westgate medical centre - West Auckland Parents Centre

WESTGATE MEDICAL CENTRE
Family Doctors + A & M Clinic (ACC Accredited)
Staffed by permanent GPs
Member of Healthwest PHO
WM C
Tiny
TALK
X-Ray and Laboratory on premises
Newsletter of the West Auckland Parents Centre
OPEN 7 DAYS
June-July2010
Issue No 162
Weekdays 8am – 8pm
Weekends/Public Holidays 9am – 6pm
Free under 6yrs
Weekdays 8am – 8pm
Acute & chronic medical problems
Accidents and plastering
Corporate Health Care
Child health and immunizations
Minor surgery including mole removal
Vasectomies and circumcisions
Orthopaedic and fracture clinic
Weight management and asthma clinics
Driving, immigration & employment medicals
Appointments not essential
New patients welcome
Tel 833 3134
www.wgmc.co.nz
Positive birth experiences and
informed parenting in a community
where parents are supported and
highly valued in their role
www.westaucklandparents.org.nz
Page 64
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CHECK US OUT ONLINE!!
www.westaucklandparents.org.nz
Our website has the latest information on upcoming courses, prices & other useful details.
Join our e-News to keep up with the latest
from WAPC. Email update@westaucklandparents.org.nz
to subscribe.
And take a look at our group on
Facebook!
Advertising Rates
West Auckland Parents Centre is run by volunteers. We rely on advertisers to help pay
for the production cost of this newsletter which is distributed to over 200 families in
West Auckland.
If you would like to advertise, please contact WAPC on 837-8481 (answerphone) or
advertising@westaucklandparents.org.nz . Newsletter advertising rates are:
Price per issue
Prepay 3 issues (Total)
Inside Ad - Half Page
$40
$105 ($35 per issue)
Inside Ad - Full Page
$70
$195 ($65 per issue)
Outside Back Cover
$80
$225 ($75 per issue)
Inside Cover
$75
$210 ($70 per issue)
Brochure Insert: We can include your flyer or brochure in our mail-out for a cost of
$100. Material must be forwarded to the Distribution Centre by the deadline date.
Please contact WAPC on 837-8481 for further information.
E-News: Our e-News goes out to over 500 members each month. We can include your
advertisement in our e-News for $30 per issue.
Newsletter Contributions
We would love to hear from you with any contributions or requests for articles. Send
your material or requests by email to: newsletter@westaucklandparents.org.nz.
Should you wish to contribute to our August/September issue, the deadline for copy is
20 June 2010.
Page 62
WAPC Contacts .............................................................. 4
Dial-a-Mum ................................................................... 5
A Note of Thanks ........................................................... 5
Editor’s Note ................................................................. 6
From the Chair............................................................... 7
Volunteer of the Month ................................................. 8
Events Calendar ........................................................... 10
Brainwave Trust - Learning is Child’s Play .................... 12
Midwife of the Year ..................................................... 14
Introduction to Attachment Parenting ......................... 20
Mr Potato Head Colouring Competition ....................... 23
Behind the Scenes at mahu Mother’s Day High Tea ..... 24
Mother’s Day Gift Basket Donors ................................. 26
Teeny Greeny .............................................................. 28
WAPC Parenting Courses ............................................. 30
Shopping ..................................................................... 34
CD Review ................................................................... 36
Birth Journeys ............................................................. 38
Welcome to Our World ................................................ 42
Dad’s World................................................................. 44
Active Movement for Winter ....................................... 47
Happy Birthday............................................................ 48
WAPC Hire ................................................................... 49
The Big Latch On .......................................................... 51
Recipe of the Month .................................................... 52
Around the Coffee Cups ............................................... 54
Change of Details Form ................................................ 56
How You Can Help Us .................................................. 58
Discount Scheme ......................................................... 60
Advertising Rates & Newsletter Contributions ............. 62
COPYRIGHT - As the articles, recipes, stories etc. in this newsletter have been contributed, we are
unable to guarantee originality and therefore cannot be held liable.
Opinions and articles in this newsletter do not necessarily reflect the policies of Parents Centres New Zealand Inc or West Auckland Parents Centre. Advertising in this newsletter does not imply endorsement by
Parents Centres New Zealand Inc.
Page 3
West Auckland Parents Centre Contacts
To contact the West Auckland Parents Centre committee:
WAPC Answer Phone: 837-8481
Email: info@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Address: PO Box 83192, Edmonton, Auckland
Co-Presidents
Website: www.westaucklandparents.org.nz
Eileen Joy & Charlotte Whiter
Secretary
Nicole Snook
Treasurer
Ruth Murphy
Membership & Newsletter Distribution Co-ordinator
Briar Meek
Products Co-ordinator
Lesley Standeven-Kim
Website Co-ordinators
Daniel Mapletoft & David
Higgs
Librarian
Lending Co-ordinator
Baby Factory Signs
Advocacy & Lobbying
Hannah Eyre
Nikki Shepherd
copresident@westaucklandparents.org.nz
treasurer@westaucklandparents.org.nz
membership@westaucklandparents.org.nz
librarian@westaucklandparents.org.nz
hire@westaucklandparents.org.nz
info@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Grants & Fundraising Co-ordinator
This role is vacant - can
you help us out?
fundraising@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Marketing/ Events Co-ordinator
This role is vacant - can
you help us out?
marketing@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Kits/ Brochures Co-ordinator
Ruth Murphy
Venue Co-ordinator
Alaina Healey
Eileen Joy
Childbirth Education Bookings
Anna Edlington
Hospital Tour Guide
Save $5 on a standard manicure and $10 on a deluxe manicure, just by
being a member. Phone Jan at Nail D-zynes on 818-9126 and set up an
appointment. You deserve it!
antenatal@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Maryanne Lagaluga
This role is vacant - can
you help us out?
WATERHOLE SWIMMING CENTRE
Parent Education Bookings
Lexi Lauchlan
parented@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Baby & You Course Co-ordinator
Tanya Wright
babyandyou@westaucklandparents.org.nz
CPR/Choking Course Co-ordinator
Moving & Munching Course Coordinator
12 Months & Over Course Coordinator
Joanna Kebbell
Anne Weir
cpr@westaucklandparents.org.nz
movingandmunching@
westaucklandparents.org.nz
Debbie Johnston
newsletter@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Newsletter Advertising
Debbie Johnston
advertising@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Social Media Co-ordinator
Page 4
Located in Parrs Park, Glen Eden, the Waterhole offers
members a FREE Introductory lesson. Also, when booking your classes, enrol three family members and get
the third free. Contact their office on 818-2312 to book your lessons.
This role is vacant - can
you help us out?
Newsletter Editor
E-News Editor
Toyworld is New Zealand’s largest retail
chain of specialist toy stores—with the biggest range of toys, games,
puzzles, and indoor and outdoor activities available in New Zealand.
Located on the corner of Edsel Street and Railside Avenue, the Henderson Megastore offers WAPC members 10% off all products (some conditions may apply).
TREAT YOURSELF TO A MANICURE IN YOUR HOME!
Joanna Kebbell
Childbirth Education Convenor
Childbirth Education Co-ordinator
TOYWORLD MEGASTORE,
HENDERSON
Anna Williamson
Marketing Database
Statistics Collector
Volunteer Admin Co-ordinator
For natural health advice from qualified professionals pop into our shop and clinic in Titirangi
Village, see our website, www.qhealth.co.nz, or phone 817-1530. A free
100% pure essential oil for WAPC members on purchases over $30.
products@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Yvette Wilson
Eileen Joy & Charlotte Whiter
QUINTESSENCE—NATURAL
HEALTH DISPENSARY
Asta Lott
Nicola Mapletoft
update@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Please have your membership card handy for redemption of these
offers.
Lost your membership card? Phone 837-8481 or email
info@westaucklandparents.org.nz to request a new one.
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Dial-a-Mum
Thank you to the following businesses who are happy to support
our members with a discount.
GENTLY DOES IT
Visit www.gentlydoesit.co.nz for down-to-earth
practical pregnancy, birth and parenting information, as well as gentle, safe products for babies,
pregnant women, and breastfeeding mums.
WAPC members are offered a 10% discount on orders over $50 (enter
wstakpc09 coupon code at the checkout). Email:
info@gentlydoesit.co.nz.
MY BLANKET
Personalised blankets in a range of designs, fabrics and
colours. Check out the website: www.myblanket.co.nz. A
10% discount is available for our members. Call the
WAPC answer phone on 837-8481 and ask for an order
form to be sent to you.
We have a wonderful team of people who are a good
source of information for many issues/questions. Please
feel free to use this service.
Breastfeeding:
Bottle feeding:
Postnatal Distress:
Miscarriage:
Premature Baby:
Caesarean:
Homebirth:
Phone Rebecca Lamb, 834-6778
Phone Nicola Mapletoft, 832-5353
Phone Eileen Joy, 818-8845
Phone Nicola Mapletoft, 832-5353
This role is vacant - can you help us out?
Phone Charlotte Whiter, 412-7729
Phone Eileen Joy, 818-8845
If you have any other problems or queries that you wish to talk about with
someone, please contact 837-8481, leave a message and a committee
member will contact you.
To fill one of our vacant roles, email info@westaucklandparents.org.nz.
** Our support people are here to help, please use them **
They have information on organisations that can help if Parents
Centre is unable to.
A NOTE OF THANKS...
WAPC relies upon the generous support of philanthropic organisations
in the community. Thanks go to:
PEPSICLES
Pepsicles offers home help for the first few weeks
after baby is born. We also have newborn nappy
hire kits available containing popular modern cloth
nappies. We offer free postage on our nappy hire kits for WAPC members or free postage when buying these modern cloth nappies through
us. See our website for more details and to book: www.pepsicles.co.nz
or email Nathalie on info@pepsicles.co.nz.
If you would like to inform our members of any other discounts or
add your business to this page, please contact West Auckland
Parents Centre on 837-8481.
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If your organisation is interested in helping us by donating items for raffle baskets or items to help us run our classes, then please contact us at
info@westaucklandparents.org.nz.
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EDITOR’S NOTE
This year has been a year of firsts, which started with
the birth of my first child, Peter. Everyday there is a
first, some challenging, like our first sleepless night and
then there are the firsts you cherish like the joy of the
first time he slept through the night and the first time he
looks at you and smiles just because you’re his Mum.
And now here is my first newsletter.
Inside this issue you’ll find a wealth of information to
help you understand your child’s development and the
special bond they have with the most important people
in their lives - you, their parents! Nadine Gaunt introduces us to the concept of Attachment Parenting (page
20) and Keryn O’Neill of The Brainwave Trust lets us
Peter and his mum
know how best to develop little minds in those crucial
first years on page 12. You may be surprised at how
simple it can be! Better yet, Pauline Butt of Sport Waitakere has done the hard work for
you and come up with a great list of fun ideas for keeping kids active indoors over the
winter months (page 47), and WAPC has a fantastic offer on Eardrops audio CDs for
quiet indoor time on page 36.

