Elly is strong. She is capable. She and her husband, Scott, prepared as much as anyone could for the exciting arrival of their twin girls.
But even the strongest parents need support sometimes.
While Elly loves being a māmā to her baby girls, Adalyn & Arya, the nature of Scott’s job has him working long hours and that means her days are long as well.
Balancing these extra-long days with the challenges of raising twins in a new town – the whānau moved before the girls were born - has become isolating for Elly.
“I don’t have my own family nearby,” Elly shared. “And Scott understandably works a lot, so it’s just me and the girls most days.”
Multiple services offered by Plunket helped Elly in the early days with her twin girls.
Scott is a supportive partner and a hands-on dad. He wanted to make sure Elly had extra support during his workdays, so he suggested the local Plunket walking group.
“It was good for my fitness, especially after having a Caesarean. It was also good to meet other mums,” says Elly.
It was through the walking group that Elly was connected to Plunket’s Giving People Support, a home visiting service in South Canterbury - free for whānau with young tamariki who could benefit from a little extra support at home.
It offers practical and personalised help when and where parents need it most. Volunteers work alongside whānau on everyday things that can feel overwhelming when doing it alone.
That judgement-free, individual support makes all the difference. And the programme only exists because of support from our donors.
Marlene, a Plunket volunteer and kanohi kitea (trusted face in the community), began visiting Elly weekly, meeting her where she was: at home.
For a new mum navigating life with twins, this made a world of difference.
Plunket's in-home volunteer support gave Elly some adult company and help when she needed it most.
Elly is determined to keep on top of things at home. But with two pēpi (babies), even small things could feel like a mission.
“When you’ve got someone there, even just hanging out a load of washing feels easier. It gives you a few minutes to breathe, and those little moments of relief really do make a big difference.”
And even the strongest, most independent parents can’t plan for everything. When Elly broke her foot, Marlene’s visits became even more vital.
On one particular day, Marlene supported Elly with the girls so that she could make it to a physio appointment.
But what she really needed most was that bit of adult company. “When you don’t have a lot of people around, but you’re used to being at work, suddenly being home all day is a big change. It made my week having her around.”
“Marlene didn’t have to do much,” continues Elly. “She really wanted to help in practical ways, but I told her that just being there helped. It was so good to have someone to talk to."
The feeling was mutual. For Marlene, whose adult children and grandchildren live in different towns or even different countries, being able to spend time with Elly and the babies was a bright spot in her week. “I can see them reaching all their baby milestones, and it’s such a joy to be a part of with my own grandbabies being far away.”
Marlene will bring her guitar and sing to the girls, who dance along.
“Some days we just sit right here, on Elly’s couch, and have a wonderful conversation,” continues Marlene.
Elly also found vital support from her Plunket nurse and parenting advice through PlunketLine.
This is one of many families who rely on services like this offered by Plunket. Beyond the walking group and in-home support, Elly and Scott’s Plunket nurse is just a phone call away, even between visits. Whether offering advice about teething or reassuring Elly that she’s doing the right things for her girls, their nurse has become a trusted source of comfort and guidance.
Elly has also called PlunketLine for peace of mind when the girls have been unwell.
“When you’re tired and sleep-deprived, it’s nice to have that reassurance. Sometimes, you think you’ve got it, but you miss the little things. They are trained in exactly this, they know what to look for. It’s amazing how much they can help over the phone.”
Elly is deeply grateful for the support she’s received and the special friendship she now has with Marlene. But she also knows there are many other parents who need the same help.
“I know the support that I’ve had here, and I can only imagine what other families need.
“We need to keep it going for other families to come. I hope when my daughters are older, they can reach out for the same services if they have children.”
With services like these, Plunket will always be right there. You can help that continue by donating today.