Birth and Babes

14/08/2026

24 years ago I was experiencing my very first labour. A big unknown. I went in blind. No classes. No preparation. Just a belief that all would be fine.

What I ldiscovered was:

💫 Fear is a challenge in labour and can lead you down an interesting path.

💫 A great partner does not mean the best support person.

💫 Every birth is unique.

💫 We can heal from birth.

💫 Ask for pain relief out of need, not fear. (I certainly have learnt the difference).

💫 Birth preparation is a very handy tool for mums AND support people.

22 years later and I have devoted my life and career to preparing expecting parents for birth through childbirth education and antenatal care. I have relived this experience over and over and shared my story more times than I can count. I am ever so grateful for the things I learnt on this very first journey of birth! Happy Birthday Haz! ❤️
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01/06/2026

This! ❤️❤️👌👌

Why Birth Preparation Matters: Preparing for Birth in All Its Forms

There’s a common myth that because birth can be unpredictable, preparation is pointless.

In reality, the opposite is often true.

While you cannot control every aspect of labour or birth, preparation can profoundly influence how you experience it. Knowledge, practical tools, emotional readiness and support can help you meet the unknown with greater confidence, calm and trust.

This is why birth preparation matters.

Birth Preparation Builds Confidence and Connection
Preparing for birth isn’t simply about learning what happens during labour. It’s about understanding your options, strengthening trust in your body, and preparing as a team with your partner.

When couples prepare together, they often experience:

Greater confidence approaching labour and birth
Improved communication and connection
A deeper understanding of how partners can provide physical and emotional support
More confidence navigating conversations with healthcare providers
A stronger sense of shared preparation and teamwork
Birth may be your baby’s first journey—but it is also the beginning of parenthood.

Preparing together matters.

Practical Tools Become Familiar Supports During Labour
Learning about birth is important, but practising supportive techniques during pregnancy allows them to become second nature.

Strategies such as:

Relaxation techniques
Breathing practices
Visualisation
Massage and acupressure
Guided meditation
Affirmations
Positioning and movement
can support both body and mind during labour. To read the entire blog go to our link in the bio.

23/05/2026

🌸CALMBIRTH REFRESHER COURSE.🌸 (For those that have completed a calmbirth class previously).

Refresh your knowledge. Refresh your skills. Refresh your confidence. ✨

Preparing for your second (or subsequent) baby? Every pregnancy and birth is completely unique!

If you’ve already done a Calmbirth course, a refresher is the perfect opportunity to hit pause, reconnect, and reset your mindset before your new little one arrives. 🍼
In my upcoming Calmbirth Refresher Class, we will:
🤍 Review the core Calmbirth principles and breathing techniques
🤍 Reflect on your previous birth experience and what you want for this one
🤍 Help your birth partner regain their confidence in the birth space 🤝

Whether your last birth was beautiful or challenging, this is a safe space to prepare, heal, and rebuild your confidence.

📅 When: 30th May 2026
📍 Where: 40 Wilson St
🔗 How to book: www.birthandbabes.com.au or drop me a message.

Feel prepared, informed, and ready to welcome your baby with calm and clarity! 🤎

01/03/2026

Fear in Labour: Understanding It, Facing It, and Finding Strength

The truth? Fear in labour is normal. But understanding it can transform your birth experience.

Whether you're preparing for your first baby or you’ve done this before, fear can quietly sit in the background or roar to the surface as your due date approaches.

Why Do We Fear Labour?
Fear of labour often comes from a mix of the following:

1. Fear of Pain
Labour pain is unpredictable. Stories from friends, dramatic portrayals in movies, and online horror stories can amplify anxiety.

2. Fear of the Unknown
Every birth is different. Not knowing how long it will last, how intense it will be, or how your body will respond can create uncertainty.

3. Fear of Losing Control
Labour is raw and powerful. The idea of surrendering to something you can’t fully control can feel overwhelming.

4. Past Trauma
Previous birth trauma, medical trauma, or personal experiences can resurface during pregnancy and labour.

5. Fear for Baby’s Safety
Worrying about your baby’s wellbeing is natural — but it can heighten anxiety significantly.

What Happens When Fear Takes Over? Fear isn’t just emotional — it’s physical. When we feel afraid, our body releases stress hormones like adrenaline.

These hormones can:

* Make contractions feel more painful
* Slow down labour
* Increase tension in the body
* Disrupt breathing patterns

This is sometimes referred to as the ‘fear–tension–pain cycle’ — fear causes tension, tension increases pain, and pain increases fear.

So, how do we reduce fear in labour?

1. Get Educated ( childbirth education)
Understanding the process of labour can reduce fear of the unknown. Antenatal classes, reputable books, and conversations with your care provider can help you feel prepared.

2. Choose the Right Support Team
Feeling safe with your birthing team and care provider. Trust reduces fear.

3. Practice Relaxation Techniques
Breathing exercises, visualization, and mindfulness help train your nervous system to remain calm.

Good childbirth education will focus on replacing fear with confidence.

4. Reframe the Pain
Labour sensations are purposeful. Each contraction brings your baby closer to you. Reframing pain as productive can shift your mindset.

5. Talk About It
Don’t carry fear silently. Share it with your partner or midwife/care provider. Talking through your fears reduces their power. Ask questions, become educated.

6. Turn your fear Into Power
Your body was designed to birth. Fear may show up — but so will strength.
Many people describe labour as one of the most intense and transformative experiences of their lives.

So, what do you need?

* Support (get that support team on board)
* Preparation (childbirth education classes)
* Self-compassion
* Trust — in your body and your baby

YOUR GREATEST POTENTIAL IS ON THE OTHER SIDE OF FEAR

Calmbirth Birth and Babes nurture.midwiferycare

22/02/2026

When the flash flooding floods your birthing education resources. Never thought I'd be using my clothes horse to dry my doll, placenta, cervix's and tens machine (amongst other things) lol

18/12/2025

❤️❤️❤️

Pathways to Family Wellness magazine promotes holistic parenting and informed lifestyle choices from leading experts.

18/12/2025

2026 calmbirth dates are out!
Book in early to avoid missing out.
(No, 20 weeks is not too early!). 😉

09/12/2025

This describes calmbirth so perfectly. Come along and see for yourself.

07/12/2025

💕 Another calmbirth class complete. 💕

I'm thinking that is about 175 2 day calmbirth classes taught, and over 1400 couples.

🍀 I still love it

🍀 I meet the most incredible people.

🍀 It reminds me to practise what I preach.

Wishing all the birthing families the BEST birth for you! "You've got this".