When first-time mum Chelsea found the courage to get herself and wee baby Mikey to Plunket’s Onehunga Playgroup, she found a support network she could rely on and her whole world changed for the better.
“For the first time in a long time I didn’t feel alone. I didn’t have to put on a front. It was okay not to feel okay. Everyone was kind and it was a relief to talk to real people sharing similar experiences.”
“I’d been suffering from postnatal depression; we’d moved suburbs, my husband was back at work and I had no friends close by. So, when my Plunket nurse suggested I attend the playgroup it was a big step – but I’m so glad I did.”
Fast forward 18 months, and Chelsea is a regular at the Onehunga Plunket Playgroup held Monday to Wednesday, 9am-12pm during school terms.
“Playgroup has become our second home. It’s where we celebrated Mikey’s first birthday, and he tried his first solids there too.
“Mikey really enjoys himself learning and playing with the other little ones, and I can just be me. Sharing the ups and downs of parenting and having that social network of support has really boosted my mental wellbeing.
“I’m so grateful I found my home away from home at Plunket’s Playgroup.”
Right across the country Whānau Āwhina Plunket has a range of community services designed to support you on your parenting journey and connect you with other local whānau on that journey too. Talk to your Plunket team to find out what’s available in your community or search for Plunket near you.
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