Becoming a mum for the first time at any age poses challenges-for me in my mid thirties, I was used to being in control of my life, and confident in almost every situation. And then all of a sudden it was as if I was in a foreign country and I didn’t speak the language- and in these situations why does it always feel that everyone else knows more than you? It wasn’t even that I didn’t have the answers – I didn’t even know the questions I was supposed to be asking.
Fortunately for me I found Janine. Myself and my partner chose Janine’s ante natal classes because they were close by and very reasonably priced- we didn’t really put much thought into it yet it is one of the best decisions that we made. The classes were laid back and informative. Janine creates an atmosphere that means you feel comfortable asking any question- however seemingly silly or trivial- she made us feel that if it was important to us than it was important full stop. She has the ability to pitch the sessions to the needs of those attending and picks up on those needs quickly. Ours were frankly hilarious at times and the 2 hours that my partner groaned at just flew by. Like many men- he was going because I wanted to and was dreading it. His verdict: it wasn’t half as bad as I thought it would be- high accolade from a Geordie lad. The skills I learnt at the women only relax and breathe sessions helped me considerably during a long labour- but equally it was great to have a forum to discuss issues without the menfolk present. The first few weeks following the arrival of my beautiful daughter are frankly a blur already.
But after about four weeks once paternity leave was done and the constant influx of visitors had petered out I felt ready to face the world again. Janine’s coffee morning at Kikis was the first place I went- it was great to know that there would be a familiar face. I soon signed up for baby massage- and while the massage side of it has been a lovely way to bond with my daughter- if I’m honest it was the chat and friendship I found there that was most important.
For our group Janine’s became our safe place- where we could say out loud even some of our darkest thoughts, our most ridiculous worries and all the weird and wonderful things that were happening to us as new parents. We all then signed up for Janine’s Happy Mums course and I think we might be persuading her to extend it.
Janine has a rare gift, on the one hand down to earth and no-nonsense, while on the other kind and wise- coupled with sharp intelligence, fantastic knowledge and the ability to really listen. Did I mention she makes a mean pot of tea as well?

When I decided to go to antenatal classes my husband and I were both sceptical, sitting in a circle talking about the power of breathing is not my idea of fun, and quite frankly I didn’t understand how oxygen was going to provide any pain relief what-so-ever! I was very wrong...Janine offers an easy relaxed environment where no question is too stupid. We were given loads of practical information that is not in the books and husbands were reformed from reluctant sulkers to engaged enthusiastic partners. I am not sure how I would have handled my birth if it hadn’t been for the Birth Basics classes. My birth didn’t go to plan, it was long and traumatic; however my husband was in control, and knew how to support me, midwives commented that my breathing was excellent (so good that I managed without pain relief for 6 hours of close contractions). I felt prepared even when things went wrong, and didn’t panic when I ended up in theatre as Janine had even prepared me for this. I wanted a relaxed water birth but ended up with something dramatically different. I can not thank Janine enough for helping me prepare for that, and would recommend her to anyone and everyone. Hell if I ever do it again I’m taking her with me!”