Feel ready for birth.
Feel steady in early parenthood.
Practical antenatal and early parenting education that helps you stop guessing and start feeling ready.
Learn what's normal, understand your options, and discover practical ways to support each other through labour, birth, and life with a newborn.
Trusted by more than 5,500 parents since 2005
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.
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.
Choose the learning style that works best for you.
5-Week, In-Person Classes (Hawke’s Bay)
Learn, laugh and prepare for birth alongside other expectant parents in a relaxed, supportive environment here in Hawke's Bay.
Boutique Weekend Antenatal Class
Prefer to get everything covered in one weekend? This practical and engaging two-day course helps you feel prepared without spreading learning over several weeks.
Planned Caesarean Birth Education
Preparing for a planned caesarean? Learn what to expect before, during and after birth, and feel more confident about your recovery and early parenting journey.
Self-Paced Antenatal Course
Learn when it suits you. Access practical antenatal education anytime, anywhere and revisit topics as often as you need.
Private Antenatal Education
Looking for personalised support? Enjoy one-on-one education tailored to your pregnancy, questions and birth preferences.
Ready for Birth & Baby Hub (Online, World Wide) $Free
Ongoing support, guidance, and connection you can access anytime.
Perfect if you’re looking for a supportive space to learn, revisit information, and feel less alone as you move through pregnancy and early parenting.
Inside the hub, you’ll find a mix of helpful posts, topic-based learning, checklists, and shared conversations, all designed to support you in a practical, down-to-earth way.
You can explore in your own time, come back to topics as you need, and stay connected as things change and new questions come up.
It’s a relaxed, welcoming space to feel supported, informed, and reassured, whatever stage you’re at.
Live Online Antenatal Classes
Join from anywhere in New Zealand and learn in real time from the comfort of home. Ask questions, connect with other parents and prepare for birth together.
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 or a support person 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.
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.
Ready for Birth & Baby Hub
The Ready for Birth & Baby 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.
In the Media.
