Birth education that actually prepares you

We recommend attending between 25–35 weeks of pregnancy - far enough along that birth feels real and relevant, but with plenty of time to absorb everything and put your preparation into practice before your due date.This will ensure you are fully equipped with all the information, know what to expect, and feel confident before your labour begins. Doing this course sooner rather than later also gives you time to practice the tools and strategies so they come easily when the big day arrives. 

However, it can be done at any stage in pregnancy! If you're further along than 35 weeks, please don't let that stop you - it’s never too late to feel more prepared and ready for birth.

Not at all! While many of our families are preparing for their first birth, Empowered Birth is genuinely valuable for second (or third, or fourth!) time parents too.

Every birth is different. You may be hoping for a different experience this time around, navigating a new set of circumstances or simply wanting to feel more informed and in control than you did last time. Many of our past students have shared that they wish they'd had this knowledge the first time and that doing the course before a subsequent birth made a real difference.

Empowered Birth will help you build on what you already know from your last birth, take control of your next experience and give you tools and strategies to make informed choices throughout your birth experience.

As Jemima put it: "This is something I would recommend to all parents, not just first time parents!"

Empowered Birth is a wonderful fit for VBAC preparation, and we regularly support families working towards this goal.

Understanding the physiology of labour, your birth environment, the importance of hormones, your support persons role and how to advocate confidently for yourself and your birth preferences are all central to Empowered Birth - and they're also key factors in supporting a VBAC. You'll leave feeling genuinely informed about your options and empowered to have meaningful conversations with your care team.

Empowered Birth does include content on unexpected caesareans - understanding what's happening, what to expect and how to navigate that experience if it arises. So if your birth plan involves elements that may or may not lead to a caesarean, you'll absolutely benefit from attending. 

However, if you already know you're having a planned caesarean and you're specifically preparing for that experience, this isn't the best resource for you. As Empowered Birth is primarily focused on labour and ensuring you are prepared for your birth no matter what happens along the way. 

The great news is - I offer a dedicated Elective Caesarean Birth Class that covers everything specific to your preparation, including:

• Preparing for a caesarean birth 

• What to expect on the day - e.g. prep, theatre, pain relief, the actual caesarean

• Caesarean-specific recovery tips and your hospital stay 

• Breastfeeding basics, newborn care and the immediate postpartum period

Like all face-to-face classes, it includes lifetime access to the online course, a goodie bag and resource folder.

Click here for more information and to book

The In-Person Empowered Birth Class runs as a full day with scheduled breaks - approximately 8 hours in total. It’s a big day of learning but it's structured to feel engaging and manageable, not overwhelming.

You'll leave with a resource folder, goodie bag, snacks and lifetime access to the online Empowered Birth Course to revisit everything at any time. 💕

Classes are held in Wynnum, Brisbane. Full venue details will be provided upon booking.

Private in-person classes are currently available in Brisbane or via zoom - Enquire here 

The online self-paced version of Empowered Birth is available anywhere anytime.

Yes! If the group class date or environment doesn't work for you, private classes are available in a format that suits you. Here's what's on offer:

In-Person (Brisbane) ✔️ Full day private class - same comprehensive content as the group day, just for you and your support person ✔️ Module by module over 5 weeks - one module per session, perfect if you'd prefer to spread it out or fit it around little ones at home (evenings after bedtime work great for this!)

Via Zoom (anywhere in Australia) Can't make it to Brisbane? No problem! Both the full day and the 5-week module format are available via Zoom. You'll still get full access to me, personalised support and the chance to ask every question you have - just from the comfort of your own home.

Enquire about a private class - click here. 

Elective Caesarean Birth Class Planning a caesarean? I also offer a dedicated private Elective Caesarean Birth Class covering everything from what to expect on the day, theatre and pain relief, caesarean-specific recovery, breastfeeding basics, newborn care, and postpartum mental health. Available in-person in Brisbane or via Zoom. 

