For some parents and families, having children is planned and for others it often comes as quite a surprise! In both circumstances, remember that it’s ok to ask for, need and accept support. If you have a question, chances are someone else has already asked the same thing!

Support can come from families, friends and neighbours, but can also be from organisations such as Plunket who offer a range of support and advice on the health and well being of children under 5 and their families.

Accepting support
It can sometimes be hard to accept help, but it’s important that you do even if you feel like you don’t need it.

Some things whānau, friends or neighbours can do to support you include:
•    taking older children out for the day, while you and your younger child/children rest
•    trusted relatives or friends caring for your child while you sleep or have some time out
•    help with your grocery shopping or cooking a meal
•    doing some of your laundry

Finding support
If you’re unsure of what is available for families with young children, it can be a good idea to talk to the nurse or doctor at your medical centre, midwife or Well Child provider (Plunket Nurse).

Plunket nurses have information on the wide range of support services available and can put you in touch with the right people, no matter where in New Zealand you are living.

Plunket services available to support you and your family include:

Plunket nurse visits - free to all families with children under the age of 5. After you’ve had your baby, you can choose Plunket to be your Well Child health provider or, alternatively, choose another provider available in New Zealand. Your Plunket nurse will make contact with you to arrange your first visit (usually when your baby is around 5 – 6 weeks old) A Plunket Nurse will be able to assess your baby’s growth and development and answer any questions that you may have as you adjust to the needs of your new baby.

Plunket’s parenting education programme (PEPE) - offered free to parents throughout the country. The courses are designed to give you insight and advice to support you in your parenting role throughout the different stages of your child’s development.

Parent groups and playgroups - a fantastic opportunity to meet other parents, share experiences, make friends, have a coffee and a chat, relax and have fun! There are a range of parent groups and playgroups available in most areas from walking groups to young parent groups.

Car Seat Rental Schemes - offer a variety of affordable infant and child restraints available for short- and long-term hire. The car seat rental representatives are Safe2go trained which means they can give the best advice on the safe use of child restraints and make sure they are fitted correctly into your vehicle.

Toy libraries - a great way to get safe toys for your child, at little or no cost. They allow you to borrow a range of toys to suit the age and stages of your child. You can choose and borrow toys then bring them back in to exchange for others, just like library books, and without having to purchase new ones.

PlunketLine - a toll-free telephone advice service available to all families, whānau and caregivers 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Call 0800 933 922. When you call PlunketLine your call will be answered by a Plunket nurse, who can give you advice and information on parenting issues and your child’s health and wellbeing.
For more information on what is available in your area you can visit www.plunket.org.nz , talk to your Plunket Nurse or call PlunketLine 0800 933 922 (24 hours a day, 7 days a week).

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