Getsy’s story

6 August 2026

When first-time mum Getsy began breastfeeding, things did not go as smoothly as she had hoped. Her pēpi wouldn’t latch and she was relying on a nipple shield. Her midwife recommended seeing a Plunket lactation consultant, and Getsy received support that helped change her breastfeeding journey.

“I relied on a nipple shield in the early days, but my heart was set on being able to breastfeed directly. My midwife suggested I see a Plunket lactation consultant, and that recommendation made a real difference.”

Getsy met with Plunket lactation consultants both virtually and in-person, learning about different breastfeeding positions and how to gently wean off the nipple shield across three sessions.

“The consultants took the time to make sure I felt comfortable before anything else. What touched me most was that the online consultant cared for my emotional wellbeing just as much as my physical wellbeing. As a first-time mum, I was doing everything I could to exclusively breastfeed my baby, and there were moments when I questioned whether I was doing enough. Her patience, encouragement, and reassurance meant a lot to me. Hearing her simply say, ‘Such a good job’ and ‘You are doing so well’ got me emotional. I needed to hear those words to gain the confidence and strength that I needed to keep going.”

She is grateful for the kindness and expertise of the lactation consultants, who helped her give her pēpi the best possible start.

“With her guidance, I slowly weaned my baby off the nipple shield. There was no pressure or unrealistic expectations. Within a few weeks, my baby was latching directly. Today, I look back on our breastfeeding journey with confidence and joy, and I know I could not have done it without her support.”