Bellies to Babies Antenatal & Postnatal Classes with Janine Gard
Congratulations, I am so excited for you. You are about to embark on one of life's most exciting journeys - becoming a parent.
Our fun, friendly, and supportive Antenatal & Postnatal Classes are designed to help you and your partner prepare mentally, emotionally, and physically for your incredible journey ahead. My mission has always been to be here for all, and for all to be comfortable, safe, secure, included, informed and empowered. Bellies to Babies Antenatal Classes provide antenatal education, with a range of option
s to suit everyone. My classes are fun, friendly, informative and impartial, you will come away with lots of information and hints and tips and all your questions answered (curly ones included!). Antenatal education is a crucial component of antenatal care. There are many excellent reasons, especially for those experiencing the surprises, curiosity and fears of pregnancy for the first time. They 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 - I will help you create a great support network. Check out our 5 star reviews on Facebook and Google. I'd love you to join me, sign up today :)
Janine x
23/07/2025
Let’s get real for a moment.
No one really tells you just how much postpartum can rock your entire world. It’s not just about the baby—it’s about you. Your body. Your emotions. Your identity. Everything shifts.
One day you feel strong and empowered. The next, you’re in tears over toast or wondering if you’ll ever feel like yourself again.
💬 Did you feel blindsided by the emotional rollercoaster?
💬 What’s been the hardest or most surprising part for you?
💬 What helped (or is helping) you feel more like you again?
Let’s open up this conversation. Whether you’re in it right now or have walked through it before—your voice matters, and someone out there probably needs to hear that they’re not alone.
👇 Share your thoughts or experiences in the comments. You never know who you’ll help just by being honest.
23/07/2025
Pregnant and uncomfortable? Let’s fix that.
Growing a tiny human is no small job—and let’s be honest, your back, hips, and belly know it! If you’re finding it hard to get comfy, especially at night, it might be time for a little extra support (the cosy kind).
My extra-long pregnancy wheat bags are here to help:
✔ Ease back and hip pain
✔ Soothe tired muscles
✔ Help you sleep better
✔ Calm with the gentle scent of dried lavender
✔ Support you during labour and beyond
Made with 100% cotton, filled with wheat and dried lavender, these are handcrafted with love right here in Hawke’s Bay by someone who gets the pregnancy journey (yep, that’s me!).
If you've been thinking “I should get one…” – this is your sign.
Your body deserves comfort. You deserve support.
Birth isn’t just clinical. It’s not just about dilation charts, hospital gowns, or being told when to push.
It’s ancient.
It’s wild.
It’s deeply human.
Primal birth is when you stop trying to “perform” and start listening to your body.
It’s when you drop the pressure to be quiet, composed, or “ladylike”… and instead you breathe, moan, rock, roar, cry, sway, or squat your way through each contraction.
It might not look like the movies.
It might not sound like the birth books.
But it’s REAL.
Whether it’s in water, in a hospital, at home, or wherever you feel safe—primal birth is about trusting yourself.
About letting go of what you think birth should be, and stepping into the powerful force of what it actually is.
Birth is messy.
Birth is loud.
Birth is sacred.
Birth is YOURS.
Let’s normalise birth in all its wild, beautiful, powerful forms.
30/06/2025
Did you know my website is bursting with blog resources just for you?
Whether you're knee-deep in pregnancy prep, navigating the early days with a newborn, or figuring out your new normal—I've got you covered.
You'll find:
✔️ Practical tips for labour and birth
✔️ Honest chats about the baby blues
✔️ Third trimester comfort hacks
✔️ Newborn care advice
✔️ Emotional support & real-life stories
✔️ Checklists, freebies, and more
✨ I’ve poured my heart (and years of experience!) into these blogs to support you every step of the way. So grab a cuppa, pop over for a read, and feel free to share your favourites with a friend who might need them too 💛
When a new baby arrives, the focus naturally shifts to feeding, sleeping, nappies, and cute little outfits. Everyone wants to know:
“How’s the baby?”
But not nearly enough people are asking:
“How are you?”
Because the truth is… you were born, too.
Not just a baby. A parent. A whole new version of you.
And that shift? It’s big. It’s beautiful. It’s hard.
It’s okay if you’re still finding your feet.
It’s okay to cry, to reflect, to need a village.
It’s okay to say, “I’m not sure who I am right now.”
Your healing, your identity, and your experience matter—just as much as your baby’s.
So if no one has checked in today:
💛 How are you, really?
18/06/2025
Something shifts when you realise you’re the one they’ll look to in an emergency.
Not someone else. You!
Just you — with your hands, your instincts, and whatever you know in that moment.
That’s why this course matters.
It’s not about ticking a box. It’s about building calm into the chaos.
It’s about knowing what to do if your baby chokes.
If they stop breathing.
If something feels wrong and you want to act — not freeze.
You’ll practise. You’ll ask questions. You’ll get it wrong (then get it right).
And you’ll leave more confident than you expected.
Just you — with your hands, your heart, and whatever you know in that moment.
