Honouring Connection: The Role of Manaaki Mats for Grieving Families

The central mission of Whittaker’s Wings is to educate and equip maternity healthcare teams with the guidance and resources they need to support grieving families—ensuring every possible opportunity is given to slow down and cherish time with their baby.

Time to hold them.

Time to memorise every detail.

Time to begin saying goodbye in a way that feels gentle, not rushed.

That has always been our message. We were just

missing the final piece.

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The Techni Ice we used with Whittaker was efficient but not intentional and quite bulky, as seen here

Our Time with Whittaker

During our precious six days at Hummingbird House with Whittaker, we were introduced to the cooling technology known as Techni Ice. It is the preferred method of after-death care at Hummingbird House, often used in place of a cuddle cot for babies in their care. In a very practical sense, it worked. The dry ice polymer technology worked to slow the natural changes in Whittaker that occur after death, allowing our family more time with her. We were able to hold her close for an extended period of time and she could rest peacefully in a beautiful bassinet wrapped in blankets from home with the Techni Ice there to maintain her temperature.

We are deeply grateful for what that made possible.

It allowed us to leave the hospital environment and care for our daughter in a more personal, intimate space. From the moment Whittaker was born to the moment her casket was closed, we never left her side.

She was always surrounded by love.

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The Reality for Many Families

Learning that this kind of time is not the norm in Australia was devastating.

Many families are given maybe a night or two, sometimes only hours with their baby before leaving them in the care of the hospital—often not seeing them again until funeral arrangements. The thought of that is heartbreaking.

Our time with Whittaker happened because I spoke up. I said I would not be leaving the hospital without my baby—that she would be coming home with us. Not every parent knows they can ask for that. Not every parent is given that choice.

We knew then that this had to change.

Families deserve to understand what is possible. They deserve the opportunity to make informed decisions—to choose what feels right for them, with every option laid out clearly and compassionately.

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Meant to Be

Discovering Manaaki Mats felt like more than coincidence.

Learning they were based in my dad’s hometown in New Zealand felt deeply personal—as though every part of our story was quietly aligning with purpose.

Whittaker's family with Manaaki Mats Co-Founder, Annie Meredith

Even more so, discovering that founder Annie was closely connected to our extended family felt almost impossible to ignore. I swear, our girl is magic!

It was like Whittaker was gently weaving the path ahead of us. Guiding us to our missing piece. Meeting founders Annie and Claire has been a gift. Our regular hui's (meetings) often begin with a beautiful karakia (blessing)—grounding, intentional, and filled with meaning. From the very beginning, the relationship has felt so right and deeply aligned.

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Intentional Support

While Manaaki Mats use the same core cooling technology as Techni Ice, what Annie and Claire have created is something far greater in purpose.

This is not simply about preservation.

It is about protecting a family’s experience. It is about holding space for grief within the safety of home, within the arms of family, where love remains the centre of everything.

In a hospital setting, Manaaki Mats carry a clear and singular purpose: after-death care.

That clarity matters.

Because grief does not stay contained. It follows families into everyday life, often surfacing in unexpected and painful ways. A familiar object seen out of context—a barbecue, a workplace, an ordinary moment—can bring everything rushing back.

Manaaki Mats remove that risk.

They create a space that is intentional, protected, and clearly held.

And for families like ours, that level of thoughtfulness is not small—it is everything.

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More Than a Product

A supply of Manaaki Mats + covers lovingly sewed by volunteers

One of the reasons we stand so firmly behind Manaaki Mats is that it is not simply a product—it is a complete bereavement care resource.

It offers:

• Training for healthcare professionals, building confidence and compassion in how they support families

• Clear guidance through deeply complex and emotional moments

• Thoughtfully designed resources for parents, offering comfort and understanding

• Ongoing support that extends beyond the initial loss

This is what sets it apart.

Because it is not just about having the right tools—it is about how those tools are used, and the care that surrounds them.

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Why This Matters to Us

Baby Kyrie being cared for in the family home with the discreet use of Manaaki Mats

Whittaker’s story sits at the heart of everything we do.

We know what it feels like to want just a little more time.

We know there will never be enough time—but that the time you do have can be deeply meaningful.

We know how much those moments matter.

That is why we are honoured to be ambassadors for Manaaki Mats.

Because they protect a family’s space.

Because they honour the depth of these moments.

Because they bring intention, compassion, and care to a time that deserves nothing less.

And that is something we will always advocate for.

Crystal Zeeman

Founding Director | Whittaker’s Mum