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 with captions.
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.
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.
5-Week In-Person Classes
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
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
Preparing for a caesarean birth deserves just as much intention and care.
This 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
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
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.
Support Pathways for Pregnancy, Birth and Early Parenting Confidence
At Bellies to Babies we know every family’s journey is different. From essential birth preparation to personalised guidance and postnatal support, our clear support pathways help you feel confident, calm and prepared for pregnancy, labour and the early weeks with your baby. Choose the pathway that fits where you are right now and take the next step in your parenting journey.
Sprout — Essential Preparation
Build your foundation with birth preparation and newborn safety skills.
Blossom — Nurture and Confidence
Expand your preparation with baby sensory skills, comforting tools and connection.
Grow — Comprehensive Support
Gain practical preparation + comfort tools and personalised planning for birth.
Flourish — Premium Confidence & Personalised Support
Feel supported every step with postnatal follow-up, priority messaging and confidence tools.
Find the Right Antenatal Class for Your Due Date
We’ve organised our antenatal classes by due date so you can join a group that matches your timing — ensuring the most useful preparation before your baby arrives.
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Autumn arrivals ahead!
These classes will have just the right timing to settle into your third trimester feeling confident and calm. We’ll cover everything from labour and birth prep to newborn care, feeding, and life after baby.Upcoming options:
5 Week In-Person Antenatal Class: 4th March - 1st April Wednesday’s 5.30 - 7.30pmLive, Online Antenatal Class - NZ Wide: 5th March - 2nd April Thursday’s 5.30 - 7.30pm
Boutique Weekend Antenatal Class: 16th & 17th May 9.00am - 1.30pm
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Cooler months, cosy prep.
Join a class in early autumn to finish before the winter chill sets in. You’ll have plenty of time to organise baby gear and practise your birth and comfort techniques before meeting your winter baby.Upcoming options:
5 Week In-Person Antenatal Class: 22nd April - 20th May Wednesday’s 5.30 - 7.30pmLive, Online Antenatal Classes - NZ Wide: 23rd April - 21st May Thursday’s 5.30 - 7.30pm
Private Options: Private consultations are scheduled at a time that suits you — just let us know your preference.
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Planning for a spring baby?
These classes are timed for late winter completion, so you’re confident, rested, and ready for your little one’s arrival.Upcoming options:
5 Week In-Person Antenatal Class: 17th June - 15th July or 5th Aug - 2nd Sept Wednesday’s 5.30 - 7.30pm
Self-Paced Online: Anytime - 6 month access
Live, Online Antenatal Classes - NZ Wide: 18th June - 16th July
Private Consultations: Private consultations are scheduled at a time that suits you — just let us know your preference.
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Spring into parenthood prepared.
These courses are for families due towards the end of the year, ensuring you finish your sessions before the holiday season begins.
A great time to connect with other expectant parents who’ll be welcoming babies around the same time.Upcoming options:
5 Week In-Person Antenatal Class: 5th Aug - 2nd Sept or 23rd Sept - 21st Oct Wednesday’s 5.30 - 7.30pmLive, Online Antenatal Classes - NZ Wide: 6th August - 3rd Sept or 24th Sept - 22nd Oct Thursday’s 5.30 - 7.30pm
Private Sessions: Private consultations are scheduled at a time that suits you — just let us know your preference.
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Get ready for a festive season baby.
These classes are designed for parents expecting a little one as the year winds down. You’ll finish your course well before the busy holiday period, giving you time to slow down, prepare your birth space, and soak up the excitement of your final weeks.Upcoming options:
Boutique Weekend Antenatal Class: 28th & 29th Nov Saturday and Sunday 9.00 - 1.30pm5 Week In-Person Antenatal Class: 11th Nov - 9th Dec Wednesday’s 5.30 - 7.30pm
Live, Online Antenatal Classes - NZ Wide: 12th Nov - 10th Dec Thursday’s 5.30 - 7.30pm
Private Consultations: Private consultations are scheduled at a time that suits you — just let us know your preference.
Why Families Choose Us for Pregnancy & Early Parenting Support
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Experienced,Trusted Guidance
Learn from a provider with 20+ years of experience and thousands of families supported.
Your preparation is shaped by real-world practice and depth of understanding — not just theory -
![Two hands holding a string of glowing fairy lights against a pale blue background.]()
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, Supportive Community
Connect with other parents who are expecting around the same time.
Sharing experiences and learning together reduces overwhelm and builds supportive bonds -
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Flexible, Accessible Support
Attend in-person or online classes, with options to suit your schedule and location.
Whether you’re local to Hawke’s Bay or across New Zealand, you’ll find a style that works for you. -
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Comprehensive Postnatal Confidence
Support doesn’t stop at birth — tailored follow-ups help you transition into early parenting.
From newborn care insights to confidence-boosting tools, you get continuity, not a one-off -
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Trusted by Families & Professionals
We combine evidence-informed practice with real client success stories and testimonials.
Social proof and real experiences help reassure visitors and build credibility.
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 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.
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.
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
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
