Hello, I’m Janine. As a birth educator, postnatal group leader, doula, writer & advisor, I am an antenatal and postnatal specialist.
I am also a mum of three and an aunt of three, and I know that parenting isn’t easy. This is why providing personalised, non-judgemental support is so important to me.
Labour and birth is unique for everyone and there isn’t one way or a right way to do it. Birth is 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, it can be pretty isolating at times, with guilt, worry and the challenge of feeling like you are not getting it right. There are very few quick fixes and I believe in acceptance, getting the right support when you need it; laughter; being listened to; being honest; having realistic expectations and in making small tweaks and changes when needed.
As a mum and an experienced 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.
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 better support parents.
I possess a unique range of professional qualifications and training…
Antenatal Education (University of Beds | 2002-05)
Postnatal Education (University of Beds | 2008-10)
Doula Training (Nurturing Birth 2009)
Infant Massage Instructor Training (IAIM 2010)
ASC Life Skills Coach (2015-2016)
SANDS Bereavement Support Training (2016)
“From antenatal care to support when your baby is here, Janine is calm and supportive. She gives confidence when you doubt everything you do!”
Why work 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 strengthening your knowledge and to give you more confidence and reassurance with:
straight-forward antenatal & postnatal information, based on evidence and experience
With a foundation of knowledge you will know more about how birth and babies work and where the challenges can lie, so you can think about what you might need.
encouragement to trust your instincts, to say what you need and to find what works for you and your family
So you are focused on individual needs for you and your family.
ongoing support through the challenges that can be part of pregnancy, birth and life with a baby
By listening and giving ongoing support so you don’t feel like you are doing this on your own.
realistic expectations and personalised plans
With a greater understanding of birth and babies you can prepare and tailor strategies to you and your family.
open and honest conversations
Because these are crucial for talking, sharing and offloading
a focus on wellbeing
So you can also prioritise looking after you and the needs of your family.
“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 the individual needs throughout pregnancy, for and during birth and as parents with a baby.
- pregnancy
- pregnancy after loss
- pregnancy & birth again
- vbac
- birth & baby preparation
- labour & birth
- birth recovery
- birth debriefing
- new babies & new parents
- feeding
- baby development & behaviour
- baby sleep
- weaning
- going back to work
- baby massage
- babyloss
- relax & breathe skills
- parent wellbeing
- babies and parents during the first year
- the impact of birth and becoming a parent
My antenatal & postnatal experience
- small group and 1:1 sessions with parents
- birth and postnatal doula support
- creating and facilitating courses and workshops
- writing and editing posts, articles, resources and public engagement content
- maternity research PPIE lead with Newcastle University
- advising on antenatal and postnatal services, communication & content for different organisations
Words to describe working with me
- professional
- effective
- focused
- empowering
- practical
- knowledgeable
- reassuring
- warm
- invaluable
- instinctive
- trusted
- honest
- reliable
- considerate
- supportive
- understanding
- engaging
With 1:1 sessions, an online learning space and Mother Cuppa, my practice is here for you every step of the way. You can also join the Birth & Baby Community for exclusive content, discussion and a place to ask questions.
You can follow me on Instagram for more birth & baby conversations.
Please take a wander around my website and let me know how I can help you.
Working with parents since 2002
Janine Smith Practice 