A Bay of Plenty-based charity supporting families through miscarriage is seeking community backing as it expands services offering comfort and care during pregnancy and infant loss.

Massage After Miscarriage Aotearoa (MAMA) was founded in 2020 by Tauranga woman Michelle Topham, after her own experience of pregnancy loss, a media release on behalf of the organisation stated.

In the lead-up to Mother’s Day that year, Topham received a massage voucher from her sister that led her to Sanctum Medi Spa, where she encountered unexpected compassion from staff who understood her loss.

“I just stood there thinking, ‘I can’t be the only one feeling this way’,” she recalled.

That moment prompted the creation of MAMA, an organisation dedicated to supporting families through miscarriage with care, empathy and connection.

The charity now provides therapeutic massage, facials, flowers and care packages to families across Tauranga and Hamilton.

Referrals often come through midwives, as well as friends and whānau, helping the organisation reach people in both towns and rural communities.

Topham said those connections send a clear message to grieving families that they are not alone.

“I had lots of chats with friends and realised many had experienced something similar.

“It has been a journey of courageous conversations and that whole feeling of being seen and not so alone.”

A network of volunteers supports the organisation behind the scenes, helping co-ordinate referrals, organise treatments and deliver care packages.

Care packages bringing comfort and support to mothers in Tauranga and Hamilton. Photo / MAMA

Volunteer Neela Bhana, who joined in 2025, helps track the charity’s impact and improve access to services.

“MAMA does some truly special work. There’s a lot that goes on behind the scenes to make that care possible, from managing referrals and organising treatments and care packages, to the fundraising efforts that help sustain it,” she said.

Bhana was referred to the charity after the loss of her daughter and said the experience became an important part of her healing.

“It ended up being a moment of care I didn’t even realise I needed.”

She now encourages others to get involved, saying even a small amount of time can make a difference.

“Time is such a valuable thing to offer, and it doesn’t have to be huge. Even a few hours can make a real difference,” she said.

Topham acknowledged the wider volunteer team, as well as donors and community partners, for helping MAMA continue to grow.

The organisation is now calling for volunteers to support its Afternoon Tea Fundraiser on June 7 at The Cargo Shed in Tauranga.

It said community support is vital to ensure it can continue helping whānau navigate pregnancy and infant loss.

Those interested in volunteering can visit volunteeringservices.org.nz or call 07 987 0920.