Order Form  I will collect the Book(s) from you OR  I have included $5 per Book
for postage & handling if being mailed.
Name________________________________________________________________
Phone________________________________________________________________
If it’s parenting inspiration you’re after or just a reminder that you’re not the only Mum or
Dad out there struggling to achieve that elusive ‘balance’, look no further than our writeup of the hugely successful mahu Mother’s Day High Tea for actress and mother
Robyn Malcolm’s approach (page 14). Or, take a leaf out of Dad’s World columnist
Daniel Mapletoft’s book on page 44 and leave the kids in their PJs all day in favour of
quality time with you!
Adress________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________
At WAPC we’re always on the look out for new ways to support you in your parenting
role and we’re excited to announce that we have secured funding to run two fantastic
new courses; 'Parenting with Purpose' and 'Magic Moments'. These courses will provide
you with the tools to think actively about how you parent, to build strong, caring relationships with your children while giving clear boundaries, and to use non-physical methods
of discipline. For more information and course dates see page 32.
Number of Auckland Entertainment™ Books purchased_______x $65 = ________
(+$5 p&h if being mailed) = Total encl.$__________
Finally, it’s fitting that in this issue we have an opportunity to acknowledge the invaluable support offered to us right from the start by our midwives who invariably set us on
the right path to undertake our new roles with confidence. Don’t miss the results of our
Midwife of the Year competition on page 14.
Debbie
newsletter@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Method of Payment: Cheque
Cash
Made payable to West Auckland Parents Centre)

(GST Incl.)
Come along to our next committee meeting!!
WAPC committee meetings are held on the third Wednesday of each month at the WEA
Building, 9 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson. The dates for the next two meetings are
16th July and 21st July at 7:30pm. We welcome anyone who wants to come along whether it’s to find out what WAPC does, share your feedback on how we’re doing or even
volunteer for a position on the committee!!
Please email info@westaucklandparents.org.nz if you would like to attend.
P.S. I would like to acknowledge a special thanks to our outgoing Editor Emma Robertson, my knight is shining armour.
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How You Can Help Us
WAPC wants to build a community house where the journey from expectant
parent to new parent can be celebrated and cherished. Where we can hold
more courses, store resources, offer playgroups and do more than we currently do. Here are some simple ways that you can help us to realise our
dream...
Shop at the extremely popular and well respected Sleep Store and help us
at the same time. If you click on The Sleep Store link from our website,
www.westaucklandparents.org.nz and subsequently make a purchase, 5%
of your sale will go towards our house building account
Hire one of our TENS machines or exersaucers, or our Natures Sway Baby
Hammock. Email hire@westaucklandparents.org.nz for more details.


FROM the CHAIR
By Charlotte Whiter
Fundraising! There, I said it. A seemingly harmless little word
that conjures up visions of sausage sizzles and $2 chocolate
bars but in reality has much further reaching implications for
the financials of today’s not for profit organisations. It’s a bit
like models we see in the glossy magazines - lovely to have
figures that look so good but definitely not the norm for the
average population.
Dominic (l
eft) and
Peyton (r
ight) with
Mum

Check out the Products page on our website or in this newsletter. Our products are competitively priced and we only stock the best. Best of all, all the
profits go back to us.

If you need labels for your littlie’s things, then check out
www.stuckonyou.biz. They have a fabulous range of labels, and if you list
us as a referrer at point of payment, we get a small percentage of the sale.
Fundraising has unfortunately become a necessary evil. Sources of government funding
are being reduced (or worse disestablished), and these have traditionally supported
many not for profit organisations in delivering their services to the community. The flow
on effect from this is applications for the remaining grants have increased with often no
increase (or worse, decreases) in their funding available. With more organisations going
after less money, it’s pretty easy to do the math and realise demand definitely outstrips
supply! The end result for WAPC is that to continue to move forward and provide our
services we are left with having to fundraise to meet the shortfalls.

Buying books, DVDs or music? Go to www.westaucklandparents.org.nz,
click on the Fishpond link, then make your purchases as usual. We get a
small percentage of every sale made from our referrals.
In a business like WAPC every cent counts. Our courses are run to cover costs so anything extra has to be done from fundraising – new books, course equipment, new services and WAPC houses! The bigger the ‘extra’, the more fundraising required!

Before you make ANY online purchase go to www.yourfastshop.co.nz.
This website features many leading stores, including Noel Leeming, Bond &
Bond, Domino’s Pizza, fashion, holidays, baby gear, magazines, even groceries! Select ‘West Auckland Parents Centre’ and we will get a cut of your
sale.

Go to www.givealittle.co.nz, select ‘West Auckland Parents Centre’ and
make a donation to our cause - remember donations are tax deductible.

How about considering pay roll giving? West Auckland Parents Centre is
a registered charity and if you donate via your payroll under the new
scheme your tax deductions are made at the same time.

Hire our Birthday Party Kit for your littlie’s birthday party. Two wee tables
(and a third for a bit extra if you need it), eight small chairs and a bubble
machine!! Email hire@westaucklandparents.org.nz for info.

How about having your business advertise in our newsletter or sponsor
our
e - Ne w s ?
If
yo u
are
i nt e r es te d ,
p le a s e
em a i l
info@westaucklandparents.org.nz.

Or how about your business donating some prizes for us to use in a raffle?

