Peer Supporter Learning Programme

Frequently Asked Questions about the Peer Support Learning Programme.

1. 1. What is the learning programme about?Gaining confidence as a parent, trusting yourself, your supporters/ whanau and your baby.
2. Developing understanding into just how much babies and mums know and how nature directs us.
3. Parental mental and emotional well-being,
4. How and why breastfeeding happens
5. How babies’ brains develop and also about how our brains change when we become parents,
6. Whakawhānaunatanga and the fact It takes a village.

1. 2. Can I bring my baby? We would love you to.

1. 3. Can I bring my toddler/ pre-schooler? Yes.

We will have a parent helper (police vetted and reference checked) in the room to assist. Some Mums find the stress of organising care and being separated from their toddler more distracting than keeping them close by.

It can be tricky bringing your pre-schooler because they often need their mum’s brain and full attention rather than just her loving arms and adoring face. Talk to Catkin about how she can help you with this.

1. 4. Can I bring my Mum? A support person for you is very welcome, if you are a support person for someone else, talk to Catkin about what you and they need.

1. 5. What if I miss a session? Eight mornings is a big commitment. Life happens and other commitments can mean that not everyone can make every day. Talk to Catkin she can help ensure you don’t feel that you are going to miss out.

1. 6. What if I can’t come for the whole morning or am late? How will I keep up? There are plenty of resources and each week we build on the themes of the previous sessions. Catkin and the other peer supporters can help you by sending out resources used, catching up during the week.

1. 7. Is there homework?

NO. There is always more to learn and extra reading is offered but this is not a requirement.

1. 8. What if I am really tired? Parenting can be exhausting. We can look after you and your baby. You can even have a mama nap while you are here

1. 9. What about my dietary requirements? We can accommodate most dietary requirements

1. 10. What if I do not feel confident with English? Many peer supporters speak English as a second language. Mothering has its own universal language. We have resources in many languages and many languages are spoken by peer supporters. Catkin can talk about how she can help you with this.

1. 11. What if I am not confident with my reading and writing? Your baby isn’t either! Talk to Catkin about how she can help you.

1. 12. I have specific learning needs.

Have a chat with Catkin/ Alex about what will help or hinder you from learning. The programme offers information is a variety of media- conversation, discussion, reading, video clips etc.