Confident, empowered and Ready.
- our Antenatal Classes give you the knowledge and support you need, from pregnancy to precious baby cuddles.
Welcome to Bellies to Babies - your trusted expert; from pregnancy through to parenthood.
Our fun, friendly, and supportive Antenatal & Postnatal Classes are designed to help you and your partner prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for your incredible journey ahead. We focus on giving you the confidence, care, and practical tools needed for labour, birth, and those precious (and sometimes exhausting) early weeks with your little one.
You’ll gain valuable knowledge and build connections with other parents expecting their babies around the same time—because community matters! While no class can fully prepare you for the entire rollercoaster of parenthood, we’re here to guide you through every step from pregnancy to precious baby cuddles.
At Bellies to Babies, we provide a warm, supportive space where parents-to-be can feel confident and informed throughout their journey. Whether you're in Hawke’s Bay or anywhere in New Zealand, we’ve got antenatal and postnatal class options to suit every need. From in-person antenatal classes in Hawke’s Bay to live online sessions across NZ, self-paced online antenatal classes, live, online labour and birth coaching and private consultations, we make sure you’re covered no matter where you are.
We also offer a selection of beautifully handcrafted products designed to nurture you throughout pregnancy, labour, and beyond. From comforting pregnancy wheat bags to calming felt ball oil diffusers, birth combs, and soothing peri sprays—each item is thoughtfully crafted with your comfort in mind.
Our classes tend to fill up quickly, so we recommend booking early (after 14 weeks) to secure your spot.
I can’t wait to support you on this amazing journey!
Upcoming Antenatal Classes.
Boutique Weekend Classes 2025
18th & 19th Jan 2025 - ideal if you’re due late Jan/Feb 2025 (Saturday & Sunday, 10am - 2.30pm, includes a light lunch)
5 Week Antenatal Classes 2025
Class 1: 15th Feb - 5th March - ideal if you’re due March/April 2025
Class 2: 26th March - 23rd April - ideal if you’re due May/June 2025
Class 1, 2024
Class 4, 2024
Class 2, 2024
Class 5, 2024
Class 3, 2024
Class 6, 2024
Hi, I’m Janine Gard, a Diploma Qualified Labour and Birth Specialist with nearly two decades of experience supporting parents through one of the most life-changing journeys—parenthood!
Over the past 19 years, I’ve had the privilege of teaching over 5,500 people through antenatal and postnatal classes, and I truly love every moment of it.
I’m passionate about empowering expectant parents, helping them prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for the adventure ahead. I believe in the incredible strength of the female body to create, nurture, and birth, but I also recognise that every birth is unique, and sometimes, interventions or pain relief are part of that story.
My goal is to equip you with the knowledge and confidence to make informed decisions that feel right for you and your family.
Each day, I have the joy of connecting with new parents, sharing my expertise, easing anxieties, and answering all the burning questions (even the ones you might hesitate to ask!). And, of course, we have fun along the way—because preparing for parenthood should be an exciting and empowering experience!
My Values.
Fun - I believe that joy is a vital part of every journey, whether it's pregnancy, parenting, or life's milestones. I bring warmth, humour, and positivity to everything I do, creating a light-hearted and inviting space where people feel comfortable and at ease. Fun isn't just about laughter—it's about finding delight in learning, connection, and growth.
Courage - Stepping into the unknown takes bravery, and I am passionate about guiding others as they navigate these transformative stages of life. Courage is about showing up, even when things feel challenging, and embracing the beauty of vulnerability and strength. I
Empathy - Compassion lies at the heart of all I do. I deeply value understanding and honouring each individual's unique experiences, feelings, and needs. Whether it's offering a listening ear, providing support, or simply being present, I am committed to creating a space where people feel seen, heard, and valued.
Resourcefulness - Life doesn't always go as planned, and that's where resourcefulness shines. I value creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving, especially during the ever-changing journey of pregnancy, birth, and parenthood. Whether it's providing tools, tips, or a fresh perspective, I aim to help others find solutions that work for them.
My Purpose.
To provide fun and welcoming antenatal education that empowers families with knowledge, confidence, and positivity.
I believe Bellies to Babies classes are the best choice for you and your growing family.
And, here’s why:
I have 19 Years of Experience:
Benefit from my extensive experience in antenatal care (I’ve taught over 5500 parents), labour & birth education, and parenting support.
I have a range of Antenatal Class options:
Choose from various classes designed to suit your schedule, preferences, and unique needs - you can check these here
Published Expertise:
Tap into 100+ articles that I’ve had published in the NZ Herald, top pregnancy magazines and other media outlets.
