Confidence and Connection for New Māmā and Pēpi
May 17, 2026
Our partner charity, WELLfed, is helping hapū (pregnant) and new māmā feel supported, informed, and connected through Pēpi me Māmā. This new programme is already building confidence, strengthening community, and helping whānau thrive from the very beginning.
Pēpi me Māmā began the way many WELLfed ideas do – with our community telling us what they needed. Learners, volunteers and local whānau shared that hapū and new māmā wanted more support. They needed a place to ask questions, understand what was happening in their bodies, learn about caring for their pēpi, and build confidence in a safe, welcoming space.
So we created Pēpi me Māmā, a gentle 20‑week journey that brings together shared kai, practical cooking, strengthening mental wellbeing, trusted information, movement, and time to connect with others on the same path. Every week is about learning side by side, building knowledge, and feeling supported.
One of our māmā shared how much the programme has already meant to her:
“Since this programme has started I have learned heaps, just about self‑care, kai, a lot of different workshops have helped my mindset… when you’ve got certain beliefs instilled in you, you don’t know any different unless you're taught.”
She told us that even small pieces of information have opened her eyes.
“I’ve loved the knowledge that's been shared, the different perspectives… especially with kai – like with cheese, I didn’t realise there were types of cheese you were allowed, and not allowed, when hapū.”
But for her, the connection has been just as important.
“I love coming here because of the other māmā. You get to connect with everyone, everyone’s positive. The staff here are ‘mean’, you know, the wāhine, they cater to your needs, they don’t judge you.”
Now six weeks in, she can already feel the difference at home.
“For me, it's helping me be a better mum, helping me be a better person. It's helping me be more mindful about my baby and the development. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have known these things if this programme didn't happen.”
Her words reflect what we see every week – māmā growing in confidence, learning new skills, and feeling supported from pregnancy into early parenting. Pēpi me Māmā is still new, but the impact is already deep, steady, and full of hope.
One Percent Collective help WELLfed keep creating spaces where māmā and pēpi feel welcomed, informed, and surrounded by community.
Words and images supplied by WELLfed.
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