Hutt Valley · LMC Midwifery
Continuity of care through pregnancy, birth and the weeks beyond, at Hutt Hospital or at home. Free for eligible NZ residents.
About Manaaki Midwives
Manaaki Midwives is a close group of Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) midwives based in Hutt Central, supporting whānau across Upper and Lower Hutt and Wainuiomata.
Manaaki, to care for, support and uplift, is at the heart of how we work. We believe pregnancy and birth are normal life events that deserve respect, and we walk alongside you with clear information and steady support so you can make the choices that are right for you and your pēpē.
We provide care throughout your pregnancy, labour and birth, and the postnatal weeks at home.
Our services
Complete care from your first appointment through the early weeks with your pēpē.
Antenatal care
Regular checkups, screening and tests, and planning for your birth.
Labour & birth
Offers home and Hutt Hospital births.
Planned caesarean
Support for whānau planning an elective C-section, when our caseload allows.
Postnatal care
Home visits, newborn checks and feeding support in the weeks after birth.
Informed choice
Unbiased information, and timely referral when extra care is needed.
Meet the midwives
Our small, close-knit team brings depth of experience and genuine warmth to every whānau they care for.
Clinic days: Tuesdays: Shari (Lower Hutt) & Gemma (Upper Hutt) · Wednesdays: Hayley (Lower Hutt) & Jade (Upper Hutt)
Jade van der Hoorn
LMC Midwife
Upper Hutt clinic: Wednesdays
Kia Ora and congratulations on your hapūtanga (pregnancy) journey! I am a mama of 3 residing in Upper Hutt providing culturally safe care for whānau across the Hutt Valley region. I have a strong belief in the body's innate ability to give birth and that knowledge is power. My job is to help support, educate and guide you to bring your pēpē earthside in the place you feel safest to do so whether that be home or hospital.
Shari Bewley
LMC Midwife
Lower Hutt clinic: Tuesdays
Kia ora and let me congratulate you on your pregnancy. Giving birth is a beautiful, life changing experience. During my career I have worked as a Core Midwife, Lead Maternity Carer and most recently, a Theatre Midwife at the Lower Hutt Hospital. My experience in both settings has given me a depth of knowledge and experience that allows me to support you through your journey. I offer full antenatal, labour and birth, and postnatal care in the Lower Hutt region and am happy to support women who are having an elective c-section as their choice of birth. Throughout your pregnancy and childbirth experience, I will ensure that you are fully informed and aware of your options during this special time.
Gemma McAlister
LMC Midwife
Upper Hutt clinic: Tuesdays
Kia Ora, I am an LMC based in the Hutt Valley, and a mother of four. As a midwife, my philosophy is based on the belief that childbirth is a natural life event deserving of respect and empowerment. I strive to provide midwifery care that is informed, safe, and tailored to each individual, creating a supportive environment where you can make choices that align with your unique needs.
Hayley Soro
LMC Midwife
Lower Hutt clinic: Wednesdays
Kia ora! I'm an LMC midwife and a mother of three, based in the Hutt Valley. I'm passionate about supporting physiological birth and empowering you and your whānau during your pregnancy, birth and the first weeks with your new baby. It is important to me that I share information so you feel confident and fully informed to make decisions that reflect your values and needs. Birth is such an incredible and transformative journey, and I feel privileged to walk alongside you and your whānau, offering care and guidance during this special time.
Petra McDiarmid
New Graduate LMC Midwife
Joining March 2027
My name is Petra McDiarmid, and I am in my final year of midwifery. I live in Lower Hutt with my partner, our three children, and far too many pets. Midwifery has been a passion of mine for many years, and I am incredibly excited to begin my career with the wonderful team at Manaaki Midwives. My goal is to provide parents with the knowledge and support they need to make informed decisions that are right for them, whether they are welcoming their first baby or their sixth. I am passionate about helping families feel prepared for the journey ahead and supporting them to navigate pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood with confidence. I believe birth is a powerful and transformative experience. Being trusted to walk alongside families through pregnancy, birth, and the transition to parenthood is both a privilege and an honour, and I look forward to supporting and empowering whānau during this special time.
Your journey with us
From first contact through to those precious early weeks at home.
- Step 01:
Get in touch early
Ideally as soon as you know you're pregnant, no need to see a GP first. We can organise required scans and blood tests.
- Step 02:
We confirm availability
For your estimated due month. We aim to respond within 48 hours, excluding weekends.
- Step 03:
Meet your midwife & register
Typically a face-to-face visit around 6-8 weeks at either our Upper or Lower Hutt clinic.
- Step 04:
Antenatal care
Throughout your pregnancy.
- Step 05:
Birth
Supports you through your birth, whether home, Hutt Hospital or planned caesarean.
- Step 06:
Postnatal care at home
In-home visits for you and your newborn.
Availability
Current availability by estimated due month.
Frequently asked questions
- Yes, for eligible NZ residents and citizens.
- As early as possible, there is no need to have a GP visit first for confirmation. As midwives we can organise all initial blood tests, scans and prescriptions. Once you receive that positive home test, get in touch!
- An LMC is a Lead Maternity Carer. In Aotearoa this can be self-employed midwives such as ourselves, often working in group practices in the community. Alternatively, LMC care may be provided through private obstetrics services or community hospital teams, where you may see different midwives throughout depending on the facility.
- At Manaaki Midwives we can safely provide home birth for low risk whānau. Home birth is a beautiful option and we have 4 birthing pools available for Koha for those intending to birth at home. Speak with your LMC to determine if home is the safest option for you.
- We at Manaaki Midwives can support, when our caseload allows, those planning an elective caesarean through the Hutt Hospital.
- As a whole we offer care across Upper and Lower Hutt (all suburbs). Jade and Gemma primarily offer care for Upper Hutt to Hutt Central locations, and Shari and Hayley primarily offer care for Lower Hutt including Eastern and Western hills e.g. Wainuiomata, Harbourview etc.
Get in touch
Enquire about care for your whānau. Get in touch early, spaces fill by due month.
Level 1, 15 Daly Street
Hutt Central, Lower Hutt 5010
4 Exchange Street
Ebdentown, Upper Hutt 5018
Enquire about care
Resources
Helpful links for whānau navigating pregnancy and early parenting.