Feel ready for birth.
Feel steady in early parenthood.
Antenatal and early parenting education that helps you stop guessing and start feeling ready.
You’ll learn what’s normal, what choices you actually have, and how to support each other through labour, birth, and those intense early days with a newborn - without fear, fluff, or judgement. Pick the format that fits your life: in-person in Hawke’s Bay, live online NZ-wide, or self-paced learning.
Over 5,500 parents supported over the past 20 years
Preparing for birth and becoming a parent can bring excitement, questions, uncertainty - sometimes all at once. You don’t need to have everything figured out. You need clear information, steady support, and space to build confidence at your own pace.
At Bellies to Babies, I support parents through pregnancy, labour, birth and the early weeks with practical, real-world education that actually makes sense. My approach is warm, evidence-informed and non-judgemental - focused on helping you feel calmer, clearer and more capable as you move through this transition.
Through antenatal classes, hands-on workshops, and personalised support options, you’ll gain tools you can use, conversations that matter, and reassurance you can return to.
Some parents join one class and feel sorted. Others prefer layered support across pregnancy and early parenting. There’s no “right” way to prepare — only what feels right for you.
This isn’t about knowing everything or doing it perfectly.
It’s about feeling supported enough to trust yourselves, ask questions, and move forward with confidence.
Choose Your Antenatal Class
5-Week In-Person Classes (Hawke’s Bay) $275
A relaxed, supportive space where we meet weekly and build knowledge step-by-step.
Perfect if you enjoy connection, conversation, and learning alongside other parents. Over five evenings, we cover pregnancy, labour, birth, pain relief options, partner support, newborn care, recovery, and those early weeks at home.
It’s comprehensive, interactive, and designed to build confidence gradually.
Boutique Weekend Intensive (Hawke’s Bay) $275
A focused, small-group experience over one weekend.
Perfect if time is tight or you prefer immersive learning. We cover everything you need in a supportive, engaging format - practical, clear, and confidence-building.
Small numbers mean more personalised support and space for deeper discussion.
Planned Caesarean Section Course (Live, Online, NZ Wide) $325
Preparing for a caesarean birth deserves just as much intention and care.
This private live, online course walks you through what to expect before, during, and after surgery - including recovery, partner roles, early bonding, and practical tips to feel calm and informed.
Because feeling prepared matters, whatever your birth pathway.
Private Consultations (Hawke’s Bay & Live, Online NZ Wide) $375
Tailored support, completely personalised to you.
These sessions are ideal if you:
• Want focused one-on-one preparation
• Have specific medical considerations
• Feel anxious and want extra reassurance
• Prefer privacy over group learning
We shape the session around your questions, your preferences, and your circumstances - so you leave feeling clear and genuinely ready.
Live Online Classes (NZ Wide) $245
All the same trusted content - from the comfort of your own home.
Ideal if you’re outside Hawke’s Bay, juggling busy schedules, or simply prefer learning online. These sessions are interactive and welcoming, with plenty of opportunity to ask questions and connect.
Real education. Real support. No travel required.
Bellies to Babies Antenatal Education Designed for Real Life
However you want to prepare for birth, there’s an option that fits your schedule, your learning style, and your level of support.
All classes are evidence-based, practical, and down-to-earth - with honest conversations, real tools, and space to ask the questions you might be Googling at 3am.
Who the Classes Are For
These classes are designed for expectant parents preparing for birth and early parenting. Many of the parents who attend are expecting their first baby, but anyone wanting clear, practical preparation is welcome.
Partners and support people are strongly encouraged to attend. Birth and early parenting work best when you feel like a team, and these classes help both of you understand what to expect and how to support each other.
In-Person Class Size
Classes are intentionally kept small, with a maximum of 12 couples for both the 5-week courses and boutique weekend intensives.
Smaller groups create a relaxed environment where conversations flow naturally, questions feel easy to ask, and everyone has space to participate without feeling overwhelmed.
What the Classes Feel Like
My teaching style is relaxed, practical and interactive. We talk through real-life scenarios, explore different options for labour and birth, and practise simple techniques that can help during labour and in the early weeks with your baby.
You can expect:
• clear, evidence-informed information
• practical demonstrations and hands-on learning
• open conversations and honest discussions
• plenty of time for questions
• no awkward icebreakers, tests, or pressure
What You’ll Learn
Understand the stages of labour
Learn what’s happening in your body, what to expect as labour progresses, and how to recognise when things are moving forward.
Support your body during birth
Discover practical ways to work with your body during labour, including movement, positioning, comfort techniques, and partner support.
Make informed decisions
Understand common procedures and pain relief options so you can ask questions, weigh your choices, and make decisions that feel right for you.
