Bellies to Babies Antenatal & Postnatal Classes with Janine Gard

07/10/2025

Did you know this used to be totally normal?

For years, babies were often lifted by their ankles and held upside down right after birth.
Some were even given a few little “spanks” on the bottom to make them cry!

Why did they do that?
Back then, it was believed that:
• Babies needed to cry straight away to clear their lungs
• Holding them upside down would “drain fluids”
• A quick smack would “kickstart” breathing

What we know now:
• Babies naturally begin breathing on their own—no dangling or spanking needed
• The safest, most comforting place for a newborn is skin-to-skin on their parent’s chest
• Quiet, calm breathing is perfectly healthy

Today’s birth care focuses on:
Skin-to-skin contact
Delayed cord clamping
Allowing babies to adjust gently and naturally

No hanging. No spanking.
Just trust the process—and the power of connection.

Times have changed, and thankfully so.
It’s amazing to look back and see how far we’ve come!

If you love learning these little birth facts, give this post a like or share it with someone who would too.

07/10/2025

Ever wish you could just slow down and soak up the little moments with your baby?

That’s exactly what Cuddle & Connect - Baby Sensory & Massage classes are designed for — time to connect, explore, and simply be together.

Each week, we dive into gentle play and baby massage that encourages your little one’s curiosity through touch, sound, and movement. You’ll learn ways to support their development — and yourself — in a calm, supportive environment surrounded by other parents who get it.

As one mum shared, “It was such special one-on-one time with my baby, and a lovely chance to connect with other parents too.”

If this sounds like something your heart (and your baby) would love, come and join us for the next round.
Because sometimes the most meaningful moments are the simplest ones.

Bookings now open — message me or check the link below to find out more.
https://belliestobabies.co.nz/babysensorymassage

06/10/2025

Being a new mum isn’t always easy. If you’re feeling anxious, down, or just not yourself, you don’t have to go through it alone.

Our Post Natal Adjustment Programme (PNAP) is free for māmā with babies under 1, offering practical tools, a safe space, and the support of others who understand.

Our next programme is about to start in Napier, and there are still a couple of spaces available.

🤍Starts 31 October, runs for 6 weeks
🤍Fridays 9.30am-12.30pm
🤍 Baby is welcome
🤍 Free programme

Come and join our small, supportive group led by experienced facilitators. Register your interest or find out more at 👉weavehb.org.nz/events-courses/post-natal-adjustment-programme/

30/09/2025

Have you ever noticed how your baby lights up with just a gentle touch or the sparkle of something new? Babies are born curious, and those early moments of connection shape not only their development but also the bond you share.

That’s where Cuddle & Connect comes in.

These classes are a beautiful blend of baby massage and sensory play — created to give you and your little one calm, joyful moments together. Each week, you’ll learn simple, soothing massage techniques that can help your baby relax, sleep better, and even ease colic or tummy troubles. Alongside this, you’ll dive into playful sensory activities — bubbles, colours, textures, music, and movement — that spark curiosity and gently support your baby’s brain and body development.

But it’s not just about the babies. These classes are about you too. You’ll find a warm, welcoming space to pause, slow down, and connect — both with your baby and with other parents who truly “get it.”

The first trial course has just wrapped up, and now I’m opening bookings for the next round of Cuddle & Connect. Spaces are limited, so if this sounds like the perfect fit for you and your baby, get in touch today to secure your spot.

Because every cuddle strengthens your bond, and every play sparks discovery.

22/09/2025

Have you ever wondered what it’s really like inside the maternity unit before the big day arrives?

So many parents tell me they wish they’d had a chance to see the space ahead of time—to picture where they’ll walk in, where they’ll meet their midwife, and where they’ll finally get to hold their baby. That’s exactly why I run guided tours of our maternity units.

It’s your opportunity to:

Explore the environment where your labour and birth may take place

Ask questions in real time, in a calm and supportive setting

Learn where things are, so you’re not figuring it out between contractions

Take away a sense of familiarity and confidence

These tours aren’t about ticking boxes—they’re about helping you feel more at ease and prepared for one of the biggest days of your life.

Curious about joining a tour? Come along and discover for yourself how valuable it is to see the space, ask your questions, and imagine your own journey unfolding there.

Guided tours every month - upcoming tour - 4th October, Saturday, 10am

17/09/2025

Postnatal Adjustment Programme (PNAP)

This unique group programme offers māmā the opportunity to connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges. Facilitated by qualified and experienced therapists, the free programme provides a safe and supportive environment where mums can learn practical coping strategies and build connections with others. Your baby is welcome.

Duration: 6-8 weeks
Starts: 31st October 2025, 9.30am – 12.30pm
Frequency: 1 session per week
Register your interest here https://weavehb.org.nz/forms/programme-registration-of-interest/

17/09/2025

Oxytocin – Your Body’s Own “Love Hormone”

Did you know that during labour your body makes its very own hormone designed to help you through? It’s called oxytocin, often nicknamed the love hormone.

Here’s what it does:

Gets contractions going and keeps labour moving

Boosts natural pain relief (endorphins)

Helps you feel calmer and less stressed

Encourages bonding with your baby

Assists with birthing the placenta and reducing bleeding

Supports breastfeeding by triggering your milk flow

And the best bit?
Oxytocin flows best when you feel safe, supported, and cared for. Things like dim lighting, soft voices, touch, laughter, and skin-to-skin with your baby all make a difference.

