Calmbirth

18/06/2026

BOOK the next Calmbirth course at the RHW on the 20th & 21st June, there are only three spots left in this class. You don’t have to be birthing at the RHW Hospital to do a Calmbirth course there, you just must be pregnant and be between 24 & 34 weeks.
To BOOK go to: https://www.trybooking.com/events/195086/sessions

2026 Calmbirth Upcoming Course dates:
20th & 21st June
4th & 5th July
25th & 26th July
22nd & 23rd August
29th & 30th August
To BOOK go to https://www.trybooking.com/events/195086/sessions

What you will learn:

You will learn how your body works, all the physical & hormonal stages of pregnancy, labour and birth, how to support the beautiful physiology of your body in labour (& how your partner can too!) through mindset and practical tools.

You will learn how to feel CONFIDENT in working with labour (because once you understand it, there’s less fear and more trust!).

You will learn to understand the different possibilities that your labour and birth path may take (and how to work with them). As Calmbirth prepares you for medical interventions and all birth scenarios.

You will learn how to advocate and communicate with care providers about all your birth choices and rights and be empowered by the latest evidence based information to have the birth you want.

You will also learn how to have a positive birth experience and how to work together as a team to achieve it by being equipped with active birth positions, breathing techniques, acupressure for pregnancy, labour and birth, visualisations, and massage techniques.

Rebates are also available from major health care funds.

18/06/2026

naomi & shane's birth story

This birth story has a special place in my heart, as Naomi and Shane attended my very first Calmbirth course.

It was so special to be trusted with their birth preparation when I was still so new to teaching the course, and even more special to hear how much the course helped them.

They had a positive waterbirth at a public hospital with care from a Midwifery Group Practice (MGP) midwife.

18/06/2026

Getting to know Calmbirth Educator, Helen Schmid

My name is Helen and I am a mother to three adult children.

I am a registered nurse and previously worked in midwifery and public health research.

My own birth preparation was with a midwife who ran group classes at her home in Balmain that focused on meditation and visualization which I found very powerful and helpful.

I feel privileged teaching women and their partners and/or support people the Calmbirth program as they prepare to meet their baby, and start their journey as parents.

As a Calmbirth Educator, I aim to support new and experienced parents to feel empowered with increased confidence while navigating birth and early parenthood.

Knowledge is powerful, and understanding your options allows you to make informed choices.

I look forward to meeting you and helping you find confidence, trust, and calm ahead of the most amazing day of your life.

Read the full article 'Getting to know Calmbirth Educator, Helen Schmid' on the Calmbirth website.

17/06/2026

Thank you for another encouraging review.

One of the things I love most about teaching Calmbirth is seeing couples grow in confidence as they learn more about birth, their options, and the practical tools they can use along the way.

Every birth journey is unique, but being informed, prepared and supported can make a real difference to how you approach the experience.

If you're expecting a baby and would like to feel more confident and prepared for birth, I'd love to support you through one of my upcoming classes.

Class dates 2026
June 21 + July 5 (caesarean)
June/July 29+1+6+8
July/August 26+2+9+16
September 8+10+15+17
October 4+11 (refresher)
October 13+15+20+22
Nov/Dec 24+26+1+3

Details and registration
www.calmbirthlaunceston.com

17/06/2026

Earlier this year, Eden Doran, a year 11 Student from Tomaree High School interviewed Karen McClay about what it takes to be a midwife today.

"It is the women and their families that keep me motivated to continue what I am doing. Birth may be a moment in our life as women and parents, but it is a monumental moment and sets the scene for their family’s emotional wellbeing long term."

Read the full article 'What I LOVE about being a Midwife' on the Calmbirth website.

17/06/2026

We are so excited to announce the the Calmbirth courses in New Zealand are now being offered at Birthcare.

These are extra special Calmbirth Classes as they include a site tour of the new primary birthing unit, Whānau Ngā Uri and follow-up classes to further increase confidence, knowledge, birthing tools and a sense of safety.

Next dates for Calmbirth antenatal classes at Birthcare Parnell, Auckland are on:
11 & 12 JULY 2026
12 & 13 SEPTEMBER 2026

These Calmbirth classes are already filling quickly so to avoid mussing out Register now for Calmbirth at Birthcare Parnell, Auckland. (Eligibility criteria applies as this is a Te Toka Tumai partially funded Calmbirth class). To BOOK go to : https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/tools/ppe/

Here is what a recent couple that attended the first Calmbirth course at Birthcare had to say:

"Deb was mīharo in her facilitation of the course. Her manaaki and tautoko throughout made everyone feel at ease and create an environment conducive to learning. Loved her manner, striking the balance between humour and gentle care when needed. Came initially in fear of birth and left feeling empowered. Tēnā koe mō tō aroha me tō manaaki Deb! Will be telling any hapū person I meet that this is a must do course for both māmā and partner. So much useful information for both!"

