Our team

I came to midwifery through my own transformative experiences of birthing my three children at home, surrounded by safety, trust, and compassionate care. Those births — and the midwives who supported me — shaped me profoundly, strengthening my confidence as a mother and igniting my passion for midwifery.

Before entering this profession, I studied politics and philosophy with the intention of contributing to meaningful social change. Midwifery felt like a natural evolution of that goal — bringing together health, empowerment, community, and a strong whānau-centred approach. Each day, I witness the powerful difference that thoughtful, respectful midwifery care can make in people’s lives, and I feel deeply privileged to support new life as it begins.

I work primarily with families who choose to birth at home in Selwyn and Ōtautahi, alongside my midwifery practice partners at Homegrown Midwifery. In the home setting, it is often easier to create a calm, supportive environment where labour can unfold in its own time and rhythm.

When complexities arise, I collaborate closely with hospital teams to ensure care remains seamless, safe, and well supported.

I am passionate about building trusting relationships that support informed decision-making. I share current evidence, help navigate guidelines, and honour the unique values and choices of each person and their whānau. I take a holistic approach to pregnancy and birth, viewing childbirth as a profound expression of the human body’s strength and capability.

Outside of midwifery, I love spending time with my whānau, gardening, staying active, camping, and getting lost in a good book.

Kia ora, I’m Poppy.

I was born and grew up here in Ōtautahi and I feel deeply connected to this beautiful city.

My being a midwife is rooted in my love of people and their stories. Before finding midwifery, I completed a Bachelor of Arts in English Literature and Psychology in Te Whanganui-a-Tara (Wellington), travelled around Europe and the UK, and worked in hospitality while doing both of these things.

As a midwife, I feel so lucky to be invited to join whānau as they prepare to welcome a new person into their lives. I care deeply about providing care that is safe and non-judgemental, informed by evidence and research, and ultimately, specific to each unique whānau and their wishes.

My passion is home and primary birth, and I follow the evidence that choosing to have your baby in one of these places leads to a higher chance of a normal birth, and a generally more positive birth experience. I also collaborate closely with hospital teams if clinically indicated.

Pregnancy offers endless potential for transformation and growth, and witnessing the many ways this potential is realised is one of my favourite parts of being a midwife.

Outside of midwifery, you can find me enjoying an oat flat white at one of our local cafes, rummaging around an op-shop or market, reading a crime thriller, checking out a gig, moving my body - and probably doing one of these things with a dear friend.

I believe that with good preparation, strong support, and trust in their bodies, women can have a safe and memorable pregnancy and birth.

Most of the women I support plan to birth at home. When women feel comfortable and relaxed they birth more easily and safely. When complications do arise I work closely with the team at Christchurch Women’s Hospital.

Pregnancy and birth often involve choices. It is important to me that whānau make well-informed choices and feel supported in what they have chosen. I offer a strong understanding of physiology, evidence, and guidelines and explain this information clearly. I also teach body positioning and relaxation techniques that support birth.

During pregnancy I meet regularly with women to build their knowledge and confidence as well as check that they and their babies are healthy. I hold clinic in Halswell, Manchester Street and Rolleston and also make home visits. I encourage whānau to participate and can usually schedule appointments to make this possible. After birth I make frequent post-natal visits to support recovery and breastfeeding.

A favourite part of my work is meeting whānau with a wide variety of backgrounds. All families deserve respect and care. My own heritage is Japanese-English, and I live in Avonhead with my husband, two primary school-aged daughters Maggie and Rania, and our blue heeler Rufer.

The other highlights of my practice are my colleagues – Poppy, Emily, and Kate – who regularly support me and share my aspiration of providing highly skilled and compassionate care.

My name is Kate and I have been working as a midwife in Christchurch since I graduated in 2007. During this time I have worked in a number of primary settings and have seen first hand how a woman’s chosen place of birth can impact her experience. I am passionate about supporting women to birth in an environment which feels safe for them, and with a team of people who have the knowledge, skills and compassion to support them - physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually.

I believe our birthing experiences can hugely impact how we feel about ourselves and also how we show up in the world. Every woman deserves to feel uplifted, empowered and loved when birthing her baby, and I am passionate about doing my small part to support that.

I work part time in the practice, supporting a small caseload and providing backup support for my colleagues where needed.

I’m also a homeschooling Mama of 3 kids, and when I’m not working you’ll likely find me out in nature with my family or creating something delicious in the kitchen! I’m also a qualified Reiki practitioner, Hypnobirthing Practitioner and Breathwork facilitator.

I wish you all the best on your journey and look forward to meeting you!