Or you could choose to donate some time as a volunteer!
If you have any other ideas, please email info@westaucklandparents.org.nz. We
would love to hear from you!
It must be said however that we do also realise our members are more often than not
currently single income families, without a lot of spare cash. We are very aware of being
constantly seen to be asking for more money and we certainly aren’t expecting you to
contribute financially to all the extra things we do. That said though, there are loads of
other non monetary ways you can help – clicking thru our affiliate links on our website,
referring us to friends & family for courses or products, forwarding information about our
fundraising initiatives (while you might not be interested in an entertainment book or
coming along to one of our fundraising events, you might know someone who would
be), even volunteering to help on our committee provides value, after all we would be
nothing without our volunteers.
Sometimes I guess we get so caught up in the fundraising project of the moment that
we forget to mention why we’re doing it. The short answer – we want a house! A permanent base for WAPC to provide both its existing services, but also to enable us to introduce a variety of new initiatives which are currently chalked up as ‘nice to haves’. While
we live in hope of the ‘rich uncle’ (or aunt) bestowing such a gift upon us (and if you
know someone who might, please do pass our details on ☺) we are left with continuing
to fundraise to turn our ‘nice to haves’ into reality – that way we’ll all benefit!
Happy parenting
Charlotte
co-president@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Page 58
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Volunteer of the Month
By Eileen Joy and Rebecca Lamb
Sponsored by Ebony Flowers
March - Joanna Kebbell
Jo looks after WAPC's most important asset, our volunteers. She ensures that our contact details are all
up to date, and helps each new volunteer into their
role by supplying them with vital information about us.
She helps to organise any social gatherings we decide
to have by way of thank you for the hours spent by our
volunteers doing their many tasks. Jo also keeps all
our volunteer files up to date and recently took on the
updating of all of our job descriptions - no easy task.
Jo also looks after our CPR classes and happily gives
up a Saturday a month to help new parents to gain
knowledge, which frankly, we hope they never have to use. Recently she also took over
the bookings for our High Tea while Lexi Lauchlan went on holiday. This was a critical
time for us, being only a week out from the High Tea and Jo handled it with aplomb and
professionalism. It is people like Jo who help grease the wheels and ensure some of the
'back of house' functions get done and get done well. Thanks Jo.
April - Lexi Lachlan
Lexi is one of those people that you have nightmares
about losing. In reality we all know that no one is irreplaceable, but in Lexi's case, maybe that's not entirely
true. Lexi's can do attitude and ability to handle all of
our Parent Education bookings as well as all the bookings for High Tea is truly remarkable. There are not
many people who can handle that many enquiries every
day and each one slightly different with different requests, needs and demands, but somehow Lexi manages to do it all efficiently and happily whilst making
sure that our members get what they are after. Lexi
does all of this despite volunteering for other things and having two small children. Recently Lexi had a holiday in Australia and as soon as she got back she was back on
email picking up her role and ensuring that the High Tea went well, this on top of organising her son's 4th birthday party with a Pirate Ship Cake just before Mother's Day.
There is no worthier recipient of our Volunteer of the Month for April, thanks Lexi.
Each Volunteer of the Month receives a beautiful bouquet of flowers, thanks to
Ebony Flowers, 540 Te Atatu Road, Te Atatu Peninsula.
Page 8
Page 57
Renewing Members DRAW!
If you have recently received a renewal invoice then don't forget to renew your
membership. We hold a bi-monthly draw for all renewing WAPC members and
the lucky winner will receive a prize!
Up for grabs this month is a Ninky Nonk Wooden Stacking Train Set. Made of
beautiful wooden pieces, this set can be put together by children and then
used for hours of choo-choo fun!
We also have an offer on our Birthday Party Hire Kit for all those who choose
to renew - you will receive a voucher entitling you to 50% off the hire fee.
So if your invoice is lying around waiting for your attention, grab it now and
make sure you get it to us quick smart to be in to win!
Congratulations to the winner of our last draw, Michelle Pauling!
HAD A BABY, OR CHANGED YOUR ADDRESS?
Please post to WAPC, PO Box 83-192, Edmonton
NAME: ……………………………………………………………….. ..........
ADDRESS: ………………………………………………………….. ..........
.................................................................................................................
PHONE NO: ................................ MEMBERSHIP NO:…………............
EMAIL:.………………………………………………………………... ........
CHILD/REN NAME/S:. ................................. DOB .................................
.................................... DOB: …........………..........
.................................... DOB: …………….................
Page 56
Page 9
Events Calendar
June
2nd
Barnardos Waitakere Parenting Course, Awareness of temperament, for parents of 4-14yr olds, every Wed for 5weeks 9.30am to 12.30pm. Barnardos office
12 Edsel St, Henderson. Cost $20, enrolment and payment before 1st June. For
more information please contact Therese or Elizabeth on 838 0419
4th
Slingbabies - find out how to wear your baby. From 10am to 12pm Sturges West
Community House, 58 Summerland Dr, Henderson. For more information see
www.slingbabies.co.nz.
5th to 7th
Model X Extravaganza West Wave Recreation Centre, Henderson Adults $18
Children 2-12yrs $6 Family $40 2 Adults & 3 Children. For more information see
www.royaleastershow.co.nz
8th
La Leche League Kelston Meeting, Kelston Community Centre, starts 9.45am.
12th
Cloth Nappy Know-How Class from 12.30pm to 2pm at the Cloth Nappy Education Centre, 601 Te Atatu Road, Te Atatu Peninsula. To book phone Waitakere
City Council Call Centre 839 0400
12th
West Auckland Parents Centre’s Annual General Meeting 7.30pm to 9.30pm at
K e l st o n
C om m unit y
C e nt r e
for
more
i nf o r m a t i o n
email
info@westaucklandparents.org.nz
16th
West Auckland Parents Centre Committee Meeting see page 21 for details
18th to 20th
Education Expo ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane. An exhibition showcasing everything educational from toddlers to teens. Adults $10 Children free. For more information go to www.educationexpo.co.nz
22nd
La Leche League Kelston Coffee Morning. Please call Adith on 838 9362 for
venue.
July
2nd
Slingbabies—find out how to wear your baby. From 10am to 12.00pm Sturges
West Community House, 58 Summerland Dr, Henderson. For more information
see www.slingbabies.co.nz.
10th
Cloth Nappy Know-How Class from 7.30pm to 9.00pm at the Cloth Nappy Education Centre, 601 Te Atatu Road, Te Atatu Peninsula. To book phone Waitakere
City Council Call Centre 839 0400
13th
La Leche League Kelston Meeting, Kelston Community Centre, starts 9.45am.
18th
Pregnancy Retreat for more information go to www.bellamama.co.nz or
www.theyogatree.co.nz
21st
West Auckland Parents Centre Committee Meeting see page 21 for details
27th
La Leche League Kelston Coffee Morning. Please call Adith on 838 9362 for
venue.
What's the best piece of advice you've received?
Do what's best for you and your baby and trust your intuition. Don't google things, find
one good book and stick to that.
What's the best thing about being this coffee group?
The home baking. Everyone in our coffee group is really supportive and we are able to
share the issues and joys that we all have with our babies, knowing that you are not
alone.
Tell us about your coffee group and we’ll send you a $50 voucher to use
at Mozaik New Lynn.
Email newsletter@westaucklandparents.org.nz to register your interest.
Ideally located in the heart of central New Lynn, Mozaik is a warm,
welcoming café with great food and superb coffee roasted on site.
Mozaik is child-friendly with high chairs, a change table, and an outdoor
play area for your little ones.
2 Rankin Avenue, New Lynn
09 827 7300
Please note: details correct at time of writing, but may be subject to change.
To advertise your baby, parenting or family related event, email details to
newsletter@westaucklandparents.org.nz.
Page 10
Page 55
Around the
Coffee Cups
Sponsored by
Find out more about one of our coffee groups
By Debbie Johnston
When and how often does your coffee group meet?
We take turns at meeting at each others homes on a fortnightly basis.
What stage are your babies at? What's the boy/girl ratio?
Between 11 weeks and 4 1/2 months, We have 4 girls and 8 boys
What other activities has your coffee group tried?
Baby on Board movies, Swimming Lessons, Pram Walk, Wriggle and Rhyme
sessions, Sling Baby meetings, Trees for
Babies planting. We email each other
when we do something to see if anyone
else is interested.
Being a parent has taught you ...
Patience. To trust your instincts.
Any tips for new mums?
No two days are never the same, learn to let go of the stuff that doesn't matter.
Take advice people give you with a grain of salt and do what works for you. Look after
yourself and remember to eat. It's a good idea to stock up the pantry and freezer before
baby arrives and resist the temptation to buy everything before baby is born. Make the
most of the trail cloth nappies.
Always have chocolate on hand.
And for Dads?
Look after Mum. Don't say Baby needs feeding every time they cry, make other suggestions, baby could be tired or hungry or need a nappy change.
Best Baby Products you've tried?
Paw Paw Cream for nappy rash. Shaped Merino wrap. Old style flat nappies (they have
100's of uses)
And the most useless?
The Bonds easy fit all in one and anything that does up the back. The handbag style
Baby Sling.
What have been the greatest challenges so far?
In the early days trying figure out the reason our baby was crying and living with sleep
deprivation. Accepting that you can't do everything.
Page 54
Page 11
Brainwave Trust
Learning is Child’s Play
By Keryn O’Neill, MA Psych
Brainwave Presenter
The message that the first few years of life are extremely important for brain development is becoming more widely known. What may be less clear is how to put this knowledge into practice. Parents wanting to give their child the best start are faced with a
huge variety of choice and much commercially-driven pressure to ensure that their child
makes the most of this developmental opportunity. The bewildering number of toys and
activities currently available for our babies and young children is enough to send parents’ cortisol levels into orbit. And that’s before the credit card bill arrives.
Children need stimulation, but as with many things, moderation is key. More is not necessarily better. Many children today are at risk of being over-stimulated or overscheduled and this can actually impede rather than encourage their optimal brain development.
During the first years of a child’s life it is play, not scheduled instruction, which contributes the most to brain development (Frost, 1998). We don’t need to formally “teach” our
young children in order for them to learn. Children have their own interests and by being
supported to follow these they are likely to be getting the stimulation that they need.
Play provides a wonderful opportunity for parent and child to have fun together, deepening their relationship. Children also need opportunities for some play on their own. This
provides many opportunities to develop their imagination, problem-solve and develop
other skills that are less likely to develop in adult directed play. At times, boredom may
provide the impetus for the child to make their own discoveries and create their own fun,
fantastic life skills and great stimulation for a growing brain.
Simple toys that allow children to use their imagination and creativity have many benefits over the endless plastic creations currently available (Ginsburg, 2007). Blocks, play
dough, a sandpit, versatile dress-ups (as opposed to Disney inspired ones), crayons
and paper provide endless options. Household objects such as boxes, blankets, pots
and pans can also provide many hours of fun and learning. The toys and activities that
offer the most stimulation for a growing brain often don’t have the “educational” label on
them!
Learning and brain development is not limited to toys and activities specifically created
for children, but also by following their interests in participating in the real world. Household activities that most adults consider work are also rich with opportunities for learning. Hanging out the washing, baking, grocery shopping and weeding the garden provide many opportunities for exploration and learning - and while the task inevitably takes
longer, it can be much more fun for the adult too.
Everyday life is full of naturally occurring learning opportunities. Watching the rubbish
truck, road works, rain going down the drain, or a rainbow, can capture the interest of a
Page 12
WANT A QUALITY PRESCHOOL FOR YOUR CHILD?
We offer
For Under 3’s
Quality interaction
Free nappies and formula for over 6 months
Weekly Active Movement Programme
Lots of fun and cuddles
For 3-5
Transition to school programme
 Weekly Active Movement Programme
Library visits
Well-designed areas for children’s self-expression
20 hrs ECE
WINZ Support
Go for the best centre for
your precious little ones
Phone: 836-2500
Email: chai@bscc.co.nz
Visit us at
40 Paramount Drive,
Henderson
www.bscc.co.nz
Page 53
RECIPE of the
MONTH
child when shared with a parent. Take time to stop, observe, and talk with your child
about the things happening around them, and when possible move on only when your
child’s interest is waning. Be confident in the knowledge that you have just provided
them with the stimulation they need, and it didn’t cost a cent!
By Shona Nolan
Pumpkin and Spinach Risotto
Preparation: 30 mins / Cooking: 40 mins / Serves: 6-8
The Ingredients
½ butternut pumpkin peeled and diced
60ml olive oil
1 small onion, finely chopped
1 clove garlic, crushed
500gms Arborio rice
½ cup white wine
1.5 litres of hot stock
2 bunches of fresh baby spinach
2 tbls of fresh herbs finely chopped [such
as parsley, chives, basil]
2 tbls of fresh herbs finely chopped [such
as parsley, chives, basil]
1 tsp lemon zest
50gms parmesan
50gms butter
Salt & Pepper to taste
The Chef’s Tools
como advanced 28cm Saute Pan, Ct-edge Fusion Knife, Flexibake Baking Sheet or
Ultimate Aussie BBQ Saviour, Digital Timer / Thermometer, Electronic Scales, Silicone
Measuring Set, Silicone Spoon Spatula
The Fun
1.
Peel and dice pumpkin into approx 1cm cubes. Place on oven tray with BBQ
Sheet and lightly toss with some olive oil.
2.
Preheat oven to 180°C for 15 minutes.
3.
Roast pumpkin in the oven for approx. 20-30 minutes or until golden and just
tender. Set aside until required.
4.
Heat Sauté Pan over medium heat.
5.
Add oil, onion and garlic, reduce heat to low and continue to cook, stirring, until
onion is soft but not brown.
6.
Add rice and stir well to coat with the oil.
7.
Add wine and cook until the liquid has been absorbed.
8.
Add the stock 1/3 at a time and stir occasionally over medium/low heat. Do not
add more stock until each batch has been absorbed.
9.
Continue to add stock as necessary until the rice is cooked and has a creamy
texture.
10.
Add pumpkin and spinach and stir through.
11.
Add herbs, lemon zest, butter, cheese and black pepper to taste.
12.
Serve immediately
Tip Stir through 1 cup butternut pumpkin, 1cm cubes, roasted & ¼ cup fried sage leaves
