About Me

Hello, I’m Janine. I am an antenatal and postnatal specialist, writer & practitioner.

I am also a mum of three and an aunt of three, and I know that parenting isn’t always easy. This is why providing reassuring, non-judgemental support is so important to me.

Labour and birth is unique for everyone and there isn’t one way or one right way to do it. Birth can be about having realistic expectations, with knowledge and skills so you can manage the challenges, know your options, say what you need and make decisions. Birth preparation with me reflects all of this because birth is personal, it can be unpredictable and interventions can become necessary.

Parenting is a constant learning curve and it can be isolating at times, with feelings of guilt, worry and the challenge of feeling like you are not getting it right. With babies, there are very few quick fixes but acceptance, support, conversations, being listened to, realistic expectations and making small tweaks and changes when needed can all make a difference.

As a mum and a practitioner, I understand the excitement and the challenges of pregnancy, birth and being a parent. I listen to and learn from all the parents I work with and this has a huge impact on my practice.

My approach is to listen, inform, support and reassure. I am honest, open and passionate about working with you as an individual so you can focus on what matters to you and your family.

As well as working with expectant and new parents for over 20 years, I am also a maternity research PPIE Lead and I work with organisations to support parents and members of staff.

“Your experience and no nonsense, kind approach is very rare!”

I possess a unique range of professional qualifications, training & experience

Antenatal Education (University of Beds | 2002-05)
Postnatal Education  (University of Beds | 2008-10)
Doula Training (Nurturing Birth 2009)
SANDS Bereavement Support Training (2016)
Public Involvement And Co-Production (Northumbria University | 2024-25)

“From antenatal care to support when your baby is here, Janine is calm and supportive. She gives confidence when you doubt everything you do!”

Working with me

Pregnancy, birth and becoming a parent is a time of transition, fresh challenges and navigating a world of conflicting information. It’s a really personal time, which is why I focus on you to strengthen your knowledge and to give you more confidence and reassurance with:

• straight-forward antenatal & postnatal information, based on evidence and experience
• encouragement to trust your instincts, to say what you need and to find what works for you and your family
• ongoing support through the challenges that can be part of pregnancy, birth and life with a baby
• realistic expectations and personalised plans
• open and honest conversations
• a focus on wellbeing

“You provide common-sense information, as well as the reassurance and support I need when I am doubting myself and it all feels overwhelming.”

My knowledge

I understand the common themes, as well as many of the individual needs in pregnancy, for and during birth and as parents with a baby. I write and talk about birth, babies and early parenting and I provide support with:

• pregnancy
• pregnancy after loss
• pregnancy & birth again
• vbac
• birth & baby preparation
• labour & birth
• birth recovery
• birth debriefing
• new babies & new parents
• the impact of birth and becoming a parent
• feeding
• baby development & behaviour
• baby sleep
• weaning
• going back to work
• babyloss
• relax & breathe skills
• parent wellbeing

“I always feel like I am getting a balanced and experienced perspective, which makes me feel reassured because you don’t push an agenda!”

I work with parents and organisations everywhere. How can I help you?

Words used to describe working with me

professional – approachable – effective – empowering – skilled – thorough practical – knowledgeable – flexible – reassuring – warm – invaluable instinctive – patient – honest – reliable – considerate – respectful – friendly resourceful – efficient – genuine – compassionate – empathic – supportive helpful – understanding – engaging – motivated – curious