Meet Janine Gard.

Hello! I’m Janine Gard, a Diploma-Qualified Birth Educator with nearly 20 years of experience empowering families on their parenting journey. Since founding Bellies to Babies Antenatal and Postnatal Classes, I’ve had the privilege of supporting over 5,500 families through pregnancy, birth, and early parenthood.

Why I Do What I Do

My passion for antenatal education began with my own life-changing journey into motherhood. During my first labour, I felt unheard and overwhelmed, but my incredible Midwife guided me through with compassion and care. I was in awe of the pregnancy and labour and birth process too. That experience inspired me to leave an 11-year career in floristry and dedicate myself to supporting families during this transformative time.

I understand that navigating pregnancy and parenthood can feel exciting, daunting, and everything in between. My goal is to ease your worries, answer your questions, and help you feel confident, empowered, and prepared—all while having a bit of fun along the way!

What Sets Bellies to Babies Apart

At Bellies to Babies, we do things differently:

- A Fun and Welcoming Approach: My classes are designed to make learning enjoyable, breaking down complex topics with humour, warmth, and relatable advice.

- Empathy at the Core: I create a safe and inclusive space where every question is welcome, and every experience is valued.

- Resourceful Tools for Real Life: From practical tips to e-resources, I provide solutions that are easy to apply in the real world.

What I Believe

My values guide everything I do:

- Fun: Learning about birth and parenting shouldn’t feel like a chore! Together, we laugh, learn, and create a positive experience.

- Courage: It takes bravery to embark on this journey, and I’m here to help you find confidence in every decision.

- Empathy: Your story matters. I’m here to listen, support, and understand.

- Resourcefulness: Life doesn’t come with a manual, but my classes and tools will help you feel prepared for whatever comes next.

My Vision

I envision a world where every family feels informed, supported, and empowered as they transition into parenthood. Joining one of my classes means becoming part of a community that celebrates your unique journey while equipping you with the tools to navigate it with confidence.

More About Me

When I’m not teaching, I’m an artist, lover of flowers and plants, and proud mum to two incredible young adults. My amazing partner and I are currently building our dream home, which is its own adventure!

I also run Earth Friendly Cocoons, where I handcraft biodegradable cocoons for the burial of placentas, angel babies, and cremated ashes—a project close to my heart.

I’ve written over 100 articles for the NZ Herald and leading pregnancy and parenting magazines, and I continuously upskill through workshops and seminars to stay at the forefront of antenatal and postnatal education.

Let’s Connect!

I’d love to be part of your journey. Whether you’re expecting your first baby or adding to your family, I’m here to guide and support you. Feel free to reach out with any questions or feedback—I’d love to hear from you.

Warm regards,

Janine x