"I would highly recommend the Calmbirth course! It's hard to put into words the positive impact the experience had on me and my partner. We learnt really useful information and techniques to help through birth and parenting (and also life!). Deb was the most thoughtful facilitator, we could tell she's not only very experienced, but also passionate and caring."

"Interactive +++ Deb was a great educator, enthusiastic and informative. The content of the course was relevant for all types of planned births and was delivered in a relaxed and positive way.

To BOOK a Calmbirth course at Birthcare go to: https://www.healthpoint.co.nz/tools/ppe/

17/06/2026

BOOK the next Calmbirth course at the SAN Hospital on the 26th July & 2nd August. To BOOK This course go to: https://calmbirth.com.au/.../sydney-adventist-hospital.../

This class is filling quickly so make sure you book your spot today. You don’t have to be birthing at the SAN Hospital to do a Calmbirth course there, you just must be pregnant and be between 24 & 34 weeks.

26th July & 2nd August
20th & 27th September
22nd & 29th November
To BOOK go to : https://calmbirth.com.au/.../sydney-adventist-hospital.../

What you will learn:

You will learn how your body works, all the physical & hormonal stages of pregnancy, labour and birth, how to support the beautiful physiology of your body in labour (& how your partner can too!) through mindset and practical tools.

You will learn how to feel CONFIDENT in working with labour (because once you understand it, there’s less fear and more trust!).

You will learn to understand the different possibilities that your labour and birth path may take (and how to work with them). As Calmbirth prepares you for medical interventions and all birth scenarios.

You will learn how to advocate and communicate with care providers about all your birth choices and rights and be empowered by the latest evidence based information to have the birth you want.

You will also learn how to have a positive birth experience and how to work together as a team to achieve it by being equipped with active birth positions, breathing techniques, acupressure for pregnancy, labour and birth, visualisations, and massage techniques.
babies

17/06/2026

My Calmbirth course last weekend was full of wonderfully curious and engaged expectant couples. One of the things I loved most was seeing how much more confident the dads-to-be became once they truly understood their role in supporting their partner through pregnancy, labour, and birth.

As they gained a deeper understanding of what is happening in their partner’s body throughout the journey, many realised just how important and valuable their support can be. They also discovered that there is no single “right” way to give birth. Birth is a unique journey, and informed decisions can be made along the way based on individual circumstances, preferences, and needs.

When parents understand the options available to them and the many practical tools they have to navigate labour and birth together, it can make a profound difference to how they experience the birth of their baby. Watching that confidence grow throughout the course is always incredibly rewarding.
“I LOVED learning about the birthing journey and understanding how the human body supports it. As well as how, I as a father support the partner.”

“I Loved the way Karen explained all the different concepts. It has given me so much confidence and knowledge of how I can best support my partner and baby throughout the whole process.”
“As a soon to be father I had little understanding on how I could be useful before this course. I’m leaving with the knowledge that I’m able to support my partner.”

To BOOK my next Calmbirth course at the Southern Highlands on the 4th & 5th July go to: https://calmbirth.com.au/author/southern-highlands-calmbirth/

Upcoming course dates are on:
4th & 5th July
8th & 9th July
29th & 30th August
12th & 13th September
26th & 27th September
To bOOK go to: https://calmbirth.com.au/author/southern-highlands-calmbirth/

16/06/2026

15/06/2026

BOOK the next Calmbirth course at Campbelltown Hospital on the 21st & 28th June. with Calmbirth Director, Karen McClay. You don’t need to be birthing at Campbelltown to attend — you just need to be pregnant and between 24 and 34 weeks’ gestation.

To BOOK go to: https://calmbirth.com.au/author/campbelltown-hospital/

2026 Dates:
21st & 28th June
19th & 26th July
16th & 23rd August
13th & 20th September

What You’ll Learn in the Calmbirth Program:
• How your body, hormones, and mind work together during pregnancy, labour, and birth.
• Practical tools for labour: breathing techniques, massage, visualisations, active birth positions, and acupressure.
• How to feel confident and calm by understanding the birth process and reducing fear.
• How to work with whatever path your birth may take, including preparation for medical interventions.
• How to advocate for your birth preferences and communicate effectively with your care providers.
• How you and your partner can work as a team to create a positive, empowered birth experience.
Join the most recommended, evidence-based childbirth education program in Australia, trusted by leading obstetricians and midwives.

Spots are limited so book today to avoid missing out by going to https://calmbirth.com.au/author/campbelltown-hospital/