Petal Babies
Transitional Care
Baby A’s birth mother was unable to keep her for family and religious reasons. Initially she was going to stay at the Petal Home for just 3 days, however she remained in our care consistently for 3 months while her adoption was finalised. Her birth mother was welcomed to visit and she did so 3 times.
The same carer took care of Baby A from 9am to 6pm every day and another carer, always the same, cared for her from 6pm to 9am so Baby A was as settled and secure as possible during her first months of life.
When a family for Baby A was confirmed they visited the Petal Home many times to start bonding with her, to learn her routines and to gain confidence in caring for her. This ensured a very smooth transition into her new home.
Mother Facing Addiction
Baby C’s birth mother made the courageous decision to enter a drug rehabilitation centre, determined to become a sober and present mother. Upon arrival, she was under the influence of methamphetamine and needed time to detox before safely caring for her baby.
During this critical period, Baby C was placed in respite care while maintaining connection with the mother through supervised visits at the rehab center to support their attachment. After 72 hours, once the mother had stabilized, Baby C transitioned into the mother-and-baby unit within the facility.
To support their fresh start, Petal provided essential baby items, including a bassinet and pram, which were generously donated to the mother and baby.
Supporting Father
Baby L was born prematurely at 30 weeks and spent the first eight weeks in the PICU. When Baby L was just two weeks old, the mother was diagnosed with cancer. The father found himself overwhelmed, juggling the care of his unwell wife, an elderly father, an adult sister with an intellectual disability, a 16-month-old toddler, and preparing for Baby L’s arrival home from the hospital.
Recognising their need for support, the parents turned to Petal, ensuring Baby L received the best care. Baby L stayed at Petal for 45 days. Despite his demanding circumstances, the father visited three to four times a week, balancing hospital visits with his wife, caring for his toddler and extended family, and learning essential caregiving skills - bathing, feeding, and understanding Baby L’s routines to maintain their attachment.
Petal provided the family with baby essentials and offered additional respite care for three months, helping them transition to life with a newborn at home.
Mother Facing Arrest Warrant
Baby B’s mother had stopped meeting with her probation officer out of fear that her baby would be taken from her. As time passed, her benefits were cut off, and a warrant was issued for her arrest due to an incident from two years prior.
Her biggest fear in turning herself in was losing her baby (to OT). At seven weeks old, Baby B was thriving, meeting all developmental milestones, and being well cared for. The mother had no current drug or alcohol use, nor any concerns regarding her parenting. While she had a strong support network, she trusted no one else to care for her child.
A Petal staff member met her at the police station as she turned herself in. During her time in custody, Petal provided care for Baby B until she was released. This temporary support allowed the mother to finally resolve a lingering legal matter, creating a lasting positive impact for both her and her baby.
Homeless Mother
After giving birth to Baby O, the mother initially planned for adoption but later changed her mind—against the wishes of her wider family. Her decision led to her becoming homeless, which in turn made her question whether she could keep her baby.
Petal offered both Baby O and the mother a place to stay, giving her the time and support needed to make an informed decision without external pressure. With this stability, she chose to keep her baby.
Today, the mother has a successful career and is raising a thriving, healthy child. Over time, she demonstrated her resilience and commitment, which led her family to accept her decision. Now, they are proud grandparents, fully supportive of her journey.
Safe Care
Petal provided emergency care for Baby D for her first 3 days of life as her mother was struggling with addiction and her father was struggling to look after her 4 other siblings. At 3 months old she returned for 3 days per week for a couple of months but had sadly not experienced attachment due to her family circumstances.
Baby D had exposure to methamphetamine while in the womb so was withdrawing and was therefore a challenging baby for her family to care for. The team at Petal supported her family with guidance (specific to managing withdrawal) to help them learn how to best look after her..
Transitional Care
Baby M’s mother was attending university when she discovered she was already well into her pregnancy. Her family, a close-knit and hardworking unit, often worked six to seven days a week to make ends meet. After careful consideration, they decided that adoption was the best path for Baby M.
A Petal staff member was present at the hospital during the birth. Baby M was cared for by Petal for 70 days until the adoption process was finalized. At six weeks old, Baby M’s mother and grandmother selected a portfolio for the adoptive parents, and the transition process began.
Over the next 3.5 weeks, the adoptive parents' visits increased and gradually took on more responsibilities, with visiting hours increasing as they learned essential parenting skills, routines, and ways to build love and attachment. Throughout Baby M’s stay, their biological family remained actively involved, visiting often to bring gifts, sing, and shower the baby with love.
On Day 70, Baby M graduated. Graduation Day is a moment of pure aroha and celebration—a day to come together, share food, honor everyone’s contributions, and reflect on pepi’s journey with laughter and love. Baby M’s biological family, adoptive parents, and a Petal staff member gathered to exchange stories, express gratitude, and celebrate this significant transition.
Unknown Pregnancy
Māmā T went into labour without knowing she was pregnant. She had experienced back and stomach pain, and only discovered she was in labour when the ambulance arrived. With a stable job and no prior signs, she was shocked and unprepared for her baby’s arrival.
Living in shared accommodation where children under five weren’t allowed, she quickly became overwhelmed. A Petal staff member visited her in hospital the day after Baby P was born, introducing Petal’s services and reassuring her that she would remain in control of all decisions. Baby J was transitioned into Petal’s care later that day.
Initially, Māmā T showed no signs of attachment, but within 12 hours she requested photos, and by the end of the first week, she was visiting regularly. While managing postpartum depression with midwifery support, she also faced tragedy—her younger brother, her only close relative in New Zealand, died in an accident on his way to meet his nephew.
Petal supported her through grief, providing emotional care, parenting guidance, and help securing housing. After three months, she and Baby P moved into a new home with donated essentials. Petal continued to offer respite care in the following months, and we still receive proud māmā updates to this day.
*Names changed for privacy purposes