You will be Prepared and Confident:
Gain accurate information so you can make choices that are right for you and align with your values and wishes.
Discount Package Options:
Enjoy special discounts tailored to your specific needs, making our services accessible and affordable. Discover more about these packages here
I am continuous upskilling:
I am always learning and updating my skills, knowledge and practices to deliver the highest quality of care and support for you.
You will make new friends:
Support and connections are paramount to parenthood. Meet other parents due around the same time as yourself and start your coffee group.
You will receive a comprehensive E-book:
Access our e-book jam-packed with valuable information, resources, articles and hints and tips to navigate your pregnancy, labour and birth confidently. Valued at $19.99
You'll be part of an exclusive class Facebook group:
Links, additional resources, and essential information to enhance your learning experience. Stay connected and informed throughout your journey with us!
Our Most Popular Products.
Mums to be are loving the soothing and practical items that offer comfort and support during pregnancy and those precious early weeks. From tools to help you feel more prepared for labour to essentials designed for post-birth recovery, these favourites are tried, tested, and loved by many.
Supporting you through your postnatal journey too.
-
Baby Massage Course
Baby massage offers a complete package of bonding and attachment, incorporating touch, eye contact, voice, smell, movement, and temperature regulation – all essential for your baby's growth and well-being. Not only is baby massage a delightful way to physically connect with your baby, but it also comes with a plethora of benefits that will leave both you and your little one smiling.
-
Baby & Infant First Aid Course
First Aid is an indispensable skill for parents, enabling them to provide assistance during emergencies. Our comprehensive baby and infant first aid course offers hands-on training, covering essential techniques such as Baby & Infant CPR, infant choking, and informative discussions on topics like febrile convulsions and other common childhood issues.
-
Mums and Bubs Craft Coffee Group
Join us for a monthly dose of artistic delight. Our crafts and art projects vary each month, ensuring there's always something exciting for you. It's all about having a good time, meeting other mums, and letting those artistic vibes flow.
The cost? Well, that's the beauty of it – it varies, just like the crafts! So, come on in, meet other incredible mums and join the fun! And, don’t stress if you’ve never picked up a paintbrush, I’m here to show you how to create each activity and lend a hand, come and have some fun!
Don't just take our word for it, here's what others have to say:
My husband and I did both the antenatal classes and the hospital tour and can't rate them high enough. We had heard mixed things about other antenatal classes, but Janine's are great, informative and balanced on topics such as breast/bottle feeding, natural/medicated birth etc. She never made you feel like your questions and choices were being judged. We will recommend her services to everyone - even if they aren't based in Hawkes Bay.
Jessica Jones
“100% recommend Janine and Bellies to Babies for your antenatal classes. She has a wealth of knowledge and a super easy and chill way of delivering in a safe and engaging environment. We met an awesome group of people that we have already created strong friendships as we venture into parenthood together. Thanks so much for everything Janine”.
Isabelle Crawshaw
“The 6 weeks antenatal class with Janine was truely amazing! She adapted it so well to do it online for us with everything going on in the world and made sure everyone still participated. I took a lot away from the sessions (about 8 pages of notes worth) and she has definitely helped me to be more prepared in welcoming my baby into the world! I would definitely recommend ‘from bellies to babies’ to anyone looking for an antenatal class if they want one with a teacher who is truely passionate about what she does and shows her love for it!”.
Rachel Seed
Would highly recommend attending Janine’s Antenatal classes. As first time parents we appreciated attending classes delivered by such a passionate, knowledgeable and down to earth lady. Everything we learnt was relevant and helped us to prepare for parenthood with more confidence! We will continue to recommend these classes to as many people as we can. Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us Janine- you’re amazing!
Andrea Young
“My husband and I have just completed our six-week introduction in how to survive parenting with Janine from Bellies to Babies. We had the BEST group of soon-to-be parents, and I daresay it won't be too long before we're meeting up for cocktails once the babies are earthside. Janine provided a fun and informative program which covers every aspect of newborn parenting, and although we walked away from some classes thinking what have we got ourselves in for; if we hadn't attended we would have an unrealistic outlook on what newborn babies entail!
I can only imagine that our husbands can feel a bit isolated from the physical aspects of pregnancy but Janine did a fantastic job of making them feel included, and in fact, some of the best questions came from the boys. So, if you are looking for a safe space to learn how to raise a baby, where there is no judgment or any question that is too hard to answer, then we highly, highly, highly recommend Janine to help you on your journey”.
Amanda Price
FREE LABOUR PLAYLIST
12 hours of NZ and other artists to uplift, calm, inspire, invigorate and enjoy while you labour at home or hospital.
Check out our other Freebies here.
In the media.