The Chefs Toolbox is a party-plan based company offering a fantastic opportunity to top up your income. Choose your own hours, work from home, receive
free training and cookware, and build your career at your own pace. And
WAPC receives $200 cash for every person who signs on as an independent consultant! For more information, call Shona on 442-2126 or 027
201-6800, or email chefstoolbox@clear.net.nz.
Page 52
Rich sensory experiences that are so vital for optimal brain development are readily
available in nature. Playing with the sand at the beach, feeling the bark on trees, smelling flowers, or listening to birds singing, enjoyed with a loving parent all provide stimulation prompting brain connections to form. Sensory experiences can be a messy business and children benefit from being able to enjoy such experiences fully, without anyone worrying about the washing!
Playful, creative children who have had plenty of unscheduled, non-screen (TV, computer etc) time for play throughout their early years are more likely to arrive at school
with their natural curiosity intact and a strong desire to learn that will benefit them more
than those whose infancy and pre-school years have been filled with scheduled activities and little time for play.
Keryn O’Neill
MA Psych
Brainwave Presenter
References
Fancourt, R. (2000) Brainy Babies. Penguin: NZ
Farquhar, S.E. (2005) The role of Parents and Family in Children’s Early Education. Keynote presented to the
International HIPPY
Symposium, Auckland 22nd September 2005. Available at www.childforum.com. Accessed 28/04/09
Frost, J.L. (1998) Neuroscience, play and child development. Paper presented at the IPA/USA Triennial National
Conference,
June 1998. Available at www.eric.ed.gov. Accessed 28/04/09
Ginsburg , K.R.(2007) The Importance of Play in Promoting Healthy Child Development and Maintaining Strong
Parent-Child
Bonds. Pediatrics, Vol 119, Number 1, January 2007. Available at http://pediatrics.aapublications.org/. Accessed
3/05/09.
Perry, B.D. (Date unknown ) The Importance of Pleasure in Play. Available at
http://teacher.scholastic.com/professional/bruceperry/pleasure.htm. Accessed 28/04/09
Perry, B.D., Hogan, L. & Marlin, S.J. (2000) Curiosity, Pleasure and Play: A Neurodevelopmental Perspective.
Available at
www.childtrauma.org/ctamaterials/curiosity.asp. Accessed 1/05/09
Perry, B.D. & Szalavitz, M. (2006) The Boy Who Was Raised as a Dog. Basic Books: New York.
Page 13
WEST AUCKLAND PARENTS CENTRE
MIDWIFE OF THE YEAR!
2010 Winning Entries
A fantastic midwife is the sort of midwife that we all want and expect, and some of us
are lucky enough to get. So, what were we looking for when we reviewed the submissions for our 'Midwife of the Year' award? To us it was important to acknowledge the
whole relationship a midwife has with her client. From that first call to that last visit the
service needs to be exemplary. There should be no stupid questions, no doubts and a
huge amount of trust and respect built up by the time your EDD comes around. Your
'amazing' midwife should listen to all your concerns and respect all of your decisions
whilst providing the very best in medical and professional care. The best midwife should
almost be like the perfect mother. In the past midwives were considered to be wise
women in the community with their knowledge handed down from woman to woman and
they had an almost magical aura surrounding them - little wonder that many midwives
were burned as witches - such was the power that midwives were deemed to have. The
NZ Midwifes Council has a whole list of ‘things to look for in a Midwife', and it is a daunting, but essential list for any midwife or woman looking for one. We would add that the
most amazing midwife has to also have that 'x factor'.
It was wonderful to read all the submissions we received nominating West Auckland’s
Midwives – clearly we are very lucky to have an amazing group of women in the region
who provide us with the best of pregnancy, birth and post baby care. Thank you to everyone who took the time to enter and tell us all about them! However there can only be
one winner and so we are pleased to announce the 2010 Midwife Of The Year is Ann
Stormont, with the winning submission from Louise Tanguay.
Calling all Breastfeeding Mums &
their Supporters!!
Join us on Friday August 6th at 10am when we
will be supporting the Women's Health Action
Trust's attempt to break the already existing New
Zealand record set last year of 1,299 women
breastfeeding simultaneously and create a new
record as part of World Breastfeeding Week
2010.
West Auckland Parents Centre is pleased to join
with the Waitakere City Council to provide a
venue for West Auckland breastfeeding mothers
to participate in this year's ‘Big Latch On’ simultaneous breastfeeding record attempt.
Breastfeeding mothers are encouraged to join in
the record attempt at the Waitakere City Council,
Waitemata Room, at Waitakere Central, 6 Henderson Valley Road, Henderson at 10am for a
10.30am 'latch on', Friday 6 August.**
Parents Centre believes that breastfeeding is the ideal form of infant feeding and we
encourage breastfeeding mothers in West Auckland to take this opportunity to celebrate
their success and connect with other breastfeeding mothers during World Breastfeeding
Week 2010.
** Please note parking is available in Henderson and access to the Council and the
Waitemata room can be obtained by using the bridge over the railway tracks next to
West City and the bus interchange. Most bus routes in Waitakere City go past the bus
interchange. For people coming by train please get off at the Henderson station.
Ann is the lucky recipient of a $100 beauty treatment voucher thanks to ExudeNZ
Beauty & Body Care in Henderson
Congratulations from all of us at WAPC.
Page 14
Page 51
Antenatal Breastfeeding Classes
Do you want to learn basic breastfeeding skills and tips??
Available now are FREE Antenatal Breastfeeding classes taken by a
Lactation Consultant at Waitakere Hospital. They are held fortnightly: on
the first Tuesday of the month from 10am-12pm; and on the third Tuesday
of the month from 7pm-9pm.
This class is designed for women in the late stages of pregnancy,
especially 28 weeks and over. Partners/support people are also welcome.
The class is a GREAT opportunity for women to learn
more about breastfeeding (or a refresher for secondtime mums) JUST before the baby arrives.
Classes are held in the Childbirth Education Area Nikau Room at Waitakere Hospital. Bookings are recommended, but not essential. Call Adith on 838-9362,
or Barbara on 838-1566.
West Auckland La Leche League
West Auckland La Leche League welcomes mothers and pregnant
women to their monthly meetings for encouragement, support and
discussion on a wide range of breastfeeding, mothering and
parenting issues. No booking is required
Massey Methodist Church
Cnr Waimumu Rd and Zita Maria Dr, Massey
3rd Thursday of every month, call Barbara on 838 1566 to
confirm
Kelston Community Centre, Activity Room 2
Cnr Awaroa & Great North Rd, Kelston
2nd Tuesday of every month, 9.45am
WINNING ENTRY
Midwife: Ann Stormont
Nominated By: Louise Tanguay
Thanks for the opportunity to nominate my wonderful midwife
Ann Stormont. I am pregnant with my 4th baby, and have been
lucky to have Ann for my midwife with all 4 pregnancies.
It’s hard to sum up what makes Ann such a great midwife, and
why women go back to her time after time. One of the things I
love about Ann is her sense of humour and that she is just a
lovely, positive person to be around. Being pregnant is such a long and often boring
time, with all those familiar aches and niggles. A visit with Ann is always worth a laugh,
she keeps everything in perspective and often 45 mins will pass in a flash while she tells
great stories about babies and birth. Plus she is always interested in me as a person
and the rest of my family, not just about the boring check-up details.
In labour, you couldn’t dream of a better midwife. Ann is calm and relaxed, which I have
always found rubs off on me. She is happy to do whatever is needed, whatever is asked
of her… she will fit in with any birth plan but has the skills and attitude to do whatever is
needed at just the right moment. Like remembering I wanted the lights turned down low
and the room nice and warm when it was time to push and baby was about to pop out.
I have also had a student midwife with my last 2 births, who Ann has allowed a lot of
freedom and given them wonderful experience. Being a midwife must be busy enough
without taking on training students, and I have thought the students incredibly fortunate
to work alongside Ann for their training.
Thanks heaps
Louise
Coffee morning 4th Tuesday of every month, please call for
details.
For further information or breastfeeding help, please contact an accredited Leader:
Adith (838-9362) or Jessica (832-1234)
LLL Answer Phone Service for Help Numbers 09 846 0752
Page 50
Page 15
Second and third place winners Sue Lewis and Heidi Copeland will both receive a bouquet of flowers from Ebony Flowers of Te Atatu Peninsula and a box of chocolates.
Congratulations from all of us at WAPC.
HIRE IT FROM US!
KIDS BIRTHDAY PART KIT - Just add FUN and FOOD!!
Perfect for kids’ parties from the time they can sit unaided until around 5 years.
2nd PLACE
MIDWIFE: Sue Lewis
Nominated By: Elizabeth McHugh
I would like to nominate Sue Lewis for the 2010 Midwife of the year. My husband and I
have a huge amount of respect for the work Sue has done with us. We gave birth to
Meela Ashley McQueen on the 19th of April. Sue was extremely supportive throughout
the pregnancy, during and after the birth. Throughout the pregnancy she was happy to
meet at any time or take phone calls about any problems that arose. She had a clear
understanding of the birth plan we wanted.
During the early stages of labour she visited us at home to do a check which gave us
Did you give birth at Waitakere Hospital?
Waitakere Maternity Unit values feedback about the service
they offer to the women and families in our community.
Sue Fitzgerald, Community Manager, and Helen Ngatai, Facility
Manager, would be very open to any invitations to visit groups
of women who have birthed at Waitakere Hospital and who
would like to give feedback on their experiences.
Sue and Helen can be contacted by email:
sue.fitzgerald@waitematadhb.govt.nz
helen.ngatai@waitematadhb.govt.nz
or phone Maternity reception on 837-6609 and leave your contact
details for them to give you a ring.
Page 16
What’s in it?
 2 small trestle tables which can be set at child
or adult height.
A third is available for an extra $10.
 8 small white solid plastic chairs AND
 1 bubble machine!
What does it cost to hire?
$25 plus $15 for 2 litres of bubble mix, and a $50
bond.
Bookings are essential.
EXERSAUCER MEGA
EVENFLO
NATURES SWAY BABY
HAMMOCK
 Age 4 months to crawling
 Maximum child height 76 cm tall
 Three-position
height adjustment
 Convenient carry
handle
 Rocking action
 6 interactive toys
to encourage development
 One of the most compact, portable baby beds on the market.
 1 fitted sheet
 1 wool mattress
 1 hammock
 1 spring
 1 wooden
spreader beam
 1 gold passivate
4-legged stand
which breaks
down into 1metre
poles
Monthly Hire: $20, Bond: $20
TENS MACHINE
Helps to lessen contraction
pain by stimulating certain
nerves and muscles.
Hire: $50(Members)
$55(Non Members )
Bond: $50(Members)
$55 (Non Members)
Collect 2 weeks before EDD and return as soon as possible once baby
has arrived.
Weekly Hire: $25
Bond:
$100
(If you wish to purchase one through
Parent Centre, we will deduct hire
cost from the purchase price.)
For bookings and hire information
please email
hire@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Page 49
June Birthdays
Celebrating 1 year
Celebrating 2 year s
Bailey Ewart
Lyla-Grace Carmody
Haydn Gedge
Rebecca Stride
Alyssa Mead
Daniel Thompson
Grace Kensington
Celebrating 3 year s
Rebekah Lillywhite
Peyton Whiter
Ryan Mapletoft
July Birthdays
Celebrating 1 year
Celebrating 3 years
Zane Wilson
Ferguson Wright
Georgia Flint
Shayden Cockburn
Amelia Edlington
Caden Green
Isaac Farrow
Felix Warmington
Wade Barnett
Huter Coll
Sanne Grimme
Isobel Lamb
Celebrating 9 year s
Zac Jacobson
If we have missed your child’s name or they have an upcoming birthday, please contact
us on 837-8481 or email membership@westaucklandparents.org.nz so we can check
that you ARE in the database.
Page 48
confidence about when to go to the hospital. On this same day she was also dealing
with the induction of another birth. During labour at the hospital she was there at each
step with words of encouragement and support. Sue drip fed both myself and my husband the information as we needed it to get through the birth as comfortably as possible. She involved my husband in the birth so that he felt useful. Sue talked me through
the point where I thought I could just not do it anymore. The time I felt that I needed the
most help was directly after the birth when breastfeeding for the first time, getting showered and settled in the hospital ward. Sue took charge at this time when I had no energy. Straight after the delivery of our baby and settling us in the hospital she went into
another delivery which I am sure she would have given just as much of her energy and
professionalism. Since the birth Sue has visited our home every two to three days
checking on the health of our baby Meela and myself. Any problems have been followed
up with good advice which has resolved these problems. We could not have asked for a
better midwife. A first baby is quite daunting and I do believe the support we have
gained from Sue has made a difference to how we are handling taking care of our newborn now.
Thanks
Elizabeth
3rd PLACE
MIDWIFE: Heidi Copland
Nominated By: Gemma Bradly
I would like to nominate my lovely midwife Heidi Copland. Heidi delivered both our
daughters (Tasmin in July 2007 and Fynn in February 2010) and I would highly recommend her to anyone.
Despite it being my second pregnancy she provided me with all the relevant information,
not assuming for a moment that I would remember everything!
I moved down to the Waikato during my pregnancy but Heidi was willing to continue
seeing me, and even arranged her schedule at very short notice to fit my visits in whenever I was back in Auckland. She was there to dry my tears when I was becoming frustrated at the end, she suggested plenty of things to try to get my baby out, and never
doubted my ability to deliver my baby despite my own doubt due to the size. She was
always available at the end of the phone when we needed a question answered, and
Page 17
allayed our fears when our daughter had to spend a night in Starship (despite not being
on call at the time and actually with her family at the pools!). Her aftercare was excellent, she made so many visits - well above and beyond what was required of her. She
became a friend, someone I could talk to and rely on, and would happily go to again if
we decided on number three.
Thanks
Gemma
WAPC would like to say a final thanks to all the midwives who look after our Waitakere
mums (and their babies). Even though we only heard stories about a small fraction of
the fabulous work you do it's great to know we are so spoilt for choice within our region
and we all appreciate it
Til Next Year
Charlotte & The WAPC Team
Some great ideas for
keeping active during the
winter months
Winter is a time that we all tend to head for the indoors and put our feet up beside the
nice, warm fire. Thankfully this year we are experiencing lovely autumn days which are
not affecting our ability to get out in the great outdoors and move! Remember activity
that encourages those fundamental movement skills is important to assist our children
to learn and develop to their full potential. The more we move the more brain connections that we develop.
Some indoor activities:

Put on some music and encourage your children to dance freely. Remember to
encourage them to turn both ways - this helps balance and development of both
sides of the brain.

Use a soft ball or roll up a pair of socks into a ball and play games with your children such as rolling the ball, throwing the ball into the washing basket, skittles –
use empty milk bottles.

Balloons – encourage children to chase the balloon, tie a balloon to a fly swat and
children can practice their hitting skills.

Place cushions or soft toys on the floor and cover with a large sheet and encourage
children to crawl over them. This all helps with development of balance in young
children.

Set up a row of chairs and encourage children to crawl through those spaces. They
can also be covered with a sheet to provide an instant tunnel. Crawling helps develop midline crossing skills.

Place an ice cream container on both sides of your child. On one side use spring
pegs around the edge and encourage your child to move the pegs from one side to
the other. This activity encourages fine motor co-ordination. For older children roll a
big die, then place the number of pegs that equals the number on the die onto the
container. Now you’re developing numeracy skills!

Scarves/ribbons – use these to encourage children to move and dance around.
You can also tuck them into the back of their pants like a tail and play chasing
games!
Volunteer Wanted:
HOSPITAL TOUR GUIDE
WAPC is proud to run a customised tour of Waitakere hospital to our
expectant parents for every CBE class that we host. We have
approximately one tour a month so this role would involve taking a
group of 10-12 people around the hospital on a week night to be
arranged in conjunction with the class host. This role requires you to
liaise with the Hospital on behalf of WAPC and to talk to expectant
couples on their tour around the hospital. There is a small
remuneration of costs offered for this role and there will be an
excellent handover. It is not essential that you would come to
committee meetings once a month, but it is recommended.
If you would like more information, then please call
Eileen on 818-8845 or email
info@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Page 18
So despite the fact that winter is upon us, we can still remain
active indoors. However on these beautiful sunny autumn days
make sure that you also get outside into the environment. All
that fresh air helps to keep both you and your child stimulated!
Pauline Butt
Active Movement Advisor
Sport Waitakere
Page 47
Volunteer Wanted:
PRODUCTS CO-ORDINATOR
Breastfeeding Courses
Do you love finding new and exciting products for you and your
baby? This could be the role for you. We are looking for someone to
take over our Products role. The role involves securing new suppliers
and maintaining relationships with existing suppliers, fulfilling
member orders, keeping an accurate inventory of what we have,
recording sales, providing some information about the products for
our newsletter, website and special events and promoting products
and increasing sales where possible. This role would take up about 1
-2 hours per week and it is expected that you would come to
committee meetings once a month.
If you would like more information, then please call
Eileen on 818-8845 or email
info@westaucklandparents.org.nz
The Mama-Licious programme includes workshops for pregnant women and their
families, followed by post natal sessions for mother and baby offering practical
information, support, and reassurance.
Courses cover:
How you make milk
Positions and Latching
Skin to skin
First few days
Normal newborn behavior
Over coming challenges
And much more…..
For more details and to book your place
Visit www.mamalicious.co.nz
Or call 021 26 88 004
Volunteer Wanted:
TODDLER & TINIES PARENT TAMER
This year we are running an exciting programme of courses specifically
for parents of children aged from 9 months to 36 months. There are two
courses, Terrific Toddlers and Tinies to Tots and we require someone
who can host the courses. One of these courses run every other month
over two weeks, for two nights. The "Parent Tamer" or Co-Ordinator
would be required to collate the resources required, liaise with our
speaker, ensure that the supper box is stocked, mark off each course
participant, take the occasional late payment and ensure that everyone
is comfortable. These courses are run in New Lynn and there will be a
small recompense given. It is not essential that you come to committee
meetings once a month, but it is desirable. This role would take about 12 hours per week on top of the 2-3 hours hosting the course for 2 nights
a month.
If you would like to know more information, then
Page 46
Page 19
Introduction to Attachment
Parenting
By Nadine Gaunt
Attachment Parenting (AP) is a phrase that was first coined by the American Paediatrician Dr William Sears. It refers to the emotional bond formed between a child and their
caregivers and is based on well established principles of developmental psychology.
AP proponents believe that the formation of a secure attachment between a child and
an emotionally available, sensitive caregiver has long term and profound effects on their
personality and emotional development.
This does not mean weak and ineffective parenting, with children running wild without
boundaries; rather it aims to form within the child an inherent sense of rightness so they
can make good decisions for themselves through childhood and into adulthood.
This starts early, with how a child is cared for and responded to from conception onwards. The different areas of parenting have been categorised by Dr Sears as the
Seven B’s:







Operating under the pretext of wanting to water the plants, he gave me a thorough
soaking with the hose, absolutely beside himself with that evil giggle he does so well,
but I think his most favourite thing was taking the train to Story Time at the Waitakere
Central Library. He loves trains and the short trip from Swanson had him going “Toot!
Toot!” all the way. We had a drink at the cafe at the Swanson station afterwards and it
was great to relax with a coffee in the sun and watch him play with his Thomas & Percy
trains on the deck. Seeing him so much has reminded me why we still haven’t completed our family, we need to take delivery of at least another 2 little ones I think.
Yep, I could get used to this I reckon. The life of a stay at home Dad is the life for me, so
everyone reading this needs to get pregnant or encourage your friends to get pregnant
so West Auckland Parent Centre has so many courses for Nicola to teach that I can
pack my job in and look after the kids full time. I’m quite happy to eat my own dog food,
it tastes great.
Oh did I mention we blew up the toaster?
Daniel
Balance and boundaries
Belief in baby’s cries
Beware of baby trainers
Birth bonding
Breastfeeding
Babywearing
Bed sharing
Dr Sears says that AP should be viewed as an approach rather
than a rigid set of rules, thus a mother who was not able to
breastfeed could still be a natural and accomplished attached
parent. It is not an all or nothing approach, but rather a set of
tools that parents apply to their own family and circumstances.
One of the basic tenets of AP is that babies should not be left alone to cry themselves to
sleep. This does not mean AP families allow their children to ‘play them’ or to rule the
roost, rather that they believe babies cry for a reason and have a need that should be
met. We also believe that, just as for an adult, wanting company and the closeness of a
loved one are valid reasons for a baby to be held.
The high levels of cortisol produced when a child is left in distress for long periods may
have a detrimental effect of brain development, as well as activating pain centres in the
brain, just as if the child were physically hurt. Over time, repeated sessions of uncomforted crying may result in pathways forming in the brain that ‘hardwire’ the child for over
-sensitivity, and develop an over-sensitive stress-response system.
The ‘Bed Sharing’ aspect of AP raises alarm flags with many people. The term coPage 20
Page 45
Dad’s World
By Daniel Mapletoft
Part I – The Prelude
Daniel with so
We have a saying in the software industry - “eat
n Ryan
your own dog food”. It basically means use yourself what you create for
others. It’s a good way of finding any problems and expressing confidence in your product. For example if you make accounting software, you also use it to run your own accounts, if you make telephony software, you use it run your own phone systems, if you
make Evil Empire management software, you use it to run your own Ev... I’ve said too
much, but you get the idea.
Why do I mention this? Because I’m about to “eat my own” child raising efforts. I’m
about to become (cue dramatic music) a solo father. Nicola is leaving Ryan & me.
Gone... splitsville... she is exiting the building. Well ok, it’s only for a week while she
goes to Wellington to attend a childbirth education workshop, but as far as I’m concerned, she may as well be going to Mars because (cue more dramatic music) I’m on
my own.
This could well be a great thing for Ryan and me. He doesn’t go to day care so I’ve
taken the week off and we’ll get to spend a lot of time together, but it could also be a
disaster; things have been known to explode under my watch. Zac should count himself
lucky he’s at his Dad’s.
sleeping is now generally taken to mean sleeping in
the same room as well as sharing a bed. Studies
have shown mothers who co-slept breastfed more
often at night but got more quality sleep because
they were less affected by crying. There have been
tragic cases reported in the media of when cosleeping goes wrong and this has prevented many
families who would have wished to experience, or
would have benefited from co-sleeping, from putting
it into practice.
But this is not the full picture and the Sudden Infant
Death Global Task Force found that “cultures practising the highest co-sleeping and bed-sharing rates experienced the lowest SIDS rates of
all”. Margot Sunderland explains in ‘The Science of Parenting’ that in Hong Kong, where
high density living make co-sleeping the norm, rates of SIDS (now referred to as
SUIDS) are among the lowest in the world. In a five year study period, there were only
15 cases of SUIDS, while in western countries with the same population 800-1200 cot
deaths might have been expected.
In reality there are indeed precautions that need to be taken to ensure safe co-sleeping,
just as we would at bath or mealtimes, and new parents will be reassured by a little research on the do’s and don’ts. (http://www.askdrsears.com/html/7/t070600.asp). In our
experience there has been little difficulty getting a child to transition to their own bed
when the time is right. If the parents are happy and relaxed with co-sleeping the time
frame is irrelevant, it is entirely dependant on that family’s individual dynamic.
WAPC AGM
See, I’m your average, run-of-the-mill Dad, but I’ve never had to parent completely by
myself for more than a day before. Nicola and I are one of those couples that are rarely
apart. The longest time was before we had Ryan when I had to go away with work for
two weeks, so we’ve always had each other to rely on, one to take over when the other
one has been almost driven bonkers.
Come along to West Auckland Parents Centre's
Annual General Meeting
Which is great, except that I’ve been known to let the kids stay in their PJs all day, eat
cookies for breakfast, custard for lunch and cornflakes for dinner. With Nicola not here,
there’s a good chance that’s going to happen again. In fact I can pretty much guarantee
it. I just hope Ryan doesn’t decide to explore the cupboards and eat the real dog food.
Wednesday, June 16th, 2009
from 7:30-9:30pm
at the Kelston Community Centre
Part II – The aftermath
Well the week has passed, we’re both still alive and Nicola is home. Although we ran
out of night nappies at 11pm and had to do a late night nappy run, it all went pretty well.
Of course Ryan enjoyed many a leisurely morning and a couple of afternoons in his
PJs, one day he even insisted we put his clothes over top of his PJ jacket.
Page 44
All new attendees will receive a gift
Spot prizes! Nibbles, wine and a no pressure intro to West
Auckland Parents Centre for those of you who are even
slightly interested in volunteering!
For more information please email info@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Page 21
Babywearing is a growing trend with beautiful fabrics and trimmings making many wraps
and carriers fashion, as well as parenting, accessories. The benefits are many. Not only
is your child held in close, comfortable contact with the person they want to be with
more than anyone in the world but they are in an ideal position for breastfeeding discreetly while on the move (no more crying baby in the supermarket or while out for a
walk).
They can also participate more actively in social interactions. Eye contact is many times
that of a baby in a front facing pushchair and they are easily included in any activity
around them. Not to mention the freedom from navigating a pushchair in shops or while
out in the bush or playground. Having both arms free to handle shopping/housework/
paid work or other children is a real blessing!
Attachment Parenting is such an instinctive approach that many families hear the term
long after they started practising it. For others it comes as a welcome relief not to fight
the instincts that tell them to comfort a crying baby. Interested parents are more than
welcome to join the communities of AP parents springing up across New Zealand.
The future is in our hands, lets take good care of it.
Nadine Gaunt
Moderator on The Natural Parent community boards
New Zealand’s first Attachment Parenting website and magazine.
http://www.thenaturalparent.co.nz/community/
Antenatal Class - 11 January to 22 February 2010
Cherie and Warren
Ryan
Hope and Brian
Aidan
Penny and Joe
Blake
Hannah and Simon
Joseph
Danielle and Brent
Robert
Jewelz and Jono
Tahlea
Geoff and Michelle
Nathan
Melani and Mark
James
Antonia and Tom
Mila
Volunteer Wanted:
SPIN DOCTOR
WAPC is looking for someone who would enjoy sinking their teeth
into our Marketing and Events Co-Ordinator role. You would be
responsible for the overall marketing and planning of WAPC events.
You would work closely with the committee and would never be on
your own in any venture. This role pulls together all the different
strands of WAPC and makes sure that the community message is
not only consistent within WAPC but consistent with Parents Centres
New Zealand Inc. This role would take about 1-2 hours per week,
more in weeks when events were planned. You would also be
expected to come to committee meetings once a month. This role
would be perfect for someone with a marketing background who is on
maternity leave.
If you would like more information, then please call
Eileen on 818-8845 or email
info@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Page 22
Page 43
Antenatal Class - 9 January to 10 January 2010
Elliot and Cibelli
Thomas
Denise
Krishant
Louise and Richard
Dylan
Temi and Ladi
Anjola
Jenni and Dan
Stanley
Marielle and Steve
Nikita
Anne and Dean
George
Alma
Megan
Bruce and Ildi
Amy
Mr. Potato Head Colouring
Contest Results
3 - 5 years
Left 1st Mary Hewett-Roff
Below 2nd Jade Werner
Antenatal Class - 26 January to 9 March 2010
Amy and Ivan
Isabel
Sarah and Anthony
Grace
Teresa and Hayden
Zach
Araceli and Leandro
Joaquina
Megan
Talia
Elizabeth and Charles
Thea
Marisa and Luke
Lyla
Liz and Josh
Jessica
Allison and Darryl
Imogen
Teresa and Joseph
Kathyrn
Kristin and Jacob
Ronelle
Suzanne and Karl
Chloe
If we have spelt your child’s name wrong, please contact us on 837-8481 or email
membership@westaucklandparents.org.nz so we can correct our database.
Page 42
Left: Under 2 years winner Maia Harrison
Under 2yrs years
Above 1st Maia Harrison
Left 2nd Azalea Edwards
Special Thanks to our sponsors
Page 23
Behind the Scenes at
mahu Mother’s Day High Tea
By Eileen Joy
Wow, what an amazing day!
From a half-baked idea on a plane flight back from Wellington in November to a full- blown Mother's Day High
Tea at the Hilton, we and Onewa Parents Centre actually
managed to pull it off. The afternoon was MCd by the
more than capable and completely unflappable, Deputy
Mayor of Waitakere City, Penny Hulse. Penny regaled
the audience with stories of her early mothering days
where her boys were used to an untidy house and a
mother who was often out politicking. Penny reminded us
that it's not how clean your house is, or how beautifully
turned out you are, but it's the quality of the time that you
spend with your children that makes the difference. Following Penny, Eileen Joy took to the stage and spoke to
Robyn Malcolm
the audience about the importance of Parents Centre, the
networks, friendships and values that it helps to sustain and how events like this are
critical to the success of our organisation given the shrinking funding pie.
This was followed by an amazing High Tea
served by the fantastic Hilton staff. We were
treated to scones with jam and cream, little cakes,
club sandwiches and the most delicious teas supplied by Harney's Fine Teas.
During the High Tea, people were invited to purchase raffle tickets and to bid on the fabulous
array of items we had available. From an HRV
s ys t em
worth
$2500, to a frankly
stunning
Guess
handbag and a vasectomy, we had a truly eclectic bunch
of prizes. By the end of the High Tea we had raised $630
from raffle tickets and $5,305 from the Silent Auction
items; funds which will be split between the two centres.
After we had all had our fill of High Tea, bids had been
placed and tickets purchased, the Mum of the moment,
consistently voted New Zealand's Sexiest Woman, Robyn
Malcolm took to the stage. As befits a Parents Centre
Penny Hulse
event, Robyn had brought her two boys, Charlie and Peter
with her. Like all young children they sat quietly for a wee while watching their Mum
relate tales of motherhood and then they swiftly took to the stage and ran around her
Page 24
Page 41
of frozen spray which he proceeded to spray on my bare skin to illustrate that I was totally numb. Feeling slightly more reassured the go-ahead was given and after some
rather intense pushing, shoving and digging around I heard the most beautiful sound, an
ear piercingly loud cry and there, being held above my head, was my little girl!
Daddy raced off to cut the cord and got the first cuddle, as I was busy getting stitched
up and staring rather vacantly at the circus that seemed to be going on around me. He
soon returned with our little bundle and settled by my head so I could watch my newborn baby take in her first views of the world.
Although things did not go to plan and I ended up having more intervention than I would
have liked, I must say that in the end it really didn’t matter. The end product was the
same and the safe arrival of our first adorable baby was what was most important.
Once I was wheeled through to recovery I finally got to hold our teeny little girl and have
a proper look at her. She had a full head of blond hair (somewhat gooey and stickyuppy), 10 fingers and 10 toes, a scrunched up bright red face and that wonderful baby
smell. We lay there for like that for two hours, the 3 of us, exhausted but elated! Our
daughter, Ashleigh Elizabeth Meek, is now 8 months old and I count my blessings everyday that she happy, healthy and here with us.
Got a birth story you’d like to share? Whatever, whenever and wherever it
happened, we’d love to hear about it. Email your story (with a photo of you and
your baby) to newsletter@westaucklandparents.org.nz.
PAYROLL GIVING
How about giving a little back every week??
Did you know that you can give to West Auckland Parents
Centre via Payroll Giving??
Payroll giving, where offered by your employer, gives you the opportunity to
donate to approved donor organisations direct from your pay and receive
immediate tax credits that reduce your PAYE payable. West Auckland Parents Centre is an approved charity and is listed with the Inland Revenue as
an organisation you can give part of your pay to. You don't need to wait
until the end of the year to claim your tax credit for your donation - it will
happen automatically. You can offer as much or as little as you like, but the
best part is that you will be supporting a fantastic organisation in your community!
legs. We could not have had a better image of
motherhood had we scripted it. Robyn was interrupted constantly by her engaging boys and even
corrected on many occasions. When Robyn
swore one of her sons admonished her with
"Mummy you swore!" to which she replied that
there were no swearing police at the Hilton.
Robyn reminded us that it is mothers, not the
"corporate lawyers with their two Pajeros" who
are the most important people in our society because they are the ones who hold the future in their hands. Like all
mothers, she had stories of when her parenting was not the best, moments of self reflection. She told
how that morning when she had
been writing the speech and her
boys were playing up she told
them to "Shut up, because
Mummy is writing a speech on
how to be a good Mummy". She
was certain the irony was not
lost on even them. As her boys
lost patience on the stage - as all
young children would - she decided to wind up her speech and
her boys started yelling at her "Mummy get off
the stage!". The whole audience saw and
warmed to a woman who was just like them, had The High Tea organizing committee:
children who were the most important things in (left to right) Kylie Johnston Eileen
her life, and who struggled to balance the needs Joy, Charlotte Whiter, Karen Croft
and Bex Isted
of herself and her children. We really could not
have got anyone better to speak at our High Tea.
Silent Auction Items
Finally, I would just like to say a big thanks to everyone who made the day happen, from
mahu mother and baby, our fabulous sponsors, to Penny and Robyn, to the volunteers
from both committees who worked exceptionally hard to make it happen, and finally to
the people who supported us by buying tickets, raffle tickets and by purchasing our Silent Auction items.
Talk to your payroll staff now!
Eileen Joy
Page 40
High Tea attendees
Page 25
Mothers Day Gift Baskets
For the past eleven years, West Auckland Parents Centre has prepared gift
baskets to give to mothers in Waitakere Hospital on Mother’s Day. This year
we prepared one big ‘special’ basket to give to the mother of the first baby born
on Mother’s Day, and 29 small ‘packs’ to give to all other mothers in the maternity unit on the day.
They were made up of samples or gifts that were provided by the following
wonderful businesses and we greatly appreciate all their donations. Please
show them your support!
By the time we returned home the contractions were regular at three minutes apart and
we decided the time had come to head down to the hospital to meet the midwife and get
on with the more serious job of delivering our baby. Once we had arrived and were settled my midwife did the dreaded internal exam to discover that I was only four cm dilated! I was bitterly disappointed at this news as I was certain that I was far further along
than that. And so there was nothing to do but wait, oh and endure the strengthening
contractions over the next few hours as we continued to walk up and down the corridor
and use the birthing pool for a spot of ‘relaxation’.
By 7pm things were moving frustratingly slowly. Every time I sat down or lay in the pool
for too long the gap between my contractions would widen again, the only way to keep
them going seemed to be if I continued walk. However I soon found you can only walk
up and down a corridor heavily pregnant for so long before you begin to tire so when the
midwife told me that she expected that I wouldn’t be ready to push until midnight (only
another 6 hours away!) I decided that I would have an epidural.
At this point I feel I should tell you that as a ‘labour-virgin’ I was quite sure that I wouldn’t
have an epidural and that I wanted a completely natural birth. I can now say that I am
quite happily a total hypocrite and the epidural was bliss! (and the syntocin did a great
job of regulating my contractions without me having to walk the equivalent of a halfmarathon!)
Due to earlier (at 36 weeks) hospitalisation for high blood pressure issues, my midwife
was monitoring my blood pressure carefully, aware that the longer I was in the labour,
the higher the risk of further complications with it. Around midnight and several midwives’ internal exams later it was announced that the syntocin had done its job and I
was fully dilated. Unfortunately the baby was nowhere near where she was meant to be,
still located up under my rib cage and twisted around, so the obstetrician was called in
for a second opinion.
After yet another internal exam the obstetrician decided that perhaps a spot of pushing
would ‘pop’ the baby down into my ‘very roomy pelvis’. Alas an hour and a half of pushing later I am sad to say that we were no further along and baby began showing signs of
distress.
It was at this point that the ‘C’ word began to get bandied about and as scary as it
sounded both my husband and I were more concerned about our unborn baby being in
distress than the prospect of stomach surgery. And so it was decided at 2:30am that our
daughter would be brought into the world via emergency caesarean section. Several
forms came flying my way and I signed for all I was worth, agreeing with the anaesthetist that I understood what it was all about but being fairly certain that I really had no
idea but these people did this everyday didn’t they?
The next half an hour was a blur and before I knew it I was on an operating table with
what seemed like a hundred people bustling about the room with a variety of scary looking instruments and my normally calm and collected husband looking slightly panicked
by my side stroking my arm. I remember calling out urgently to the anaesthetist that I
was worried I would be able to feel what was happening, it was then he produced a can
Page 26
Page 39
BIRTH
Journeys
WAPC members share their experiences
By Briar Meek
Everyone tells you that your first baby will be overdue and that first-time-mums are always expecting things to get underway well before they actually do. Well I was no different, I had a gut feeling that our first baby was going to arrive a little early and was told
by all and sundry that I was dreaming and would be at least a week overdue. So I must
admit that I was a little smug when I woke early on a Monday morning to discover that I
had ‘wet the bed’ a week and a half before my due date! When I proceeded to stand up
(or rather haul myself up) and the trickle turned to a torrent, I was even more sure that
today was going to be the day.
I remember calling out to my husband, Aaron, that I was leaking and thought that perhaps my waters had broken; he called back most matter-of-factly that I couldn’t be in
labour because the baby wasn’t due for another week. It was not until after an inspection of said leaking waters that he concurred that yes, imminent labour was on the
cards. This didn’t stop him disappearing off to work (as despite the leaking there really
didn’t seem to be a lot happening yet) with promises to ring in an hour and see how
things were progressing.
Recruit NZ is a West Auckland based Employment Consultancy started by an HR mum. We
know how important it is to have a balance in life and at Recruit NZ we have a number of different services available for people that are wanting to get back into the workforce in some
capacity.
The services we provide are:

