Hannah Lind is a person who wears many hats: she’s a volunteer, wedding celebrant, catering assistant and a wife and mother of two. 

One of Hannah’s many roles is as a volunteer peer support for the WellSouth programme Mums4Mums. 

While Hannah is based in Alexandra and volunteers for the local chapter, Mums4Mums also takes place in Wānaka and Queenstown.

Hannah said the welcoming group of mothers, mothers-to-be and peer supporters meet regularly to talk about “anything and everything” and to support each other through the journey of early parenthood. 

She said she understands that mums of babies or small children can experience a range of emotions, from breathtaking exhilaration to excruciating bewilderment.

“When I had my first baby I joined an incredible parent support group in South Canterbury where we were living,” Hannah said. “My peer supporter there saw me through the challenges of breastfeeding but above all helped me gain real confidence with being a parent.” 

When her supporter left she felt she wanted to give back so she took on the role of a peer supporter herself.

Hannah grew on a sheep farm in Mataura Island (between Edendale and the southern end of the Catlins coast) and after finishing school - where she met her future husband Clement - she studied at Aoraki Polytech before working for eight years as an ad writer and newsreader for Mediaworks in Dunedin. 

A move to Fairlie for her husband's work gave Hannah an appreciation of the challenges of making a new start and the need for support as a young wife and mother. 

“I joined the lovely local knitting group for companionship but babies bring a whole new level of neediness” she said.

Now living in Alexandra with her husband and two children (aged nine and five) and cat Sadie, Hannah said she loves her local community. 

She swims regularly and helps her sister in law in her catering business. Her husband works as a teacher and furniture maker. The family loves to get out and explore. 

Her volunteer role as a peer supporter is rewarding, and Hannah is one of the many peer supporter mothers who have been through the challenges of early parenthood themselves and remember vividly what it is like. 

The sessions, as well as hands-on advice, and deep talks about the challenges mothers face, also involve lots of relaxed chatting. 

“Sometimes we talk about breastfeeding and nappies and sometimes it’s about what's on TV”. 

“Being a mother is not all about white linen and Instagram perfection. It can be messy and confusing and lonely. We want them to know they aren’t alone in having these feelings and that this is a phase that won’t last forever.” 

Ongoing friendships are a happy by-product of Mums4Mums.

Hannah’s role is at its most rewarding when she sees the mothers’ confidence increase.

“Over time they move from being terrified, overwhelmed and unsure to becoming confident, comfortable and like they have been parents all their lives. In turn they can support other mothers. It's a lovely circle.” 

Hannah feels fully supported in her volunteer role and says it is the perfect fit for her. 

“I get way more out of it than I give. Volunteering enriches my life and is super gratifying.”

Mums4Mums is a Well South Primary Care Health Network initiative. The group meets several times a month to support mothers of young children. If you would like to know more contact Jo O’Conner, on 0272104716 or view roles here.

If Mums4Mums isn’t right for you, but you’re interested in some kind of volunteering, Volunteer South-Central Lakes can discuss your skills and goals for volunteering and help make the perfect match.

Find more information about them here.

PHOTO: Volunteer South Central Lakes