When we understand how oxytocin works, we can set up a birth space that helps our body do exactly what it’s designed to do.

Have you thought about what makes you feel safe and supported in your birth space?

Join my antenatal classes to learn more.

16/09/2025

Baby Sensory and Massage Course – Music & Rhythm🎼

Yesterday’s class was all about rhythm, beat, and movement! Parents and babies explored the magic of music together – singing, patting, rocking, and swaying in time.

Little ones had the chance to shake shakers, rattle rattles, and watch the fun unfold in mirrors. We also added in some gentle hand and arm massage, which is fantastic for developing coordination, body awareness, and connection.

It was such a joy to see babies light up as they discovered new sounds and movements, and parents joining in to make the experience even more special.

Next Term is now open for bookings! If you’d love to join us for more sensory play, music, and connection, secure your spot today – spaces are limited.

15/09/2025

What a fascinating read and a really interesting device to help woman and babies who need a hand to birth. Obviously still more trials, adjusting and training to be done but it has amazing potential.

Argentine car mechanic Jorge Odón got his inspiration after watching a YouTube video about removing a cork from a wine bottle. That little life hack sparked a thought.

What if the same principle could help deliver babies stuck in the birth canal?

Working in his kitchen, he built a prototype using a glass jar for a womb, his daughter’s doll as the baby, and a fabric bag sewn by his wife.

The result became the Odón Device A simple tool where a plastic bag inside a lubricated sleeve grips a baby’s head, allowing safe delivery with a gentle pull.

The World Health Organization quickly recognized its potential and sought to have it produced.

Every year, millions of women and babies face life-threatening complications from obstructed labor. Current tools like forceps and suction can cause serious harm if used incorrectly, especially in rural clinics with limited resources.

The Odón Device, however, can be used safely with minimal training, making it a game-changer for both low-resource settings and even reducing unnecessary C-sections in wealthier countries.

Backed by funding from global health organizations and licensed for production by medical giant BD (Becton, Dickinson and Company),the invention is moving from kitchen counter to clinics worldwide.

What started as a mechanic’s midnight brainstorm might soon transform childbirth and save countless lives.

08/09/2025

Are you preparing for a planned caesarean birth?
Maybe it’s your first baby, or maybe you’ve been here before but want to feel more calm and prepared this time.

That’s exactly why I’ve created the Planned Caesarean Birth Workbook — a 20+ page interactive guide designed to support you and your partner every step of the way.

Inside you’ll find:
✔ Step-by-step guidance for before, during, and after surgery
✔ Hospital packing and recovery checklists
✔ A printable Caesarean Birth Wishes template
✔ Affirmations and calming tools
✔ Journaling prompts and birth story pages
✔ Guidance for partners and support people
✔ Links to extra freebies (recovery plan, affirmations, playlists + more)

Your caesarean birth doesn’t have to feel clinical or overwhelming — with the right tools, it can be calm, supported, and truly memorable.

The workbook is now available exclusively on my website as a downloadable PDF.

💬 Tag a friend who’s preparing for a planned caesarean — this might be exactly what they need.

https://belliestobabies.co.nz/planned-caesarean-section-workbook

03/09/2025

Come and have a look through our Maternity Units - Ata Rangi and Waioha on Saturday.

Register your space: info@belliestobabies.co.nz

24/08/2025

Introducing Cuddle & Connect – A Brand-New Baby Course

Every cuddle strengthens your bond. Every play sparks discovery.

I’m so excited to introduce Cuddle & Connect, a brand-new 6-week course created for parents and their babies (newborn to crawling).

This isn’t just another baby group — it’s a beautiful mix of soothing baby massage and playful sensory activities that will leave you feeling more connected, more confident, and more supported on your parenting journey.

Picture this: bubbles drifting through the air, your baby’s eyes following every sparkle; soft scarves brushing against tiny hands; gentle music filling the room as you learn calming massage strokes that help with colic, digestion, and sleep. It’s a space where you can slow down, tune in, and discover the power of simple moments with your baby — while also meeting other parents who are walking the same path.

Course Structure
Week 1: Rainbow Colours – Leg massage & colourful visual play.
Week 2: Nature Adventure – Foot massage & tactile play with safe natural textures.
Week 3: Music & Rhythm – Arm and hand massage & playful music, rhythm, and song.
Week 4: Under the Sea – Tummy massage & calming sensory play with bubbles and lights.
Week 5: Touch & Textures – Chest and back massage & tactile play with fabrics and textures.
Week 6: Starry Night – Head massage & restful sensory play with lights and soothing sounds.

Why Join?

For babies:
Relieves colic, wind, and sleep troubles.
Supports sensory, motor, and brain development.
Builds relaxation and body awareness.

For parents:
Strengthens the parent–baby bond.
Increases confidence in soothing your baby.
Creates calm, mindful moments in your week.
Connects you with a supportive group of parents.

Course Details

Who: Babies from newborn to crawling
Length: 50–60 minutes per session
Format: 6-week course
Cost: $120 (or casual $25 per session, term (6 week) booking saves $30)
Dates: 7th, 14th, 21st, 28th Oct & 4th, 11th Nov
Time: 10.30am
Booking: info@belliestobabies.co.nz

This is your chance to be part of something new, meaningful, and truly special.
Spaces are limited for the first round of Cuddle & Connect — secure your spot today and join me on this journey of bonding, play, and discovery.