Southland
Nicki Hall
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Southland
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0275825894
Email: nicki.hall@plunket.org.nz
Hi there, I am a mum of three girls and work as a community support co-ordinator for Plunket in Winton. I enjoy supporting mums regardless of their feeding choices and helping families with their parenting journey and the inevitable challenges along the way:)
Cait Clark
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Southland
Home Phone: 0223401857
Mobile Phone: 0223401857
Email: thatgirlx15x@gmail.com
Hiya my name is Cait. I am a mum to 3 kids 3 and under. I myself have had issues around breastfeeding such as latch issues, low supply, weightless for baby, pumping, mixed feeding etc. I trained to be a breastfeeding supporter to help other mums who need it as I found myself pretty alone on all 3 feeding journeys and would like to think I can help other mums feel less alone on their journey
Kenzie Wells
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Southland
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 02041917357
Email: kenziewells3@icloud.com
Hey, i would love to be your lactation bestie! Everyone needs someone in there corner cheering them on or someone you can lean on for those unknown times! Feel free to reach out!
Susannah Greer
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Southland
Home Phone: 03 225 7819
Mobile Phone: 0275396533
Email: skgreer@hotmail.co.nz
I am a mother of two, my first was eight weeks early and my second full term. I received lots of help to get started breastfeeding with my first born so would love to be able to help other mothers on their breastfeeding journeys.
Gore
Vicki Ramsay
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Gore
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0274668236
Email: vgramsay@gmail.com
I am a mum of four children, I became a mum for the first time in 2014 and have found breastfeeding challenging but incredibly rewarding. Through volunteering at Parents Centre I want to support anyone on their own breastfeeding journey.
Kendall Witham
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Gore
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0277144741
Email: dallzy@hotmail.com
Hi I'm a Mum to two busy boys who keep me on my toes. My partner runs an Electrical Business here in Gore and I work part time as a Registered Nurse. I had a really hard breastfeeding journey with my 1st child and therefore have experienced low supply, mixed feeding and pumping just to name a few things. Motherhood/parenthood is a whole lot of learning so don't be afraid to reach out.
Queenstown
Catkin Bartlett
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone: 0800 560 650
Mobile Phone:
Email: zulucatkin@hotmail.com
Babies are born to breastfeed and what else are boobs for? But it is not always as simple as that. Having had a baby that showed no interest in breastfeeding and then the oh so many challenges that ensued started Catkin on her journey of supporting other mothers and families. Every mother and every baby is different and she appreciates that mothers deep down know what is best for them, their baby and their family and can decide on their own priorities. Catkin feels fortunate to be in a position to provide support and information to mothers and also to train the wonderful volunteer breastfeeding peer supporters from which she continues to learn so much. Catkin has four children and is based in Queenstown as both a peer supporter and the peer support programme coordinator.
Anna Ryder
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone:
Email: anna.ryder.nz@gmail.com
Kia ora, I'm Anna and I trained as a breastfeeding peer supporter in Wakatipu three years ago. I was driven by a desire to better understand breastfeeding, connect with other mums, and gain peer support skills that I’ve found useful far beyond feeding. I am a mum of two with a heart for community, I juggle parenting with chairing the Wakatipu Toy Library and recently launched my own photography venture, Pop-in Portraits - Queenstown.
Emma Deakin
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 02102921959
Email: kiaora@shakyislesproductions.co.nz
Kia ora koutou! My name is Emma. I am a mum of 18month old Aroha. First child, but 4th pregnancy with many years of challenge around miscarriage and loss. Then bringing earthside our bright and cherished daughter Aroha, what a gift she is. Both my husband and I were raised in Otago (Queenstown & Dunedin respectively), but despite this we have no family here. These spaces we can create and cultivate for parents to connect are so vital. I found being part of the Breastfeeding Peer Support learning programme when Aroha was just 2 months old, was a lifeline. I made some connections in this space with other mums who have in time become friends and women I am so grateful to have in my life. This is the treasure of taking time to connect, chat, share honestly, and encourage one another. Something we all need often, knowing we're never alone. I'd love to connect with you and your bub or toddler at the coffee group. Let's take a cosy cuppa together, staying warm and connected through this winter 🙏🥰
Meredith Gee
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone:
Email: meredith.mamagaia@gmail.com
I'm Meredith and a I did the mums4mums peer support training in 2024. I have two little ones who both had challenging starts to their breastfeeding journey and I was lucky enough to have such great support around me at the time to help navigate. I'm really passionate about helping people to find their own way with birth, pregnancy and parenting because it's so important to have the confidence and knowledge to trust the decisions you make (because they're perfect for you in that moment!). After having a beautiful positive birth of my eldest I was inspired to become a hypnobirthing practitioner (Mama Gaia) and since becoming a peer supporter I've recently started teaching The Nurture Mama in-pregnancy breastfeeding sessions. 🤱 I always love a chat about the real side of parenting and birth or toddler antics, so feel free to say hi and have a chat if you see me out and about!
