About Labour and Love
Kia ora, I'm Dee
Welcome to Labour and Love.
This whole thing started with my own birth — a redemption story. After my first experience, I was determined that my next baby would arrive on my terms: at home, in water, undisturbed. That birth changed me. It showed me what's possible when a woman is held, trusted, and allowed to follow her body's lead. And it made me want to make that experience easier to reach for other women across Aotearoa.
“It showed me what's possible when a woman is held, trusted, and allowed to follow her body's lead.”
Why water, why home
Water birth is one of the gentlest ways to bring a baby earthside. But in New Zealand, hiring a pool for a home birth is harder than it should be — the logistics, the cost, the not knowing where to start. I started Labour and Love so any māmā who wants to labour or birth in water can. We deliver the pool to your door, clean and ready, with everything you need, and personal support from setup through to birth.
Why low-tox, why organic
I'm careful about what goes in my body and what goes on my skin — especially through pregnancy and the fourth trimester, when our bodies are doing extraordinary work and absorbing everything they touch. There weren't enough genuinely organic, low-tox options in NZ at prices real families could reach. So we made them. Every product in our range is chosen the way I'd choose for myself: clean ingredients, gentle on sensitive skin, and made to nurture rather than just sell.
The journal
The postpartum journal was a passion project of mine. There are so many baby books out there, and almost nothing for her. The journal is a quiet space for the mother — to be held, to record her postpartum journey, and to reflect on her birth when she feels ready. It's a small thing that I hope feels like a big thing.
What I believe
I believe birth can be instinctive. I believe it should often be undisturbed.
I believe māmā deserves to be the centre of her own story — not a footnote in her baby's. And I believe the products and support we surround her with should reflect that.
A little more about me
I'm a mum of two boys, learning how to run a business with the help of so many other incredible women — this hasn't been done on my own. I'm of Ngāpuhi descent. Labour and Love is women-owned and operated, based in Mangawhai. We're committed to sustainability — our skincare comes in glass, our packaging is considered, and we support other local makers wherever we can.
My two boys — the reason for all of it.
If you're walking toward your birth, or sitting in the soft, strange days of early postpartum, I'm so glad you're here. Reach out anytime.
Ngā mihi nui,
Dee
Founder, Labour and Love
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