Meet Janine Penny

Hi, I’m Janine Penny— a Diploma-Qualified Birth Educator with over 21years of experience helping families across New Zealand feel confident, informed, and ready for life with a baby.

As the founder of Bellies to Babies Antenatal and Postnatal Classes, I’ve supported more than 5,700 parents through pregnancy, labour, and those first wild, wonderful weeks of parenthood. My mission? To keep things real, fun, and relatable — because learning about birth and parenting shouldn’t feel clinical or overwhelming.

Why I Do What I Do

My passion for antenatal education began with my own journey into motherhood. During my first labour, I felt unheard and unsure - until my incredible midwife guided me through with compassion and care. That experience changed everything.

I left an 11-year career in floristry and retrained to become a Birth Educator, determined to make sure other parents felt supported, informed, and empowered. Two decades later, I still believe that preparation for birth and parenthood should be evidence-based, practical, and sprinkled with humour and honesty.

Pregnancy is exciting and emotional (sometimes all in the same day!), and I love helping parents feel calm, capable, and connected - not just to the process, but to each other.

Keeping It Real

My classes are packed with real-world advice, useful tools, and honest discussions — no fluff, no judgement, and plenty of laughter. We talk about the good, the tough, and everything in between, because birth and parenting are beautifully imperfect journeys.

Whether you join me in person in Hawke’s Bay or take part in one of my Live online antenatal courses from anywhere in NZ, you’ll leave feeling prepared, confident, and supported.

My Love of Writing

When I’m not teaching, you’ll find me writing. Over the years, I’ve written more than 100 published articles for the NZ Herald and top pregnancy and parenting magazines. I also write regular blogs for my website, sharing down-to-earth insights, expert advice, and little reminders that you’re doing better than you think.

I’m also the author of More Than Birth, a book I’ve been quietly working on that brings together years of supporting families through pregnancy, birth and those first weeks with a new baby.

It’s written to feel much like the way I teach: practical, reassuring, honest and without making you feel like there’s one “right” way to do things.

More Than Birth is coming soon.

I love using words to inform, inspire, and spark those “aha!” moments that make this whole journey a little easier.

A Little More About Me

Outside of Bellies to Babies, I’m an artist, plant lover, and Mum to two incredible young adults.

My Husband and I are currently building our dream home - a project full of mud, laughter, and lessons in patience!

I also own Earth Friendly Cocoons, where I handcraft biodegradable cocoons for the burial of placentas, angel babies, ashes and memorial angels - a heartfelt project connecting love, loss, and nature.

I’m also a co-founder of The Mama Hub, a Hawke’s Bay community created to make it easier for women and families to find trusted local support through pregnancy, birth, the postnatal months and the early years.

The Mama Hub brings together local professionals, services, classes and groups in one place, while also creating opportunities for families and the people supporting them to connect.

Let’s Connect

If you’re looking for antenatal classes and pregnancy education you can actually relate to, I’d love to be part of your journey.

Reach out anytime - I’m always happy to chat, share advice, or point you to a blog post that might help.

Chat soon,

Janine x