Rachel Dudfield - Lactation Consultant & Antenatal Classes

20/05/2026

Our final drop‑in session will be on Thursday 26 June.
This service is closing as my contract is not being renewed.
Thank you to every parent, pēpi, and whānau who has been part of this space.
It has been a privilege to support you.
For ongoing breastfeeding support, I will be available 2 days a week for private consultations: https://www.allyouneedislove.co.nz/lactation-consultant

19/05/2026

Happy day of the milk! If anyone is interested in donating breastmilk please reach out to the teams at Wellington or Hutt Hospital. They almost always need more.

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/17r6tvu2mL/

⭐Today, Tuesday 19 May, is World Human Milk Donation day ⭐

🌸This international day recognises the amazing women who donate their breast milk to our milk banks.

🤗Without their kindness and amazing gift of breast milk we would be unable to provide safe milk supplementation to premature or sick babies when māmās milk is not available.

🥰This helps reduce the emotional stress on māmā while she is providing as much milk as she can and navigating the NICU journey for her whānau.

To every woman who donates their breast milk – ‘thank you, you are very much appreciated’.

To our Health NZ lactation consultants – ‘thank you for the valuable work you do’.

19/05/2026

WIN A FREE BREAST PUMP WORTH $295!

To celebrate all the incredible hapū māmā and new parents in our community, I’m giving away a brand new breast pump to one lucky winner!

How to enter:
1️⃣ Follow my page
2️⃣ Like this post
3️⃣ Tag a pregnant friend or new parent (each tag = one entry!)
✨ Bonus entry: Share this post to your stories and tag me so I can see it

This giveaway is perfect for anyone preparing for breastfeeding, returning to work, or wanting to increase their milk supply with confidence.

Winner announced: 23rd June 2026
Open to NZ residents only. Pump is to be collected from Johnsonville, Wellington or shipped at your cost. This giveaway is not sponsored or endorsed by Instagram.

Good luck, everyone! 💛
Follow me for more breastfeeding + newborn care tips.

19/05/2026

Did you know? Meconium is your baby's very first poop—it's thick, sticky, and a bit like trying to wipe Vegemite off a ripe peach!

But here's a great hack from Rachel: apply a barrier cream at every nappy change for the first week, and it's like greasing a cake tin—everything just slides right off!

As baby feeds the consistency will change and end up a mustardy-yellow colour. And if you are breastfeeding it will be almost odorless. My favourite barrier cream is Tui Baby Balm. It is 100% natural and super moisturising. https://www.tuibalms.co.nz/product/baby

Follow me for more newborn care tips!

" AntenatalClasses BirthEducation PregnancyEducation
ParentsToBe PregnancyJourney BirthPreparation
NewZealandMums NZParents PregnancySupport
ChildbirthEducation PregnancyWellbeing BirthConfidence

18/05/2026

Please do not use "Sleep Pods" or "Baby Nests".
Trigger warning: Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy..

My heart goes out to the whanau that lost their precious baby.

In class I teach the following safe sleep principles: face up, face clear, firm surface, natural Fibre bedding, blankets up to baby's armpits & tucked in firmly.

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/coroner-issues-warning-about-sleeping-pods-following-death-of-five-month-old-baby/5TM27OEVYBHMDDSMQIJJZNX62Q/?utm_medium=Social&utm_campaign=nzh_fb&utm_source=Facebook&fbclid=IwdGRzaAR4TcRjbGNrBHhNZGV4dG4DYWVtAjExAHNydGMGYXBwX2lkDDM1MDY4NTUzMTcyOAABHtQfJ9HRLD76AKpl0vgtc1CnqSRojqIg5Js_XRSx1rFCQd_u2b_jyrja9mrQ_aem_BXgS1WzfzCC2UoZyW8cndw

A 5-month-old twin boy died while sleeping on his stomach in a 'sleeping pod'.

17/05/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/14k15c5m6NE/

16/05/2026

Making a lunchbox and a hot drink is a fast and easy way to make sure that she gets a chance to eat that day.


PostpartumCare
BreastfeedingSupport NourishTheMother ParentingSupport
NewbornDays LifeWithABaby OneHandedSnacks
PartnerSupport WhānauSupport NZParents
WellingtonMums NZMums AotearoaParents
PostpartumWellbeing GentleParentingNZ VillageOfSupport

16/05/2026

Heading back to work after parental leave is tough — for both of you. It’s not just about being apart; it’s about making sure the parent at home feels supported and cared for, too.

One simple tip: Before you head out the door, pack a lunchbox of easy, one-handed snacks and prep a thermos of their favorite hot drink.

That way, when they’re juggling baby care and barely have a hand free, they’ve still got a nourishing snack and a warm sip waiting for them. It’s a small gesture that can make their day a whole lot brighter.

16/05/2026

Recovering from a Caesarean Section requires a lot of support in the home.

You cannot lift anything heavier than your baby for 6 weeks, probably until you see your GP at 6 weeks.

You need to avoid bending and twisting and repetitive movements like loading or unloading a dishwasher or washing machine.

You also cannot drive a car during this time. Which can make it difficult for you and baby to get to appointments.

Making a "village" can make this time easier. Having someone able to drive you to when you need to go out is helpful. So is having lots of help around the home.

Ideally you will just concentrate on resting, gentle exercise, feeding, and getting to know your baby.


CSectionScar HealingAfterBirth BirthRecovery
PostpartumHealing FourthTrimester PostpartumSupport NewMumRecovery
RecoveringTogether
NewParentSupport PostpartumLife
ChildbirthEducator IBCLC AntenatalEducation
BirthEducation PerinatalCare MaternalHealth