Care for your newborn
Build confidence with the basics of early baby care, including feeding, soothing, sleep patterns, and what is normal in the first weeks.
Navigate early parenting
Prepare for the transition into life with a new baby, including recovery, adjusting as a family, and finding your rhythm in the early days.
See the full list of topics covered.
With over 20 years’ experience and more than 5,500 parents supported, the focus is always on helping you feel calmer, clearer and more confident as you prepare for birth and life with your baby.
Upcoming Antenatal Classes
Classes run throughout the year in Hawke’s Bay and online across New Zealand.
Why Families Choose Bellies to Babies for Pregnancy, Early Parenting & On-Going Support
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Experienced, Trusted Guidance
With over 20 years of experience and more than 5,500 families supported, your preparation is guided by real experience and practical understanding — not just theory.
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Practical Skills You Use
Focus on skills you can apply in labour and early parenting, not just information.
From comfort strategies to newborn care and safety, our classes build confidence through doing and knowing -
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Warm, Practical Teaching
Classes are relaxed, supportive, and designed to make complex information feel manageable. Expect real conversations, practical tools, and space to ask questions.
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Options That Fit Your Life
Choose from in-person classes in Hawke’s Bay, Live online classes available across New Zealand, self-paced learning, or private consultations.
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Clear, Evidence-Informed Education
You’ll learn how birth works, what your options are, and how to make decisions that feel right for you and your baby.
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Support Beyond the Class
Your preparation doesn’t end when the class finishes. The Bellies to Babies Support Hub gives you access to resources, guidance, and a place to reconnect whenever you need it.
Hi, I’m Janine Penny
This video gives you a quick look at who I am, how I teach, and what you can expect from my classes. If you’re after real, practical support and a friendly, down-to-earth approach to pregnancy, birth, and early parenting - you’re in the right place.
My Values.
Fun – I bring warmth, humour, and joy to learning, making every session feel relaxed, real, and full of connection.
Courage – I help parents face the unknown with confidence, strength, and an open heart.
Empathy – I listen, support, and create space where every parent feels seen, heard, and valued.
Resourcefulness – I share practical tools and fresh ideas to help parents adapt, grow, and thrive through every stage.
Ongoing Support & Helpful Resources for Your Pregnancy & Parenting Journey
Parenting is a journey that doesn’t end with a class - and neither does our support. From practical workshops and tools to postnatal guidance and trusted tips, we’re here to help you feel confident, supported and ready for what’s next.
Workshops & Special Sessions
Learn practical skills beyond basics
From infant emergency confidence to sensory and massage techniques - these hands-on workshops help you feel grounded and ready for real-life moments with your baby.
Tools that nurture body and mind
Our comfort tools - from pregnancy wheat bags to calming accessories - are chosen to help you feel physically and emotionally supported.
Comfort Tools & Thoughtful Products
Guides, Tips & Trusted Information
Helpful resources when you need them
Access curated guides and trustworthy information on pregnancy, parent wellbeing and early parenting so you never feel alone.
The Bellies to Babies Support Hub
The Bellies to Babies Support Hub is an online community where you can ask questions, access resources, and connect with other parents navigating the same journey.
You’re welcome whether you’ve attended a Bellies to Babies class or you’re simply looking for supportive, evidence-based guidance.
Helpful Guides & Articles for Your Pregnancy and Early Parenting Journey
Explore trusted, evidence-based articles written from years of teaching experience - from pregnancy and labour insights to newborn care and postnatal support. These guides are here to help you learn, feel confident and stay connected at every stage.
Featured Blogs:
Your Postnatal Recovery Plan: Rest, Repair, and Rebalance: Gentle, practical steps to support healing after birth — body and mind.
Read the full guide
Understanding Labour Induction: Benefits, Risks, and the Role of the Bishop’s Score: Clear, evidence-based insights if induction is part of your plan.
Read the full guide
What do labour contractions feel like?: All your questions answered - what are they, what do they feel like and how long do they last. Read the full guide
Optimizing Baby’s Position: Tips for Easier Labour and Birth: Actionable tips to help support your baby into optimal birth position.
Read the full guide
Everything You Need to Know About Epidurals: Balances benefits and considerations so you can make informed choices.
Read the full guide
A Letter from Your Newborn: Reassuring reflections on early newborn life and connection.
Read the full article
Embracing Fatherhood: The Realities of Becoming a Dad: Support and perspective for new fathers on the parenting journey.
Read the full guide
Helpful Comfort Tools - Designed to Support You Through Pregnancy, Birth and Early Parenting
You’re more than a birthing body - you’re a whole person. These hand-selected comfort tools are crafted to support you physically and emotionally through pregnancy, labour, birth and the early postpartum weeks. From warming wheat bags to soothing sprays and gentle tools, everything here is chosen with your comfort in mind