Ili Zulkiflee
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0273416349
Email: ililiyanazulkiflee@gmail.com
Hi, I’m Ili, proud mum of two beautiful boys and wife to my amazing husband, Steve. Becoming a mother has shown me just how important a strong support system is. Not only to enter motherhood, but to thrive in it. My journey into motherhood was not easy. When I became a first time mum to my now two year old, I found it incredibly tough not having any family around. I felt isolated, even when surrounded by people. Breastfeeding started off well but quickly became a challenge after multiple rounds of mastitis. I nearly gave up. Sleep was a struggle, and trying to follow all the advice out there only added more pressure. I began to doubt myself and my ability to be a “good mum.” Thankfully, I met some wonderful human beings who stood by me and offered the support I needed to get through the tough bits. That experience changed everything and it’s what led me to become a Breastfeeding Peer Supporter in 2023. Since then, I have been honoured to support other mamas in our community. My passion has now grown into something really close to my heart, Mamas Village. This is where I support mamas antenatally, during birth, in the postpartum period and beyond.
Meghan Voigt
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0276510270
Email: Meghan.pickup@gmail.com
I'm Meghan, a mum to 2 kids here in Queenstown. I recently became a breastfeeding peer supporter after finding the peer supporters so helpful and kind when I had my first baby. It's invaluable to have a pair of empathetic ears to talk to and get reassurance. I'm passionate about supporting others to breastfeed after enjoying my journey so much with my daughter and now with my 5 month old son. Being from the UK, I understand how much we miss from not having family on hand, so we make up for it by being each other's village. 🌸
Lindsey Francis
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone:
Email: Lindsefrancis@gmail.com
My name's Linds and I completed the Breastfeeding Peer Support training course alongside my now 10-month-old daughter, which made the experience especially meaningful. Balancing the training while both caring for her and connecting with the other beautiful māmās and bubs reminded me just how valuable support can be in all stages of parenthood. I feel really lucky to have had an enjoyable breastfeeding journey so far, but I also know that’s not the case for everyone. My daughter has loved babywearing since she was a newborn, which also inspired me to start Babywearing Queenstown, a local baby carrier library aimed at helping parents find comfort, connection, confidence, and a bit more ease in their day through babywearing. When I’m not on maternity leave, I work with children and whānau with Central Lakes Family Services—a role that has strengthened my belief in the importance of early relationships and community-based support. I’m also passionate about nurturing safe and responsive family sleep environments, which I see as foundational to mental health, emotional wellbeing and resilience. Whether through breastfeeding, babywearing, sleep support, or simply being there to listen, I love playing my part in building stronger, more supported families in our community.
Rachel Mcdonald
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0273340586
Email: McDonald.rachel1@gmail.com
As a first-time mother, and working as a perinatal support worker, I didn’t put too much pressure on myself for what my breastfeeding journey would look like but hoped for the possibility - but it’s been one of the most powerful and humbling experiences. I went into it with the hope that it would feel natural and intuitive, which it did to a point, Mia latch within the first half hour that she had entered the world, but those early weeks had some challenges. Latching didn’t come easily, and I often found myself second-guessing. When I thought, I was beginning to find a rhythm, I was hit with mastitis a few times. The fever, chills, and soreness and trying to nurse through it felt challenging at times. I also experienced milk blebs, which added another layer of discomfort and made me question whether I was doing something wrong. It was frustrating, painful, but I knew we had a great community of resources I could lean on for support. What helped me was the incredible support from the midwifes, lactation consultants and support groups who offered not only expert advice but also reassurance when needed the most. You can usually find me at the Wednesday Walks mums4mums, Thursday PICS group, Friday yoga with Ili and Tuesday peer support group.
