Pregnant? Congratulations! Hapu? Nga Mihi! Here are some helpful contact details so you can find a midwife to care for you and your baby.
We also have information about care options and services you can access while you are pregnant.
Finding a Midwife
Nga Maia is a National body that represents Maori Birthing. The kaupapa of Nga Maia focuses on Mama, Pepi, Whanau and promoting Matauranga Maori in pregnancy and childbirth.
Pregnancy Information and Antenatal Classes
Barnados currently runs Bumps to Babies, a free service available throughout the district. For more information on their services visit the
Barnados website
The Palmerston North Parents Centre also holds childbirth education classes, which do have a cost. For more information about their classes vist
their website
Community Birth Services provide breastfeeding information and support for parents. For more information about their services visit
their website.
Antenatal Care on the Maternity Ward
Some women may have to be admitted into hospital during their pregnancy. This may be just for a day or so, but in some cases this can be for a number of weeks.
Women who are admitted to the ward during pregnancy are cared for by midwives and the hospital team of doctors, including a specialist obstetrician.
The Maternity Ward has both antenatal and postnatal beds. The ward staff endeavour to place antenatal women in rooms at the beginning of the ward as this area is more quiet.
Women who are admitted for a long stay are able to bring items from home such as a TV and their own bedding.
Referrals can be made to other agencies, with consent, to assist with the implications of a long inpatient stay. For example a referral can be made to a social worker.
Pregnancy/Antenatal Care options within the Women’s Health Unit:
Further pregnancy educational material that may be of interest: