Janine Smith
Antenatal & Postnatal Specialist and Writer
Relevant Qualifications & training
- Magazine Journalism Training I have worked as a writer, sub-editor and proofreader for a range of publications such 1992
- NCFE Level 3 Counselling Skills I gained this qualification in 2001 and these skills enable me to listen to and focus on the needs of parents
- Antenatal Education (University of Beds | three years) I have worked with expectant parents since 2002
- Postnatal Education (University of Beds | three years) I have provided postnatal sessions and support since 2008
- Doula Training with Nurturing Birth I have supported a number of parents throughout the birth of their baby as well as during the first few days and weeks with their new baby since 2009
- Infant Massage Instructor Training with International Association of Infant Massage I provided monthly baby massage courses between 2010-2021
- SANDS Bereavement Support Training I completed this training in 2016 to support my work with bereaved parents
- ASC Life Skills Coach I completed this training in 2016 to enhance my skills and to enable me to work with parents beyond the postnatal period
skills
- writing & editing articles, resources and courses
- facilitating groups: in-person and online
- working with parents
- listening & advocacy
- teaching
- planning and strategy development
- effective communication
- editing, proofreading and research
- Canva & WordPress
As a writer and editor for 30 years, I can edit and advise on your content, presentations and documents so they are effective and easy to understand.
KNOWLEDGE
After working with expectant and new parents for over twenty years, I understand the common themes as well as the individual needs throughout pregnancy, for and during birth and as parents with a baby.
As an antenatal & postnatal specialist, working with a wide range of parents since 2002, I possess knowledge about:
- pregnancy
- pregnancy after loss
- pregnancy & birth again
- birth & baby preparation
- labour & birth
- birth recovery
- birth debriefing
- new babies
- new parents
- feeding
- baby development
- baby sleep
- weaning
- going back to work
- being a parent
- early parenting
- baby massage
- babyloss
- relax & breathe skills
- parent wellbeing
Words used to describe working with me…
professional – direct – effective – focused – empowering – practical knowledgeable – flexible – reassuring – warm – invaluable – accurate specialist – instinctive – patient – honest – reliable – considerate
supportive – helpful – understanding – quick – engaging – dedicated