Fun, friendly, informative, impartial, and supportive Antenatal & Postnatal Classes.
Congratulations, it’s such an exciting time.
Babies don’t come with a manual but I’ve got you covered.
Welcome to Bellies to Babies Antenatal & Postnatal Classes, your hub for fun, friendly, supportive, and informative face-to-face classes, live, interactive online antenatal classes, self-paced online antenatal classes , pregnancy and labour coaching and postnatal programs. Our array of classes and programs caters to everyone, ensuring there's something for all.
Antenatal classes are a crucial component of antenatal care. and there are many important reasons to engage in antenatal and postnatal education, especially for those experiencing the surprises, curiosity and fears of pregnancy for the first time. These antenatal classes will help you and your partner, prepare yourselves mentally, emotionally and physically for your journey to parenthood. Making connections with other parents due around the same time as yourselves is equally important.
Discovering you're pregnant is a feeling like no other, and while no one can fully prepare you for it, we can certainly equip you for the journey that lies ahead – from pregnancy to birth to those cherished (if sometimes exhausting) initial weeks with your newborn.
As a special gift to all expectant parents that book antenatal classes with us, you'll receive a fantastic 40-page e-book.
Think of it as your go-to companion, bursting with invaluable hints, practical tips, and helpful resources to navigate the stages of pregnancy, labour, and parenting. We've even set aside some space for you to scribble down your thoughts and discoveries along the way.
These classes are in high demand and often fill up quickly. To secure your spot, it's wise to book early (after 14 weeks) in your pregnancy.
Upcoming Antenatal Classes.
4 Week Antenatal & Postnatal Program
This four-week program takes place on Wednesday nights and covers a wide range of essential topics to empower you with knowledge and confidence as you prepare for labour, birth and parenting you little one.
Class 4 - 3rd July - 24th July - perfect if you’re due Aug/Sept
Hi, I’m Janine Gard - a Diploma Qualified Birth & Parenting Specialist.
I help parents prepare themselves mentally, emotionally and physically for their journey to parenthood and I love what I do! I’ve taught over 5500 people during the 18 years I’ve been facilitating antenatal and postnatal education.
I stand firmly in the camp that admires the remarkable capabilities of the female body in creating, nurturing, birthing, and nourishing babies.
However, I'm not against intervention or pain relief!
I see my role is giving you accurate information so you can make choices that align with your values and wishes.
Every day I get to meet, connect and chat with people and parents, educate and empower, ease a few fears, worries and concerns, answer loads of questions (curly ones included) and generally have fun.
What’s not to love?
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 40-Page E-book:
Access our exclusive e-book jam-packed with valuable information, resources, articles and hints and tips to navigate your pregnancy, labour and birth confidently.
You'll be part of an exclusive class Facebook group:
This is where I'll regularly share links, additional resources, and essential information to enhance your learning experience. Stay connected and informed throughout your journey with us!
Our services:
Antenatal Classes & Master Class
Fun, friendly, informative, impartial, and supportive Antenatal classes. I will provide you with the latest research and information to equip you to make the right choices for you and your family.
Online Antenatal Course - Self-Paced.
This self-paced Online Antenatal Course will equip you and your partner, with the knowledge to approach your birth confident, supported, informed and prepared in an unbiased, inclusive approach.
Free e-book included: jam-packed with extra resources, hints and tips and space for you to write your notes.
Postnatal Programs.
Parenting is so much easier with friends. We have a range of postnatal options to support you through the 4th Trimester.
1:1 Online Pregnancy & Labour Coaching.
Providing you and your partner support, helping build confidence and your knowledge base throughout your pregnancy and in preparation for labour and birth, sharing tools to develop your communication skills if you need to make decisions during your pregnancy and/or labour.
Gaining clarity on your birth preferences, exploring the fourth trimester and preparing you both for the postnatal period and the transition into parenthood. E-book, resources and info, freebies, birth story keepsake and much more.
8 weeks
1 hour per week
Online, live and interactive
Personalised
Supporting you through your postnatal journey too.
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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.
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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.
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Mums and Bubs Art & 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.