Kirsten Turner
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0211078391
Email: kirturner32@gmail.com
I live in Queenstown
Alex Bowles
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0210305999
Email: alex_j_hoffmann@yahoo.de
I’m Alex, I’m a mum of two - not so little people anymore. Originally trained as an early childhood and Montessori teacher, I later retrained as a Kinesiologist and wellbeing coach. I’m passionate about supporting women and children through every stage of life using natural, holistic approaches to health and wellbeing at Alex Bowles Kinesiology. I’m so honored to be part of the wonderful Mums4Mums community as a Peer Supporter and Peer Supporter Co-Ordinator here in Wakatipu. When my son was three months old, I completed the Peer Supporter programme. It felt like such a beautiful way to give back the support I’d received and share that love and knowledge with others. Since then, you might have seen me around at Mums4Mums - whether at Walking Wednesdays, the Coffee Group lending a hand, visiting mums at home, or most regularly on the 1st and 3rd Tuesday of each month at the Frankton Library. I’m proud to support our Peer Supporters and mothers and their whanau in our community, helping grow this incredible community of connection and care - for many a home away from home.
Zara Kingsbury Hale
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Queenstown
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0223153297
Email: zarakingsbury@yahoo.com
I'm based in Queenstown.
Clutha
Jessica Mead
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Clutha
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0274670339
Email: jessica.jane@live.com
Hi! I am based in Balclutha. I am a mother of two sons born 2015 and 2017, I am currently still on maternity leave so we are making the most of this special time together spending our days getting out and about and discovering our own backyard. I am excited to be able to support parents to reach their own breastfeeding goals. I did not think I would be so passionate about breastfeeding but my own breastfeeding journey has shown me just how wonderful of an experience it is for mother and baby. Even though it is a wonderful experience I know how hard it can be to get going, and to continue, and I am looking forward to supporting you through the good and the bad. Please call/text/email if you would like to meet up or chat about anything. Amazing what a cup of tea and a chat can solve sometimes!
Kendal Anderson
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Clutha
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0278404966
Email: kendal.gouman93@outlook.com
Kia ora, I’m Kendal, I’m 26 and I live in balclutha with my partner Samuel and our one year old daughter Eddison. I am still currently feeding Eddison and have really loved being able to do this with her. I love the connection I have with Eddison through breastfeeding and being able to relate and support mums through their journeys. We have overcomed some hurdles in our journey and I love being able to share those.
Sarah Cragg
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Clutha
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0274127191
Email: sarahwilks88@gmail.com
I fell pregnant with my first child just a few weeks after moving to Balclutha and I worried about having a support network with a new baby. I need not have worried because I found it to be a wonderfully supportive community and I'd love to be able to provide the same support to others.
Nicola Ryan
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Clutha
Home Phone: 4184424
Mobile Phone: 0211779917
Email: nicandjock@gmail.com
I have breastfed my 4 children each beyond a year and am passionate about supporting and enabling breastfeeding. I am also a registered nurse with a post graduate diploma in well child health and happy to chat with, or listen to you anytime.
Waitaki
Caitlin Smith
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Waitaki
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0210705352
Email: caitlin.smith@windowslive.com
I am a mother of 1 very energetic boy who lives in Oamaru with my husband. We are originally from Auckland but now call Waitaki home. I am passionate about helping mums navigate their breastfeeding journey and love to give back to the community. I know how hard it can be to parent when living away from family and other support networks, so I am here for anyone who needs extra help or just someone to listen.
Lydia Quested
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Waitaki
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0276363663
Email: Lydiaquested@hotmail.com
I live in Oamaru with my Partner and our two girls (4 & 1). I've always been passionate about breastfeeding and look forward to helping mums create a healthy happy feeding experience with their babies.
Dunedin
Denise Ives
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin
Home Phone: 027 476 1339
Mobile Phone: 027 476 1339
Email: bfc.denise@gmail.com
Hello! I am the Peer Support Programme Administrator for the Dunedin, Clutha and Waitaki areas. I have two grown children and a granddaughter, and live with my family and our dogs in Macandrew Bay. I qualified with a Diploma in Breastfeeding Counselling from the University of Bedfordshire in the UK and have been working with breastfeeding families in the UK and NZ for over 20 years, and am also a Certified Healing Birth Practitioner. I created The Breast Room in Dunedin which is a registered charity back in 2011, write articles for Kiwiparent magazine and published the book Mamas in Lockdown. Aside from my passion to help families with their feeding questions and concerns, I enjoy learning, trying to play saxophone, reading, knitting and attempting crochet! I'd love for all parents to feel happy about their decisions on how to feed their baby (whatever that choice may look like), and would love them to have the help they need right when they need it, so if you have questions or concerns, before or after your baby is born, then drop me a text or email, or pop in to The Breast Room on a Thursday morning, 10.30am to 12.30pm. My email is denise.ives@thebreastroom.org
Vienna Sutherland
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0220713975
Email: viennarose15@gmail.com
Kia Ora. My name is Vienna Sutherland. I grew up in Dunedin but now live on a sheep, beef and deer farm in Lee Stream, 40 minutes out of Dunedin. I live with my partner, two young children and lots of pets! Before having children I was a qualified early childhood teacher. I have always had a passion for working with whānau. After having two beautiful breastfeeding journeys, I am wanting to use my knowledge learnt through the WellSouth course to help support other māmā and pēpi on their feeding journeys, however that may look.
