Learn more about what to do when you think you may be pregnant.
Pregnancy and maternity
Midwives and lead maternity carers
You should midwife or lead maternity carer as early as possible in your pregnancy. If you cannot find a midwife or need advice, call Puawai Aroha Maternity on 06 869 0562.
Lead maternity carers and midwives
Quit smoking
Smoking during pregnancy affects your pēpi and can cause health problems. It is never too late to quit for your pēpi. There are many services to help you to quit smoking.
Quitting smoking
Te Hiringa Matua addiction support
Te Hiringa Matua is a pregnancy and parenting support service for hapū māmā who are struggling with drug and alcohol problems.
The Te Hiringa Matua team is based in Customhouse Street.
Phone: 06 986 1696
Puawai Aroha maternity ward
Puawai Aroha Maternity offers a warm, modern environment staffed by our team of friendly and professional core midwives, obstetric and paediatric teams. Support service staff can also provide Māori cultural support, breastfeeding support and quit-smoking support.
Puawai Aroha Maternity has:
- antenatal beds
- birthing suites
- a birthing pool room
- private (not shared) postnatal rooms
- anaesthetic services for epidural pain relief during labour.
Puawai Aroha Maternity at Gisborne Hospital has been certified by the Ministry of Health and the maternity ward has been accredited as a Baby Friendly hospital which means it meets the highest standards of maternity care in New Zealand.
Neonatal unit
If baby comes early or is unwell, they might go to the Gisborne Hospital neonatal unit.
Neonatal unit
Breastfeeding support
Puawai Aroha maternity unit is proud to be part of the international Baby Friendly Hospital initiative. This means that breastfeeding is encouraged and core midwives will advise and support you. However, if you choose not to breastfeed, you will be equally supported.
Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative
Other local support services