Supportive: Lesley Watts, Gabby Gregory, new mother Amy Sawyer and baby Arlo, and Judy Davis at the parenting group.
PINK Ladies offer an extra pair of hands to new mums during a regular parenting group.
United Hospital Auxiliaries Port Macquarie Pink Ladies Branch members Jean Kennedy, Ruth Comish, Judy Davis, Lesley Watts, Pat Laeuffer and Gabby Gregory are the friendly volunteer faces at parenting circle sessions.
Mrs Watts said the parenting group was the complete contrast to Port Macquarie Base Hospital, where the volunteers were surrounded by sick people.
“Here is is all about new life,” Mrs Watts said.
The parenting circle gives new parents a chance to meet other families and share experiences. The pink ladies have given their time to the child and family health nursing service’s parenting group at Port Macquarie Community Health Campus for about 18 months.
Child and family health nurse Michele O’Shea said the pink ladies offered an extra pair of hands, for instance when a mother wanted a cup of tea.
“The pink ladies are wonderful,” she said. “They are part of our team approach.”
New mother Michelle Brook appreciates the volunteers too. “The pink ladies are really supportive ... and they make a mean cup of coffee,” she said.
The pink ladies also volunteer at Port Macquarie Base Hospital.
The branch has 100-plus members.