Julie Bennett
Kaiawhina
At the beginning of 2020 Loving Arms Charitable Trust’s newest initiative 'Kaiawhina' went live.
Kaiawhina is a home-based postnatal service where we match a passionate and skilled volunteer (Kaiawhina) with a new mum that requires some extra TLC, encouragement, support and guidance in the first few weeks to months of the arrival of their new baby.
Working alongside the mothers own midwife or other healthcare provider our Kaiawhina can help the new mum adjust into their new role as a mother by providing help with basic baby care, light household duties and meal preparation.
*Some Kaiawhina are available for birth support if needed
Please note
At this stage ‘Kaiawhina’ is only available in the Waipa region and a referral is required from a midwife, social worker or other health professional.
Meet the team
I have been married to my best friend (Craig) for 28 years. We have 4 grown kids, ages 26, 24, 23, 21. I grew up in the South Island until we got married, then we moved to Waiuku (not far from Pukekohe). Since then we have lived in Australia, Canada and Kenya. While I was in Canada I trained and worked as a birthing and breast feeding Doula. In Kenya I also worked closely with midwives and inside baby orphanages where I looked after very malnourished babies and very sick babies. This was an amazing experience. However my passion is to help women during their pregnancy and birth experience, and their post pregnancy. My other interests include cooking, gardening, craft and singing.
Julie is also available for birth support.
I am originally from the Netherlands and trained in caring for children and families. To begin a new adventure I moved to NZ in my 20’s, without knowing how to speak English. I was pregnant with my 1st and I remember how lonely it was to be in a new place, with no friends or family. Not to mention the language barrier. When I had my own children I home schooled and enjoyed being part of their lives. I am now blessed with nearly 10 grandchildren and love spending time with them and encouraging my children in this precious journey.. Supporting mums and their babies, especially in the 1st year, is something close to my heart.
Being a mum is challenging to say the least and I know having a friend can make all the difference. I’m looking forward to being part of Kaiawhina and helping mothers feel supported and cared for.
Ina is also available for birth support.