All private classes include lifetime access to the online Empowered Birth Course, a goodie bag, and your resource folder.

Click here for more information

Your booking covers you and your support person - no hidden extras there. 💕

Empowered Birth is genuinely designed as a couples' experience. Your support person isn't an afterthought -  they're a central part of the day. We dedicate real time to preparing them to show up confidently for you in labour, understand what's happening at each stage, and advocate for you when it matters most. 

Your support person's preparation genuinely matters. Research consistently shows that when a support person feels informed and confident, it has a positive impact on the birthing person's experience.  It’s so important for you and your partner to be on the same page. Your partner should be your biggest support, advocate and cheerleader during birth. To truly step into this role, they need knowledge and practical strategies - making it essential to complete Empowered Birth together.

If you choose the online course - your support person should absolutely watch it with you!

Empowered Birth does include a section on antenatal expressing and what to expect in the immediate postpartum period, and you'll also receive a Postpartum Planning Guide as part of your resources.

The in-person class will also give you the opportunity to practice nappy changing and swaddling. 

The primary focus of Empowered Birth is comprehensive labour and birth preparation - we really go deep on everything you need to know to set yourself up for a positive birth experience.

If you're looking to go further on newborn care, feeding your baby, physical recovery from birth, and postpartum mental health, that's exactly what our Beyond Birth: The Postnatal Essentials course is for. Many of our families do both and we think it's the ultimate preparation combo! You can find out more [here].

If you're reading this, I'd guess you already know the answer - yes! 😊

You can choose which version of Empowered Birth fits into your schedule!

The In-Person Empowered Birth Class is a single day. One dedicated Sunday, and you walk away with everything you need. No need to carve out an entire weekend, time across multiple evenings or work through content week by week. It's purposefully designed to fit the lives of busy, working parents who want to feel genuinely prepared without adding more to their plate.

If you would prefer to learn in bite size bits then the online self-paced version will be your best friend. Work through as slow or quickly as you like - at 10pm on the couch or at 3am when you can't sleep and want to feel reassured.

If you want to have an in-person class but would prefer to complete to course module by module (over a 5 week period), enquire about 1:1 private classes. I have run these in-person or over zoom, great for parents unable to leave children but still wanting to be prepared for birth (can be run in the evening after children go to bed) - Click here to submit an enquiry

Empowered Birth is a recognised antenatal education provider with NIB, CBHS, Teachers Health and Defence Health. If your private health provider covers antenatal education provided in-person by a Registered Midwife, this course should be recognised. Rebate amounts vary depending on your individual provider and level of cover, so we recommend contacting your insurer directly prior to booking to confirm your eligibility and rebate entitlement.

You'll receive a tax invoice upon booking with the details typically required to submit your claim.

Please note that Nurtured Beginnings Maternity is not responsible for claim outcomes, rebate amounts, or processing decisions made by your insurer.

I want you to always have access to this content, so no matter if you join in-person or online, the online self-paced Empowered Birth Course it’s yours for life (perfect if you’re planning on growing your family)!

Revisit modules as often as you like or refer back to it in the weeks leading up to your birth.

We also update course content as evidence and recommendations evolve, so your access always reflects the most current information.

We want your booking experience to be smooth and stress-free, so here's everything you need to know upfront.

Are deposits refundable?
Deposits are non-refundable. They secure your place in a limited-capacity class and allow us to confirm the venue in advance.
What is your cancellation policy?
As above, deposits are non-refundable however cancellations can be accommodated when requests are made via email at least 4 weeks out from the class date, meaning you will not be required to pay the remaining balance.
When is the remaining balance charged?
A deposit secures your place at the time of booking. The remaining balance is automatically processed 14 days prior to your class, in line with our Terms & Conditions and confirmation email.
Can I reschedule my workshop?
Reschedules are not accepted within 4 weeks of the class date.
If your class is more than 4 weeks away, we may be able to offer a transfer to another date, pending availability and workshop numbers.