the right way to do it and not just the basic how you can do it. It was informative, hands on and well explained as to why it should be done this way and how it benefits yourself and baby.

Thank you all very much for putting on these classes and showing up to help me get a better understanding and prepare for my labour, birth and motherhood. It was everything I needed to make me feel more confident and comfortable with everything I’m experiencing and am yet to experience. Much appreciated and treasured”

“Being able to gain knowledge from well experienced midwife’s and meeting new first time mums that are on the same journey as me…

Very useful! Learnt A LOT about labour and birth that I had never heard about before such as the forceps or ventouse (idk how to spell it hahah) births. Very eye opening that your birth can never go the way you plan it to go.

Very detailed teaching on after care for baby. Great teachings on the breast feeding, bathing, clothing, nappy changing and safe sleeping!

…very grateful for the experience of taking part in your Talanoa! Would definitely take part in this again if I had the chance too and have already recommended to say many people to take up this opportunity if they get the chance to.”

“My favourite experience was everything from food to how the information was delivered for example timeline excercise as I am a visual learner. We enjoyed everything food, the way we were taught, down to goodie bag we received as we used everything in the bags

…as a first time mum not knowing things brought on some uncertainty but these classes were able to answer questions…as we had baby early we were able to attend one class and gutted we couldn’t make the last class.

We learnt so much in 2 night my partner isn’t one to enjoy learning but how these ladies delivered information it made learning much more fun for himself and also me…

Everything was amazing ladies can’t wait to have more children.”

Lana Underhill, Sasa Aperila and Gina Petelo with their babies.