Carrie Williams
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0272888197
Email: carrie.williams@thebreastroom.org
Hi, my name is Carrie and I live in Mosgiel with my partner and our two girls. I have been a breastfeeding peer supporter now for approximately 11 years. I coordinate the team at The Breast Room and have been volunteering there now for about 10 years. I also facilitate the antenatal breastfeeding classes here in Dunedin. I am very passionate about breastfeeding. It can be such a rewarding time but can also come with struggles. I love having the opportunity to listen and support mums and their families to navigate their breastfeeding journey. In my spare time I love to run, explore the outdoors with the family and being in the kitchen, cooking makes me happy. So if you would like to talk you can find me weekly at the breast room or contact me on my details here.
Tessah Braid
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin
Home Phone: (03) 4859971
Mobile Phone: 02041723232
Email: tessah@thebreastroom.org
Hi I'm Tessah, your local Breastfeeding Peer Supporter for Lawrence, Milton, and surrounds. You can also find me some weeks at The Breast Room in Dunedin. I began this work hoping to share with others what I have learnt breastfeeding my three children through each of their unique ups and downs. I am glad to be able to meet you where you're at, with calm support for all things breastfeeding. Home visits available. Please email me: tessah@thebreastroom.org Or, due to very rural cell reception, text only to 020 4172 3232, or call the landline 034859971.
Bushie Calvert
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone: 0212604678
Email: bushiepcpa@gmail.com
My name is Bushie Calvert, I trained as a peer supporter in 2011. I currently run the Antenatal Breastfeeding programme in Dunedin. I am looking forward to training future peer supporters and expanding the support networks for breastfeeding families within Dunedin and North Otago.
Samantha Gittoes
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin
Home Phone: 0223059913
Mobile Phone: 0223059913
Email: sammy_g86@hotmail.com
After my own struggles as a solo mum with breastfeeding my daughter, I'd love to be able to support other mums with their breastfeeding journey.
Sam Richardson
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin
Home Phone: 027 3404 630
Mobile Phone: 027 3404 630
Email: sam.richardson@thebreastroom.org
Hi my name is Sam Richardson and I trained at as a peer breastfeeding supporter in 2018. I am mum to two girls, and we live in Dunedin with my husband and our dog Evie. I was inspired to become a peer supporter after the difficult feeding journey I had with my first daughter, which would have not been so difficult had I had the support and education around breastfeeding that I needed at the time. As well as volunteering at The Breast Room, I am also a volunteer Babywearing Educator for Otepoti Dunedin Carrier Library, and co-librarian at Caversham Toy Library. When I’m not caring for my family or working in the community, I enjoy learning new things, sewing, reading, or a good tv show. I am passionate about supporting families reach their feeding goals whatever they may look like. To contact me you can text 0273404630 or email sam.richardson@thebreastroom.org
Emma Frew-Tobaiwa
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin
Home Phone:
Mobile Phone:
Email: emmafrewtobaiwa@gmail.com
Hello, kia ora, mamukasei, I am Emma Frew-Tobaiwa, wife to Elmo, mother to Marlon & Sahara and an early childhood educator based in Mosgiel, Dunedin. Along with my career in early childhood education and my personal experiences of motherhood, especially an awareness of the importance of nurturing mothers in the 4th trimester and avoiding post natal depletion, I became passionate about holistic wellbeing for mothers and infants in the early years. My husband is from Zimbabwe and my experience of seeing first hand how different motherhood can be approached with a village of support inspired me to become involved in a service that can create similar support for our mothers hear in NZ 💜
Devashini Bottinga
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin
Home Phone: dev@thebreastroom.org
Mobile Phone:
Email: devashini15@gmail.com
My name is Devashini and I have recently completed my breastfeeding peer supporter training. I live in Dunedin with my husband and 2 year old son. I am Sri Lankan Kiwi and I work part-time as an optometrist. Breastfeeding has been one of the hardest yet most wonderful experiences of my life, and I wouldn't still be breastfeeding without the support of peer supporters. I feel honoured to be able to pass on that support to other mums on their breastfeeding journeys.
Zoe Brook
Breastfeeding Peer Supporter
Based In: Dunedin
