Support For New Parents and Soon-To-Be Parents
Becoming a parent — whether you’re expecting your first baby or adding to your whānau — can be exciting, overwhelming, and everything in between. It’s completely normal to need support, information, or just someone to talk things through with. There are a wide range of services designed to help new parents and soon‑to‑be parents feel informed, supported, and connected. Below is a simple guide to the organisations that can walk alongside you during pregnancy, birth, and early parenting.
If you think you might be pregnant, it’s important to connect with a qualified health professional who can guide you through your next steps.
You can access free pregnancy testing at the Eastgate Te Puawaitanga drop‑in clinics on:
Monday’s 10am - 2pm
Thursday’s (10-24 year olds) 1pm - 4pm
Pregnancy Choice is another option if you’d like to talk through what a positive test could mean for you; they provide confidential conversations about your choices and can help you understand the supports available. Their on‑site op shop creates a relaxed, everyday setting, so your visit feels completely private.
Phone: 022 458 1840.
Address: 443 Colombo Street, Sydenham, Christchurch 8023.
If you’re unsure where to start, a midwife, GP, or another trusted health professional can also help you navigate this stage safely.
Plunket / Whānau Āwhina Plunket
Your main well‑child support provider.
PlunketLine: 0800 933 922 (24/7 health advice)
Appointments and Enquiries: 0800 184 803
Website: plunket.org.nz
Offers playgroups & parent meetups, car seat advice & vaccinations.
Midwifery Resource Centre – Christchurch
A trusted, central hub for pregnancy and postnatal support.
Phone: 03 365 2780
Address: 166 Salisbury Street, Christchurch Central
Website: midwiferyresourcecentre.org
Services:
FREE Pregnancy Tests at their drop-in service, Monday-Friday 12-2pm
Lactation Consultant drop-in clinic, Monday 9am-1pm
Help to find a midwife
Antenatal classes.
Perinatal Support
PADA (Perinatal Anxiety & Depression Aotearoa): pada.nz
Mothers Matter NZ: mothersmatter.nz
1737 (Call or text): Free 24/7
Lifeline: 0800 543 354
Emergency Contacts
Emergency Services: 111
Poisons Centre: 0800 764 766
Healthline: 0800 611 116
24 Hour Surgery (Bealey Ave): 03 365 7777
The Loft Can Help
The Loft is here to support you as you navigate pregnancy, birth, and early parenting. If you’re unsure where to start, what services you’re eligible for, or which supports might best fit your situation, we can help you figure that out. Our team can talk with you about your needs, connect you with the right organisations, and make the process feel a little less overwhelming.
If you’d like someone to walk alongside you as you take your next steps, contact us, and we’ll help you get connected.