Pūtahi Hauora
Defence Health HubPregnancy support
NZDF Health can provide resources and advice to support your pregnancy.
How NZDF Health can help you
You’ve just found out you’re hapū (pregnant). For some, this is planned and welcome news – for others, it may come as a surprise. You might have a lot of questions: What do I do now? Who do I talk to? Do I need to tell my boss? It’s normal to feel a bit unsure, but NZDF Health is here to help with guidance, information, and support every step of the way.
Parenting Booklet
The NZDF Parental Planning Guide provides helpful information for military and civilian members of the NZDF, including on parental leave provisions and returning to work. You can download the guide here, and the Manager's Guide to Supporting Parental Leave, or reach out to your local Defence Health Centre (DHC) for a printed booklet.
Healthcare
Your local Defence Health Centre (DHC) is able to provide an initial consultation to confirm your pregnancy. Following this, you need to engage a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) or private provider for all pregnancy related care. The DHC will continue to provide all non-pregnancy related health care.
Lead Maternity Care
NZDF do not provide lead maternity care for NZDF personnel. Speak with your local Defence Health Centre or Defence Community Facilitator for recommendations of local providers in your area.
Pre & Post natal physical care
Physical therapy is an effective way to help you manage any pain and discomfort you may experience during your pregnancy or after birth. The amount of support required will vary between women, and may change during the course of your pregnancy and post natal recovery.
- Physiotherapy support. NZDF health will provide you physiotherapist support during the pregnancy (including a pregnancy WOF), and for as long as required post-delivery. Reach out to your local NZDF Physiotherapist to discuss the best plan for you.
- Pre & Post natal classes. Your local gymnasium may offer pre/post natal classes, these vary between camps and bases so check their timetable or contact your local Physical Training Instructor (PTI) for more information.
- Click here for the NZDF Guide to Exercise, Fitness and Physical Training during and after pregnancy.
Taha hinengaro (emotional & mental health)
Pregnancy can present you with many new challenges that at times can feel overwhelming, this is when you may need to ask for help. There are a number of organisations within the NZDF available to you.
- NZDF4U Wellness Provider. Over the phone or meeting in person, NZDF4U will be able to provide you with counselling support.
- Social workers. Located on your base or camp a social worker will be able to meet with you and help provide the counselling and referrals you may require.
- Chaplains. Reach out to your local chaplain to receive the counselling and spiritual guidance you need.
Community Support
Your local Defence Community Facilitator (DCF) will be a great point of contact to share valuable resources in your area. Please contact your DCF and ask about:
- Parenting classes
- Equipment hire/toy library – you may be able to hire car seats, cribs, toys etc
- Coffee groups for new parents
- Community Pre/Post natal classes
- Local events and support groups
Financial Support
To help you make better informed financial decisions, the NZDF has brought together a range of resources for you to use. These are available on the Force Financial Hub.
Career Support
Human Resource Advisors (HRAs) form part of the HR Services Delivery Team and are available to provide advice on HR related matters, including supporting conversations with managers about policy and employment related matters. HR Service Delivery staff contact details are available on the ILP HR Toolkit. You can also speak with your manager to ensure you're familiar with your leave entitlements and to help you form your parental leave plan.
There's also a NZDF Manager's Guide to Supporting Parental Leave for leaders supporting their people through this time.
Pre- and post-natal healthcare
Your local Defence Health Centre (DHC) is able to provide an initial consultation to confirm your pregnancy. Following this, you need to engage a Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) or private provider for all pregnancy related care. The DHC will continue to provide all non-pregnancy related health care.
Speak with your Defence Health Centre or Defence Community Facilitator for recommendations of local providers in your area.
Exercise and physical therapy
Pregnancy and recovery are different for everyone. Some days you’ll feel strong; other days you might need a bit more support.
Physical therapy can help manage any pain or discomfort you experience during or after pregnancy.
- Physiotherapy support. NZDF health will provide you physiotherapist support during the pregnancy (including a pregnancy WOF), and for as long as required post-delivery. Reach out to your local NZDF Physiotherapist to discuss the best plan for you.
- Pre- and post- natal classes. Your local gymnasium may offer pre/post natal classes, these vary between camps and bases so check their timetable or contact your local Physical Training Instructor (PTI) for more information.
- Click here for the NZDF Guide to Exercise, Fitness and Physical Training during and after pregnancy.
Wellbeing, Financial planning and Career support
Pregnancy can bring big changes – physically, emotionally, and mentally. It’s completely normal to feel a bit overwhelmed at times.
Remember, you don’t have to go through this alone.
NZDF offers a range of supports:
- NZDF4U Wellness Provider. Over the phone or meeting in person, NZDF4U will be able to provide you with counselling support.
