“I am very grateful to the Petal Foundation; they were incredibly helpful and supportive during my journey as a new mum. My son was in great hands with them, and they played a vital role in helping me raise him. They guided me through the challenges of motherhood, showing me what I needed to do and prepare. Words can't fully express my appreciation for the care and service they provided. From my own experience, I don’t know how I would have been able to raise my son and meet his needs without the Petal Foundation’s intervention. For that, I am deeply grateful. Faafetai tele lava, Petal Foundation.

Afai o loo tau sailia se tasi e fesoasoani mo oe ao e feagai ai mā le tausiaina o lau pepe mo Le taimi muamua, saili Le fesoasoani a Le Petal Foundation.

- Cryptic pregnancy, short term respite care - 2024

“Petal was there to help when I needed some extra support when my baby was around the 5 month mark. I was diagnosed with postnatal depression, anxiety and PTSD with my first child after a very traumatic and dangerous birth, so it was no surprise that I had recurrent PND the second time around too, only it set in earlier and occurred perinatally with my second pregnancy during the third trimester.

With my second child I felt a lot better prepared with my mental health and had good support structures in place with medication, a great GP and access to counselling should I require it, but I wasn't really prepared for the lack of 'village' support this time around. It felt a lot like I was really on my own, but my workload had literally doubled. We have loving grandparents but they all work full time and we have no access to family childcare or people you could trust with your baby when they're small, for even a short period of time.

I was referred to Petal by my mum and it was the best thing that's ever happened to me. I am so so grateful for the loving kindness they have shown me and my little baby. I was really anxious about going the first time as I felt like I was abandoning him in a way, but as soon as I saw how safe and clean the house was, the love and absolute dedication the team have for all the babies in their care, and how much they really cared about my wellbeing and the rest I needed, I knew it was the best thing for both me and my child at that point in time.

I came back from my breaks refreshed, I was able to care for my sick toddler through a very challenging winter and I could be a much better mum and person with a bit of balance and some helping hands.

Petal really saved me at that time in my journey and I can't thank Kristie and the team enough. I think the service they offer is second to none and I wish there was a Petal house in every neighbourhood.”

- Postpartum depression mother - 2024

We were lucky enough to be supported my Petal during a very difficult time in my life. I was suffering with postnatal depression when Petal stepped in and, in all honestly, saved me from a very dark and scary path. The care they gave me, my daughter and husband was life changing, they are a safety net for struggling mothers and a second family to those in need.

Kristie and the carers showed us so much kindness, guidance and reassurance without any judgement. We immediately felt comfortable and safe with them and I wholeheartedly trusted them to look after my daughter when I needed respite. The carers helped cut through all the overwhelming confusion, guilt and information overload that most new parents feel and helped to build me up, to enable me to be the Mum I always wanted to be. The house was a peaceful, warm and safe haven, I feel so blessed to have found them and know they will help countless families, the charity is truly one of a kind and the work they do is astonishing. I wouldn't like to imagine where I would be if I hadn't found Petal and can't thank them enough.

— Family impacted by Postpartum Depression - 2025

There will never be enough words to truly thank Petal. From the very beginning, they were more than just carers, they were the very first family our daughter ever knew. And no matter where life takes her, Petal will always be her very first home.

We came in with so many questions, fears, and hopes. What we found was a place that wrapped us in warmth and understanding, a sanctuary where love wasn’t just spoken, but shown in every gentle touch, every thoughtful word, every quiet moment of reassurance.

The environment at Petal was more than peaceful, it was healing. The carers didn’t just care for our baby; they embraced her with a tenderness that felt sacred. And they didn’t just guide us, they stood beside us. Every step of the way, they helped shape us into the calm, confident, and proud parents we are today.

What sets Petal apart is not just their professionalism, but their heart. They saw us not just as hopeful parents, but as people doing something deeply emotional. They met our worries with empathy, our doubts with kindness, and our journey with unwavering support.

If only more places in the world were like Petal, there would be far fewer anxious parents and far more babies who feel safe, secure, and deeply loved from the very start.

Thank you, from the depths of our hearts, for helping us become the family we are today. We will forever carry your love with us.

— Anonymous, transitional care parents - 2025

We’re incredibly grateful for the ongoing support from the Petal Foundation. Since our partnership began in 2023, their donations of baby items and equipment have made a real difference for the vulnerable families we work with. From mothers facing family harm or housing challenges to those simply overwhelmed by the demands of parenthood, Petal’s support has brought relief, comfort, and hope. Kristie and the team are compassionate and non-judgmental, and the impact of their generosity is deeply felt by every family they reach. We value this partnership and the positive change it brings to our community

- Community Midwifery Services, Counties Manukau - 2024

Words cannot describe how immensely grateful we are to the Petal Foundation for the endless love and support they put into ensuring that our daughter had the best possible start to life regardless of the situation with which she was born into. With great care and kindness the Petal team played an integral part in ensuring that our daughters transition into our care as her adoptive parents was not rushed; we were given time to get to know her, to learn her routines, and build a connection, all under the guidance of a patient team who were always there to help and answer any questions along the way.

My husband and I reflect on our time with the Petal Foundation and feel that without their involvement our experience would have been a great deal more rushed, stressful, and even traumatic, but instead all parties came away confident and ready to move forward.

It is our wish that every child, birth parent, and adoptive parent going through a transition of care can be provided with the positive and nurturing environment that the Petal Foundation creates!"

- Anonymous, transitional care parents - 2024

Testimonials