That’s why this course matters.
June 24th 5.30 - 7.30pm
For parents, grandparents, caregivers — anyone who wants to feel steady when the unexpected happens.
Message me to book your spot - 022 637 0624
10/06/2025
Becoming a new dad is a life-changing event. The father’s role in the family has changed dramatically over the past few decades. Today, dads are much more involved, both in the practicalities of parenting and in building their relationship with their baby.
Many new dads experience some trouble adjusting to parenthood.
Even when change is positive, it can still be challenging. Having mixed and complex emotions as an expecting or new dad is completely normal, but these can be confronting emotions to manage.
This week is Men's Mental Health Week.
Take the mental health checklist below, to see if what you’re experiencing or observing in a loved one could be a reason to seek help. ❤
Expecting a baby and being a new dad can be an exciting and challenging times. We’re here to help
27/05/2025
Join me for a comprehensive guided tour of the maternity units – perfect for any expectant parents wanting to feel confident, calm, and ready for their big day!
This is more than just a basic walk-through – it’s a chance to really explore the space, understand how things work, and take away some of the unknowns that can add stress when labour begins.
💛 What you’ll gain from the tour:
A real look inside the birth rooms, postnatal spaces, and common areas
Hands-on learning – find out how to adjust the bed, use the shower, and key equipment
Learn what the hospital provides (and what you might want to pack yourself)
Discover how to check in, who to speak to, and what to expect on arrival
Ask all those “what if?” questions you didn’t even know you had
Boost your birth confidence by knowing the space in advance
If you haven’t already registered, I’d love to have you join me.
Email me at info@belliestobabies.co.nz to secure your spot.
Let’s take the mystery out of maternity and make you feel right at home before baby arrives 💛
19/05/2025
Curious about doulas in New Zealand?
Discover what birth and postpartum doulas do, how they differ from midwives, the benefits of hiring one, and what to ask when choosing your own.
Read my latest blog here:
Thinking about hiring a doula in New Zealand? Learn what a doula does, how they support your pregnancy, birth, and postpartum journey, and why so many parents are choosing to include a doula in their birth team. This blog breaks down the difference between doulas and midwives, the benefits of conti
13/05/2025
The latest Bellies to Babies Newsletter is out!
Inside:
A peek into my new book and birth stories
Snuggly pregnancy wheat bags
Thinking of bringing back Mums and Bubs Art Coffee Group - keen?
Celebrating 20 years of Bellies to Babies!!!
This May marks 20 years of Bellies to Babies supporting parents through pregnancy, birth, and beyond… and we’re celebrating by giving YOU something incredibly special 💝
Book any Antenatal class (in person), this May and receive a FREE handcrafted Placenta Cocoon, generously donated by our friends at Earth Friendly Cocoons.
Placenta burial is a beautiful tradition embraced by cultures all over the world — a way to honour your baby’s first home and create a lasting connection to their birth journey. Each biodegradable cocoon is crafted with love and care, designed to support a gentle and meaningful ceremony.
Offer valid for all bookings made from 1–31 May 2025
No codes, no catches — just our heartfelt thanks❤❤❤❤
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Contact The Practice
Send a message to Bellies to Babies Antenatal & Postnatal Classes with Janine Gard:
You are at the beginning of such an exciting journey......
From Bellies to Babies Antenatal Classes provides face to face antenatal education throughout Hawke’s Bay, along with LIVE, interactive online classes available from Cape Reinga to Bluff in the comfort of your own home. My classes are fun, friendly, informative and impartial, you will come away with lots of information and hints and tips and all your questions answered.
Hey there, if we haven’t met yet, I’m Janine - a Diploma Qualified Birth Educator (qualified in 2005 with Aoraki Polytechnic), a mum, an artist and lover of flowers and plants (61 plants and counting)!
I have 15+ years of experience in facilitating and teaching Antenatal Education to parents-to-be in the public and private sectors. During this time I have had the pleasure of educating over 3000 parents wanting to know all their options during labour, birth and parenting.
I am passionate about giving you all the information you need to make informed choices, and how to create a safe, comfortable and welcoming environment for you to labour and birth in. Contact doesn’t stop when classes finish either, I feel it is important to continue the friendship, support and encouragement after baby is born - I love baby snuggles too! I keep in contact with all my classes and catch up with them during the year.
With lots of different class options, there’s something suitable for you. Mainstream 6 week classes are held throughout the year in Napier, Hastings and Havelock North, Private Consultations - One on One sessions, Boutique Weekend Classes are held in Napier and Havelock North throughout the year and LIVE interactive online 5 week classes throughout the year and available to everyone in New Zealand.
Please feel free to contact me directly for more information.
Bookings are essential, my classes are very popular and do fill up quickly, so please make contact early in your pregnancy to secure your place (after 14 weeks).
I am also an Internationally Qualified Baby Massage Instructor. Teaching parents a combination of Indian and Swedish massage strokes, reflexology and gentle yoga stretches to help support you and your baby.