- Social workers. Located on your base or camp a social worker will be able to meet with you and help provide the counselling and referrals you may require.
- Chaplains. Reach out to your local chaplain to receive the counselling and spiritual guidance you need.
Community Support
Your local Defence Community Facilitator (DCF) will be a great point of contact to share valuable resources in your area. You can them ask about:
- Parenting classes
- Equipment hire or toy libraries (e.g. car seats, cots, cribs, toys)
- Coffee groups for new parents
- Community pre/post natal classes
- Local events and support groups
Financial Support
Planning for a new pēpi (baby) often means re-thinking your finances. The Force Financial Hub brings together trusted tools and resources to help you make informed decisions about budgeting and planning for your whānau’s future.
Career Support
Your Human Resource Advisor (HRA) is part of the HR Services Delivery Team and can support you with parental leave planning, policy advice, and conversations with your manager.
You can find contact details on the ILP HR Toolkit, or talk directly with your manager to make sure you’re across your entitlements and ready for the transition to and from parental leave.
Breastfeeding
NZDF supports members who wish to breastfeed or express milk during work hours.
The breastfeeding support period begins at the birth of your child and continues until their first birthday. During this time, you don’t need to make up time for breastfeeding breaks – managers are expected to manage workloads accordingly.
If needed, you can apply to extend this period by discussing it with your manager.
Breastfeeding Facilities
NZDF is working to ensure breastfeeding and parenting rooms are available across all bases and camps.
To find your nearest facility, contact your Defence Services Group (DSG) Service Centre or your local Community Centre.Fertility
Publicly funded fertility treatment is available through New Zealand’s public health system. While Defence Health does not fund fertility services, your NZDF doctor can refer you to public or private fertility specialists.
Fertility challenges can be taxing – please reach out to chaplains, marae, social worker and NZDF4U for awhi (support).
Useful resources
Consult your GP or nearest Defence Health Centre for answers to any further questions or concerns.
Fertility NZ is a charity dedicated to supporting, advocating for and educating all people who face infertility challenges at all stages of their journey and beyond.
Fertility Associates is New Zealand's leading provider of fertility diagnosis, support and treatment.
Pregnancy loss and support
The loss of a pregnancy – whether through abortion, miscarriage, or stillbirth – can be deeply emotional and take time to heal from, both physically and mentally. Everyone’s experience is different, and there’s no right or wrong way to grieve.
Having the right tautoko (support) around you can make a big difference. Talk with your Lead Maternity Carer (LMC) or doctor about how you’re feeling – they can listen, offer guidance, and connect you with further support if needed.
Within the NZDF, there are several people and services available to support your taha hinengaro (emotional and mental wellbeing), including chaplains, marae, social worker and NZDF4U. These services are also there for your partner or whānau.
You can also access free and confidential counselling through NZDF4U.
Bereavement leave support
If you or your partner experience a miscarriage or stillbirth, you are entitled under New Zealand law to three days of paid bereavement leave.
This leave can be taken whenever you need it and for any reason related to the loss, such as recovery, grieving, or supporting your partner or whānau.
You don’t need to provide proof of the pregnancy, miscarriage, or stillbirth. To qualify for this leave, you must have been employed by the NZDF for at least six months.
Useful Resources
Consult your GP or nearest Defence Health Centre for answers to any further questions or concerns.
Whetūrangitia encapsulates the concept of whānau pani, wrap around support from family and whānau. This site explains financial entitlements, the coronial process, the customs, rules and laws around burials, birth and death certificates and important factors to consider after child loss.
Miscarriage Support offers empathy, emotion support and information for women who have lost their baby by miscarriage.
Pregnancy Loss provides facts about miscarriage, information, hope, and healing. This site includes a bulletin board, memorial and e-cards.
Abortion
If you’re considering or planning to end a pregnancy, it’s important to seek help early from a medical practitioner. Your Defence Health Centre can provide confidential advice and support to connect you with an appropriate health provider. Please note that this procedure is not funded by the NZDF.
You do not need to inform your manager, unless you choose to. However, it’s recommended that you speak privately with an NZDF Medical Practitioner, as they can provide medical support, arrange sick leave if needed, and advise if light duties would help during recovery.
This can be a challenging time – remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. NZDF Health’s social support providers are available to offer emotional and practical support for you and your whānau – chaplains, marae, social worker and NZDF4U.
Useful resources
Consult your GP or nearest Defence Health Centre for answers to any further questions or concerns.
Abortion Services NZ - provide information and resources.
NZ Family Planning - provide information.
A heart breaking choice - provide support where a medical termination has been recommended, due to a pre-natal fetal abnormality.