Webinars-Home based employment training

Career Guidance-Creating an action plan with you to determine where you want to go and
what is most important to you

Coaching-We provide one on one coaching for interviewing if you feel like you are a bit out
of touch

CV Design and Creation- After completing a consultation with you we will create a CV that
really sets you apart.

Workshops, E-Newsletters, and database membership are also available.
To find out more please contact:
Tanya Gray
(09) 280-3977 / 027-621-6111
Tanya@recruit-nz.co.nz
www.recruit-nz.co.nz
Slightly nervous about being left on my own but quite sure that I could cope for at least
a little while, I set about my usual morning routine. Vaguely hampered by the fact that I
now had a bath towel rolled up between my legs, I proceeded to go about breakfast and
a spot of TV watching quite happily.
Around 10am I finally began to feel faint contractions and over the course of the morning they slowly became stronger, although still rather sporadic. As promised, my husband phoned every hour to check on me and finally decided he’d better come home
around lunchtime. It was at this point we rang the midwife to let her know what was happening. After talking to me for a bit she suggested we go for a walk for half an hour to try
and get the contractions into a more regular pattern.
This is how I ended up leaning over the neighbours letter box panting and swearing at
1:30pm on a Monday afternoon! Once the contraction had passed we carried on for our
walk around the block, me stopping every three minutes or so to double over and crush
Aaron’s hand as the contractions passed. Over the course of the next 20 minutes my
contractions got a lot stronger and definitely more regular. I must admit I was glad when
we reached the bench outside the local dairy and could sit down for a moment. Although, I will never forget the horrified look on the dairy owner’s face as I sat, heavily
pregnant, hunched over, moaning and panting outside his shop while my husband perused the magazines, powerade and lollies looking as though he didn’t have a care in
the world!
Page 38
Affordable Counselling
Johanna Perfect
BPlan, DipBusStud (Mediation), Dip Facilitation
Counsellor in training with the Psychosynthesis
Institute of New Zealand




15 years experience in related fields
Well-supervised practice
Fee of $25 per hour session
Te Atatu Peninsula location
Phone 022 6588 799
for an appointment.
Page 27
Teeny Greeny
What’s that Sound?
By Aaryn Barlow, EcoMatters Environment Trust
PREPARING YOUR HOME FOR WINTER
It’s that time of the year when we need to start getting ready for the onset of winter.
Keeping kids warm and healthy is crucial to their development. Do Ya Bit has a free call
number where you can get advice on how to get you home ready. Whether it is insulation, heating or ventilation advice you are after we can help. To get you started here are
some initial areas of the home to take a closer look at.
INSULATION
Check for under-floor and ceiling insulation as 50% of houses have no under-floor insulation while 18% have no ceiling insulation! This is important because 10% and 40% of
heat loss occurs through the floor and ceiling respectively.
Under-floor insulation should have a good, tight, well installed bulk insulator such as
polyester, foam of woolen fibreglass. Some insulation types fit between the joists while
others cover them, the main thing is that there are no exposed floor boards. It is also
recommended to have a layer of polythene directly on the ground to stop raising dampness. If you have a concrete slab there’s not a lot you can do sorry.
Participate in a great new fundraiser for
West Auckland Parents Centre!
Eardrop’s Journeys are fun audio CDs that help develop language and listening skills in 1-4 year olds.
Children are captivated by these gentle, fun stories –
and adults enjoy them too!
With ceiling insulation, check for well installed insulation with few gaps (gaps in insulation are like holes in a bucket, even small gaps reduce the insulation (R) values considerably) and a good depth of at least 75-100 ml. Be careful of down lights as you need to
give them 200 ml clearance to avoid fire risk – this is why down lights are so bad, they
create holes for heat to escape.
WINDOWS, DOORS AND CURTAINS
Windows are a very important part of a houses insulation make up or
thermal envelope as they can be responsible for 10-15% of heat loss.
When looking at windows, key thing to look for are thermal lined curtains with a good seal i.e. touching the walls, floor and/or window sill.
Also, while pelmets may seem like throw back to the seventies they
are very affective in sealing the top of the curtain and negating any
potential convection currents which can drastically increase heat loss.
Checking for obvious gaps around window and door frames is really
important as 10-15% of heat loss can occur here.
If you have the financial resources to afford double glazing I highly recommend doing
so. Normal single glazed glass does virtually nothing to stop heat escaping.
Page 28
Parents Centres Nationwide are proud to partner up
with The Eardrops Company to bring this valuable
resource to you.
Only $15 each!!
All profits from each CD sold go back to our Parents
Centre. Grab your CDs now!
TO ORDER OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:


