News & Events
November 2017
Subject: Breastfeeding smartphone app proving popular beyond Midland
Read the full media release here.
The popularity of a free smartphone app designed to provide new mothers, especially those in remote areas, with practical advice and support on breastfeeding has exceeded expectations since its launch in August 2015 with more than 12,000 downloads across New Zealand.
Bree and daughter, Quinn from Napier
October 2016
BreastFedNZ App and Waikato Antenatal Clinic
The Waikato antenatal clinic is having a focus on championing the BreastFedNZ app
over the next two weeks.
Heather Sears, Antenatal Clinic Midwife, and Kirsty Orr, Student Midwife, supporting women to use the BreastFedNZ app
given the BreastFedNZ app wallet cards.
The key message is to:
“Encourage women to download the app onto their phone during pregnancy.
This will help to support an early decision to breastfeed and enable the women
to become familiar with the app so they can learn about breastfeeding.”
September 2016
“Celebrating 1 year anniversary and 6,000 app download milestone post”
July 2016
Subject: Smart phone app brings instant breastfeeding support
Read the full media release here.
10 Feb 2016
Subject: Southland mum says new free app is ‘help when you need it”
Read the full media release here.
19 January 2016
Subject: Media Release – Two thousand mums can’t be wrong
Read the full media release here.
28 November 2015
Subject: New chapters in the App
Chapters 4, 5 and 6 are now available on the App.
26 September 2015
Subject: Waikato DHB Newsroom
Rural midwives gather to discuss issues and share information.
18 September 2015
Subject: Radio New Zealand National
Audio clip from Radio NZ, with lactation consultant Karen Palmer.
14 September 2015
Subject: New free app meets needs of rural women
A new free app has been developed to provide New Zealand women – especially those living in remote locations – with information, advice and support on breastfeeding.
BreastFedNZ, available on Apple and Android devices, was developed by the Midland Maternity Action Group (MMAG), a clinical network of the Midland District Health Boards in response to feedback from a study conducted in 2013.
Read the full media release here.
31 August 2015
Subject: Media release launch of new breastfeeding App
Health professions and mothers welcome new breastfeeding app
Mothers and health professionals have welcomed a new smart phone app because it provides “one source of information all on one app, reducing the need for lots of resources.”
BreastFedNZ is a free app available on Apple and Android devices which provides simple, consumer focused information alongside illustrations, photos, video clips, web links and personal stories.
Read the full media release here.
BreastFedNZ App Function at the Early Years Services Hub at Te Manu Toroa, Tauranga
Te Rina Joseph, Hei Tiki Pumau antenatal and parenting programme, Huria Trust (and baby), and Erena Koopu, Te Ha Ora Maori antenatal classes, Pirirakau Hauora (and 10 month old baby) checking out the new BreastFedNZ app for mums. (L-R)
Midland BreastFedNZ App Project Team
The team involved in the development of the new BreastFedNZ app – Suzanne Andrew, Louise Harvey, Karen Palmer, Mel Arnold, Matt McGovern (absent: Sami Saunders) (L-R)
‘A double celebration for Taranaki DHB staff with the launch of Midland DHBs breastfeeding app, ‘BreastFedNZ’, and their ‘Excelling’ status in the MoH’s Maternity Quality & Safety Programme – congratulations!’
You can download it for FREE below.
07 August 2015
Subject: Midland DHBs set to launch free breastfeeding app
Breastfeeding mums and pregnant women will soon have useful tips and advice at their fingertips with the launch of a new, free, breastfeeding app.
The Midland Maternity Action Group (MMAG), a clinical network of the Midland District Health Boards, developed the app in response to feedback from a 2013 study* which identified a need to harness smart-phones to provide new mums with user-friendly advice.
Written by experienced midwife, lactation consultant and Baby Friendly Hospital Initiative co-ordinator, Karen Palmer, the app provides simple, consumer-focused information, alongside illustrations, photos, video clips, web links, and personal stories.
“The aim of the app is to support and encourage women with their breastfeeding whenever and wherever they may need it. It’s the perfect tool for today’s mothers,” Karen Palmer says.
“Most breastfeeding mums have smart phones and are used to having access to information at the tap of a screen so an app designed just for them was a logical step.”
The app has been primarily written by Karen, with valuable input from breastfeeding mums who spelled out their needs clearly to the project team.
“The app has been reviewed by new mums, midwives, other health professionals, and breastfeeding organisations. Feedback suggests women will find it a useful tool to help establish and maintain breastfeeding, ultimately lifting breastfeeding rates around the region.” Karen Palmer says.
The first phase of the app (covering pregnancy and birth, the first few days and early weeks) will be launched in late August, with the second phase (covering breastfeeding the older baby, twins, early babies and answering common questions) following soon after.
Currently pitched for birthing women within Midland, by nature of the internet it will be available free to all women within NZ.
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