Achievements since 1952

• Pioneered changes in childbirth education. The classes of the 60's and 70's were led by parents themselves, with significant input from specialists in the maternity area. In the participatory learning classes of the 90's the aim is to enhance the knowledge, skills, confidence and self awareness of expectant parents. They will then be able to make informed choices and decisions about their own care.
  
  
• Has played a large part in the move towards the now widespread acceptance that fathers have the right to be at the birth of their baby and that they can play a vital part in supporting women in labour.
  
  
• Lobbied vigorously and successfully for mothers' maternity needs-single labour rooms, rooming-in with baby, planned early discharge, breast feeding on demand, informed consent.
  
  
• Lobbied for more relaxed visiting hours and access of older children to their mothers in maternity and general hospitals.
  
  
• Achieved daily visiting for sick children in hospital (from the previous one hour per week on Sundays) and also pushed for facilities to enable parents to stay with sick children.
  
  
• Published a national magazine, formerly the Bulletin, since 1954. Known as the Parents Centre Magazine from 1988 to 1995, its name was changed again to Kiwi Parent in 1996.
  
  
• Prepared and presented submissions on issues to do with birthing and parenting to many bodies, including Government Departments, Government committees, local body governments, regional authorities, businesses, etc.
  
  
• Made a number of films and videos.
  
  
• Published a number of books and pamphlets on pregnancy, birth and parenting topics.
  
  
• Established the first training course for childbirth educators in New Zealand in 1990, and in 1995 entered a joint venture Childbirth Education Certificate course with Aoraki Polytechnic, Timaru.
  
  
• Established Centres throughout New Zealand offering education and support services which aim to meet the needs of parents.
  
  
• Signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Plunket, National Fertility and New Zealand College of Midwives.
  
  
• Became a member of the Family and Community National Advisory Council and the Parenting Council.

Further Reading

"The Trouble with Women" - Mary Dobbie
"Minding Children - Managing Men" - Helen May 
"Mum's the Word" - Sue Kedgley