Email products@westaucklandparents.org.nz
Leave a message on 837-8481—please leave your full name, phone
number and best time to call back.
Page 37
CD REVIEW
Eardrops, Sounds of the Country
Published by Eardrop’s Journeys
Reviewed by Rebecca Lamb
On this CD, Eardrop and his friend the Farmer explore the farm and along the
way discover many exciting sounds. Sounds of the Country is designed to improve preschoolers’ language and listening skills. As you can probably guess,
this features many real farm animal sounds, and the recordings are excellent
quality. I’m sure all parents make farm animal noises for their children, but
nothing beats the real thing.
When I first got this CD, I put it on in the car straight away for Isobel (2 ¾) to
listen to as we drove home, and she was completely silent for the whole journey. When we got home I asked her what she had heard on the Eardrops CD,
and she rattled off an impressive list of farm animals and other sounds of the
country, some of which I hadn’t even heard myself (I checked the track list later
– she was obviously paying closer attention than I was!). Isobel now frequently
asks to listen to “Eardrops please” when we get in the car, and is starting to get
more interactive with the CD, telling me what the sound is, and repeating some
of them back. It’s been good to refer to the CD in other settings – when we
came across a goat in a book recently we were able to talk about what noise a
goat makes.
I’ve been impressed by the clarity of the sound recordings, and I really like that
Eardrop and the Farmer repeat the name of the animal several times throughout each track to reinforce what you are listening to. I highly recommend this
CD to anyone with a toddler starting to get curious about farm animals.
HEATING OPTIONS
Heating options are obviously really important for the energy efficiency of the potential
flat and will have a big impact on how much you pay to keep yourself warm. This is because warming your home or space heating accounts for around 34% New Zealand’s
domestic energy use. Try and reduce the number of portable electric heaters used as
they are inefficient and expensive to run and avoid unflued gas heaters as they are bad
for dampness and release carbon monoxide.
If you are lucky enough to have a wood burner make sure you burn seasoned to ensure
clean burning. A good way to utilise wood burners to get heat throughout the house is to
install a ducted heat transfer kit which uses a fan to move the heat to other rooms. Pellet burners are also an excellent heating option and burn compressed waste wood pellets.
Heat-pumps can be a really efficient form of space heating. In moderate climates they
have a coefficient of performance (COP) of up to 3.5 meaning that for every unit of
power you put in you get 3.5 units of heating back. So they are a good form heating in
the right climate and in houses with a tight thermal envelope (no draughts) as they circulate warm air though convection.
DAMPNESS
Dry houses are healthier and easier to heat. I mentioned getting rid of unflued gas heaters and installing polythene on the ground as good ways to reduce dampness. Other
ways to reduce dampness include installing a range hood in your kitchen and an extractor fan or shower dome in your bath room (vented to the outside). If after following these
steps you still have dampness problems, consider getting an efficient dehumidifier. They
can be really effective and are relatively cheap to run. Keep in mind there are few occasions where if a house is properly insulated and heated that require expensive ventilation systems.
DO YA BIT
These tips are a quick overview of how to make your home warmer and more efficient
this winter. For more tailored advice contact Do Ya Bit on 0800 326 628 or visit
www.doyabit.org.nz.
Regards,
Aaryn Barlow
Project Manager,
EcoMatters Environment Trust
Page 36
Page 29
West Auckland Parents Centre
PARENTING COURSES
Gain new skills and confidence by attending a WAPC Parenting Course.
Bookings are essential. To avoid disappointment, please book your place early.
For information or bookings, please leave a message on 837-8481 or email
parented@westaucklandparents.org.nz.
Baby and You
Baby and You is a four-part daytime course covering essentials for parents in the ‘fourth trimester’ (newborn to 4
months). It’s designed to help you understand and cope with
your role as a new parent, or to refresh your skills if you’re
doing it for the second (or more!) time around. Each week
we have a different expert speaker to pass on knowledge
and ideas, and take your questions.
Upcoming Sessions:
Monday 21 June, Friday 25 June, Monday 28 June, Friday 2 July - Te Atatu
Peninsula Community Centre
Mondays 5 July, 12 July, 19 July and 26 July - Kelston Community Centre
Monday 16 August, Friday 20 August, Monday 23 August, Friday 27 August New Lynn Community Centre
Session times: 10am -12pm
Cost: FREE if you have paid for a Childbirth Education & Early Parenting
Education package OR a Practical Parenting Package.
$35 for members, $45 for non-members.
CPR and Choking
Know what to do in an emergency! This Saturday morning course is designed
to give you hands on experience in CPR and choking skills. An essential class
for all parents and caregivers of children under five, led by a qualified, experienced paramedic.
Upcoming Sessions:
Saturday 12 June
Saturday 10 July
Saturday 7 August
Session times: 10am -12pm
Venue: Kelston Community Centre
Cost: FREE if you have paid for a Childbirth Education & Early Parenting
Education package. $20 for members, $25 for non-members.
Page 30
Large Merino Baby Wraps from Strawberry Jam
At 100cm x 130cm, these lovely .wraps are larger than most and will last longer as
baby grows. They’re nice and stretchy - perfect to swaddle even the wriggliest baby and ultra soft for lying against delicate skin. The larger size also means they can be
used as a cot blanket. These are medium weight merino, perfect for use all year
round. $45 (RRP $49.95)
Organic Breastfeeding Pillow from Innature
This beautiful pillow provides excellent support for you and baby while feeding. A
medium/firm pillow that clips at the back to hold it firmly in place. Made from natural
fibres with a fully washable organic cotton/hemp cover. $99 (RRP $130)
PRODUCTS FROM NATURES SWAY
Natures Sway Hammock
Comes with ceiling hooks, chain and clips, wool mattress, cotton sheet and carry
bag. $199.95 (RRP $219)
Natures Sway Hammock Organics
As above, however, all fabric parts made from 55% hemp/ 45% organic cotton. $255
(RRP $289)
Natures Sway Baby Hammock and Stand
Comes complete with wooden beams, wool mattress, sheet, spring and the fourlegged stand and hammock. This is one of the most compact portable baby beds on
the market. Regular: $290 (RRP $329). Organics: $355 (RRP $399)
Natures Sway Baby Slings
Providing unmatched comfort and safety. Available in a wide range of modern colours. 100% natural cotton canvas: $65 (RRP $75). Organics (55% hemp/45% organic cotton): $79 (RRP $89)
Baby Hammock Stand
This classic four-legged hammock stand has been recently redesigned to be smaller
and lighter to transport. Ideal for indoor and outdoor use. $155 (RRP $175)
Hammock Door Clamp
Hang your hammock from a door frame—New Zealand made with a cream-coloured
powder finish. Suitable for up to a 15kg load. $18 (RRP $20)
Mosquito Net
Specially designed mosquito net fits over the wooden beams of your Natures Sway
baby hammock to keep baby free of mosquitoes for an undisturbed sleep. 100% cotton gauze with gold satin edging. $15
Natures Sway Sheets
Soft cotton sheets to fit your baby hammock. Available in brushed cotton or organic
cotton.
Brushed Cotton: Fitted bottom sheet $9, top sheet $12, or set for $20.
Organic Cotton: Fitted bottom sheet $18, top sheet $24, or set for $40.
TO ORDER OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION:
 Email products@westaucklandparents.org.nz
 Leave a message on 837-8481—please leave your full name, phone
number and best time to call back.
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Shopping
Please support West Auckland Parents Centre by purchasing one of
these fabulous items either for yourself or as a gift! A percentage of each
purchase goes towards the work we do.
Moving and Munching
This is a two-part daytime course for parents of 4-7 month old babies. It covers
starting solids, first foods, crawling to walking, developmental toys and safety.
This course includes a Movement session from Eat Play Grow. Participants
receive a FREE copy of the fabulous recipe book, Baby Food and Beyond by
Alison and Simon Holst.
Fully machine washable and available in three colours: Red, Black and Sky Blue
Upcoming Sessions:
Fridays 11 and 18 June
Fridays 16 and 23 July
Fridays 13 and 20 August
Session times: 10am -12pm
Venue: Te Atatu Peninsula Community Centre
Cost: FREE if you have paid for a Childbirth
Education & Early Parenting Education package.
$30 for members, $40 for non-members.
Fits most standard chairs and suitable for infants once they can sit unsupported.
Tinies to Tots
Feature Product
WAPC is proud to add a new product to its range:
DINKY KIDS - DINKY DINER PORTABLE HIGH CHAIR
We adore this fantastic portable high chair and are sure that you will love it just
as much as we do. How many times have you been to a café with your little one
only to find all the high chairs in use? This is the perfect solution-a portable high
chair that comes with its own carry bag and folds up to fit into your nappy bag.
You will use it over and over-keep one in the glove box of the car and you are
good to go.
True Value for money at just $22.00
Dri Cot 900mmx700mm - Dri Cots have been used and recommended by generations of Mums for keeping the mattress in good condition. Made from 100% NZ
Wool, they are fully breathable and help keep any moisture away from baby. They
are machine washable and they dry in no time. Use in the cot, or fold in half to fit
the bassinet or Moses Basket. $45.
The New Zealand Pregnancy Book by Sue Pullon and Cheryl Benn. $49.95 plus
postage (RRP $54.95)
Wheat Packs
Lavender scented and ideal for labour. Use hot or cold. Removable and washable
cover. $12
Amber Bead Baby Necklaces
Provides traditional homeopathic relief from the pain of teething. When worn, the
necklace releases ethereal oils that soothe teething symptoms. Suitable from 3-4
months onwards. $35 (RRP $40)
Baby Food and Beyond cook book by Simon and Alison Holst.
$11 (RRP $17.99)
Face Shields
Designed to protect you and your patient if you have to give CPR. Convenient keyring size so you can carry it wherever you go. $12 each
Kimberly Collection Blankets
Cot Size: 110x150cm, Satin Bound. Available in four beautiful colours: Ivory, Cinnamon, Sky, Pink. Pure New Zealand wool cellular weave blankets are especially
good for babies. They are light and allow for freedom of movement. Perfect all year
round, dry and comfortable all the time. Machine washable in cold water or drycleanable. $65 (RRP $69)
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This two-part evening course covers relevant milestones for your 9 - 15 month
old including walking, how to look after little feet and first shoes, safety around
the house etc, nutrition - teeth, how to get your little one to enjoy brushing
teeth, developmental stages, boundaries and rules, sleeping issues.
Upcoming Sessions:
Mondays 12 and 19 July
Mondays 13 and 20 September
Mondays 15 and 22 November
Session times: 7pm - 9pm
Venue: New Lynn Community Centre
Cost: Members $20, non-members $30, support person members - free, support person non-members $10
Terrific Toddlers
This two-part evening course covers play and development for busy toddlers,
and essentials for facing the challenge of independent toileting.
Upcoming Sessions:
Mondays 21 and 28 June
Mondays 9 and 16 August
Session times: 7pm - 9pm
Venue: New Lynn Community Centre
Cost: Members $20, non-members $30, support person members - free, support person non-members $10
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GREAT NEWS!
Children's Issues Centre and any other research that supports the primary research.
Parenting consciously to
create a positive future for our
children!
The programme will provide participants with activities that they can implement within
their family context. The activities will be uncomplicated, undemanding, straightforward
and simple.
West Auckland Parents Centre is delighted to announce that we have secured funding to run two
amazing courses; 'Parenting with Purpose' and
'Magic Moments'. These courses are specifically
designed to be attended by couples, but whilst this
is desirable, it is not mandatory.
PARENTING WITH PURPOSE
Parenting With Purpose is a 6 week evening course and it will help you to think more
actively about the way you parent.
The course dates for Parenting with Purpose are as follows:
The overall objective of this programme is to:
Deliver research-based information through discussion and exercises that will give participants the understanding and knowledge to raise
their children using appropriate discipline in a non-physical way.
The information will be based on SKIP principles and philosophies and the research
undertaken by the Office of the Children's Commission, University of Otago and the
7.30-9.30pm, Tuesday June 8 - Tuesday July 13
7.30-9.30pm, Tuesday August 10 - Tuesday September 14
7.30-9.30pm, Tuesday October 12 - Tuesday November 16
7.30-9.30pm, Tuesday February 1 - Tuesday March 8
Course places are limited, so book NOW to avoid disappointment.
Costs: $100 per non-member couple, $80 per member couple,
$80 per non-member, $70 per member.
Volunteer Wanted:
TREASURE HUNTER
A large portion of the funds we use to run the courses that you enjoy
comes from fundraising - whether this be through grants or good old
fashioned bake sales and raffles. As a "Treasure Hunter" or Fundraising
Co-ordinator, you will be expected to write approximately 6 grant
applications (which is actually nowhere near as hard as it sounds) per
year and co-ordinate such activities as selling our Entertainment Books
and holding raffles. This is a fabulous and essential role if you are keen
to get involved in your children's schooling in later life or you are keen to
pursue a career in not for profits. There will be an excellent handover
and ongoing guidance for this role. You must be prepared to come to
committee meetings every month. Each grant application can take
between 5-6 hours total. The over all role would take 2-3 hours per
week.
If you would like more information, then please call
Eileen on 818-8845 or email
info@westaucklandparents.org.nz
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For more information please email: parented@westaucklandparents.org.nz
MAGIC MOMENTS
Magic Moments is a 3 week evening course and it will help you to focus on using nonphysical methods of discipline and encourages parents and caregivers to build strong
and caring relationships with their children, whilst giving clear boundaries.
The course dates for Magic Moments are as follows:
7.30-9.30pm, Thursday July 29 - Thursday August 12
7.30-9.30pm, Thursday September 23 - Thursday October 7
Course places are limited, so book NOW to avoid disappointment.
Costs: $50 per non-member couple, $40 per member couple,
$40 per non-member, $30 per member.
For more information please email: parented@westaucklandparents.org.nz
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