Peak Midwives

15/10/2026

👼WAVE OF LIGHT - PREGNANCY & INFANT LOSS AWARENESS 👼

October 15th is the International Wave of Light at 7pm local time.

The baby loss community asks that you light a candle for one hour in memory of our babies gone too soon, creating a wave of light around the globe.

If you do, please share an image of your candle with the parents to let them know they are not alone, and that their baby is thought of, loved and remembered 🕯️🩶

22/09/2026

Parking is moved to the next barrier 🚘🏁

🚧 Temporary change to maternity parking at Hawke's Bay Fallen Soldiers' Memorial Hospital.

The Ata Rangi Maternity Car Park will be temporarily closed from the evening of Wednesday 23 September, while maintenance works are carried out on 24 and 25 September 2026.

During this time, maternity patients and whānau can use the Surgical Assessment Unit (SAU) car park, which will serve as the temporary maternity parking area.

🚶 Please follow the clearly marked pedestrian route from the temporary car park to Ata Rangi.

Thank you for your patience and understanding while we complete these improvements.

📍 See the map below for parking and access details.

17/08/2026

Winter Illness 🤧❄️

Winter bugs are well and truly around, so we’re asking everyone to help protect themselves, their whānau and our team.

🫧 Practise good hand hygiene, wash your hands regularly and use hand sanitiser when needed.

😷 Wear a mask if you have any cold or flu symptoms. If you really need to attend your appointment while unwell, please wear a mask to help protect others.

💧 Keep hydrated and get plenty of rest while you recover.

🍊 Vitamin C can be part of a healthy diet, particularly through plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.

💊 If you need medication for your symptoms, please speak with your pharmacist about what is safe to take during pregnancy. Not all cold and flu medications are suitable in pregnancy, so it’s important to check first.

If you are unwell and need to see a doctor, Hastings Health Centre, Napier Health and the Emergency Department (ED) are available depending on your needs.

Please remember to seek urgent medical care if you are seriously unwell or concerned about your symptoms.

Thank you for helping us keep our maternity community safe this winter. 💕

26/06/2026

✨ Hospital bag tip for our māmās (one of our favourite ideas!) ✨

Pack your baby’s outfits into individual zip-lock bags and label them — First outfit, Day 2, Going home etc. It saves rummaging through the nappy bag at 2am and makes life easier for you and your support person too!

Ideas for what to pack in baby’s hospital/nappy bag:

🍼 3–4 outfit bags, each including:
• Singlet
• Onesie/stretch & grow
• Socks & booties

🍼 Extra items:
• Going home outfit
• 1–2 extra size options (newborn and/or 0–3 months)
• Muslin wraps
• Warm blanket (especially in winter)
• Wipes
• Woollen vest/cardigan

✨ Label everything to make life easier!

For mum, don’t forget:
• Comfortable PJs
• Own pillow
• Disposable underwear
• Lip balm
• Toiletries
• Phone charger
• Drink bottle
• Snacks (very important 😉)

💛 A little organisation beforehand can make those first few days feel a lot easier.

20/06/2026

Just a friendly reminder as we head into W I N T E R 🥶

With coughs, colds and winter bugs around:

❄️Midwives are specialists in pregnancy care. For coughs, colds, flu symptoms or general illnesses, please see your GP or pharmacist for advice.

❄️Prevention is best — good hand hygiene, avoiding unwell family members where possible, and supporting your immune system with things like vitamin C can help.

❄️Simple comfort measures such as rest, plenty of fluids, lemon and honey drinks, saline nasal sprays, warm salt-water gargles for sore throats, and Panadol (when taken as directed) may help relieve symptoms.

❄️If you or your children are unwell, please help us keep everyone safe by postponing your appointment if needed and leaving sick children at home.

🤞Helping reduce the spread of winter bugs means we can continue providing the best possible care for all our families throughout the season.

Thank you for helping us keep our team and other families well this winter 💙

18/06/2026

From Monday Antenatal clinic will be in a new building …. Give yourself plenty of time to get there as it is a bit of a mission 😬

We’re on the move.

From 22 June, the antenatal clinic will be located at a new space in the Puāwānanga outpatient’s department.

Access is via Gate 9 off McLeod Street, parking just inside the gate.

15/06/2026

🩶 L A B O U R T O P T I P S 🩶

💡Create a dark, calm, safe space – think low lights, quiet, and comfort

💧Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated and keep your energy up

💤Rest whenever you can – conserve your strength for when you need it

🧘‍♀️Keep distracted in early labour – gentle movement, music, or familiar routines can help

😮‍💨Focus on your breathing – slow, steady breaths to ride each wave

🚶🏽‍♀️Keep changing positions – movement can help baby descend and ease discomfort

💼Remember, not one thing works the whole time – try different tools and techniques as labour progresses

🤰🏽Use a heat pack for comfort and relief on your back or belly

🏐Try a Swiss ball – great for gentle movement and positioning

🚿Step into the shower – warm water can be incredibly soothing

💜Consider a TENS machine for additional pain relief

Trust your body, trust the process, and remember… you are not alone. We’re here to support you every step of the way 💫

12/06/2026

Go check them out !!! They have the most amazing FREE stuff 💜

05/06/2026

🔥🔥Round ligament pain in pregnancy 🔥🔥

❌A common cause of sharp or stretching pain in the lower belly or groin

❌Often felt with sudden movements – standing up, rolling over, coughing, or walking

❌Usually short and sharp, then eases

What can help:

🚶‍♀️Move slowly when changing positions

🤰🏽Gently support your belly when rolling or getting up

🪑Try rest and putting your feet up when it flares

🛁Use a warm (not hot) heat pack for comfort

🧘‍♀️Gentle stretches or a pregnancy support belt may help

🚰Keep up fluids and avoid overexertion

A physio can also be really helpful – or you can see Joanna at Body Balance - she is amazing ⭐️

📲If the pain is severe, constant, or doesn’t ease with rest – please get in touch. Your body is stretching and adapting as baby grows. We’re here if you need support 🤍

22/05/2026

💫Round ligament pain in pregnancy 💫

❌A common cause of sharp or stretching pain in the lower belly or groin

❌Often felt with sudden movements – standing up, rolling over, coughing, or walking

❌Usually short and sharp, then eases

What can help:

🚶‍♀️Move slowly when changing positions

🤰🏽Gently support your belly when rolling or getting up

🪑Try rest and putting your feet up when it flares

🛁Use a warm (not hot) heat pack for comfort

🧘‍♀️Gentle stretches or a pregnancy support belt may help

🚰Keep up fluids and avoid overexertion

A physio can also be really helpful – or you can see Joanna at Body Balance - she is amazing ⭐️

If the pain is severe, constant, or doesn’t ease with rest – or if you’re unsure – please get in touch. Your body is stretching and adapting as baby grows. We’re here if you need support 🤍