'Mothers Love’ flowing in Tairawhiti

Empowering women with the knowledge and skills to breastfeed their babies has long been the vision for busy mother of four, Amy Wray and judging by her recent developments, this vision may soon be realised. 

A qualified Lactation Consultant in Tairawhiti, and founder of ‘Mama Aroha’ a unique breastfeeding support service that draws on a Mother’s love for her baby as the strength from which to start their breastfeeding journey.

“I noticed at an early stage in my work that there was a real lack of support, resources and information that were accessible, appropriate and appealing to whānau Māori.”

Taking innovation to new heights, Amy was instrumental in establishing the Tairawhiti Mum-to-Mum breastfeeding support programme “Kia Mama”.  This programme links whānau with a Mum that is currently breastfeeding or has breastfed their baby and undergone training with the La Leche League’s Peer Support programme. 

Added to this Amy developed a comprehensive set of breastfeeding resources that cover all areas of breastfeeding and are presented in an informative, interesting and interactive way.  

“A breastfeeding Mum can come into contact with different health carers during her breastfeeding journey, sometimes there can be a breakdown of information so it was important for us to provide resources that had consistent and accurate information”

Amy is an inspiration to her community and has always made herself available to help and tautoko any whānau, group or organisation that is needing support with breastfeeding both locally in Tairawhiti and around NZ. 

Perhaps it is this simple act of aroha that makes Amy and ‘Mama Aroha’ so appealing and so unique.