Welcome to Southern Highlands Calmbirth
with Karen & Peter
What are your hopes and expectations for birth?
Whether you’re imagining peace, confidence, or connection in your experience – we’d love to hear. And if you’re not quite sure yet, that’s totally okay too.
Taking a dedicated weekend away to the beautiful Southern Highlands – just 90 minutes from Sydney – is more than a course. It’s a pause: a few intentional days to shape your intentions for birth, connect with your baby and partner, and reset.
Why choose Calmbirth in Mittagong?
The Southern Highlands – The Home of Calmbirth
Did you know that The Southern Highlands is the home of Calmbirth where it all began over 20 years ago in the humble setting of a living room in Bowral, NSW, Calmbirth was born – literally and metaphorically and where you can still come to access quality, holistic and evidence-based childbirth education in a safe, non-judgmental, all-inclusive warm and inviting environment.
So, if you’re pregnant and between 24 & 34 weeks’ why not join me, Karen McClay the Director of Calmbirth in one of my Calmbirth courses.
As a midwife, and Calmbirth Educator for over 15 years I’ve seen first-hand how powerful this work is.
I’ve watched fear turn into trust, and uncertainty transform into resilience & confidence with couples walking away from their births with a powerful sense of awe and accomplishment no matter how their birth unfolded There is a strength in all women that is magnified during birth.
I see this all the time as a midwife, and I want nothing more than for every woman to see this too no matter how her birth unfolds.
Can’t wait to meet you.
Love, Karen
Your retreat‑style course details
- Small group in a relaxing Southern Highlands setting – no screens, just connection.
- 12‑hour weekend program designed for you and your partner: physiology, mind‑body training, partner support tools, guided meditations, and practical techniques.
- Ideal timing: 24–34 weeks gestation (but earlier if anxiety is present, or later is okay too).
Evidence‑based, trusted, transformative
Calmbirth has helped over 50,000 couples since 2004. It’s clinically proven to reduce intervention rates, alleviate pain‑relief usage, and support emotional wellbeing through pregnancy and birth.
Deep mind‑body connection
Founder Peter Jackson – a visionary, midwife, and mental health nurse with more than 40 years of experience – had seen far too many women go through childbirth feeling fearful, anxious, or disempowered.
Inspired by pioneers like Ina May Gaskin, who once said, “We are the only species that doubts our ability to give birth,” Peter began exploring the connection between the emotional (mind) and physical (body) aspects of childbirth.
Today, Calmbirth has become the foundational blueprint for childbirth education across the country.
Taught by midwives who know, understand and work with all types of birth.
Karen McClay and Peter Jackson bring decades of experience from the birth room and a passion for shifting birth culture.
What you’ll walk away with
A birth toolbox of breathing, touch, visualisation, and acupressure techniques.
A renewed sense of connection – with yourself, your partner, and your baby.
Birth partner skills that allow them to be your calm anchor on the day.
Emotional clarity and confidence to embrace your unique birth journey, whether vaginal, assisted, or Caesarean.
Tools and practices that extend into early parenting life – mindful awareness, visualisation, conscious connection beyond birth.
Real experiences from local couples
“We had our weekend course in Bowral… on December 4th we welcomed our daughter at Bowral Hospital. I couldn’t recommend it highly enough!” – Lloyd & Ellie
“The breathing and relaxation tools helped me when I needed them most – even in theatre!” – Emma & Nick
Every couple who comes to Calmbirth in Mittagong talks about how calm, present, and empowered they felt.
Ready to take a breath, away from
the rhythm of everyday life?
This is your invite to step out, step in, and embrace birth on your terms – together.
See available weekends: Retreat‑style group, small size.
Book now or just drop us a message if you’d like to chat.
FAQs at a glance
When should I attend?
Ideally between 24–34 weeks – but we welcome earlier or later if life’s been busy or if anxiety is high.
What if I'm planning a Caesarean?
We offer a specialised one‑day Calmbirth Caesarean course to guide you through calm preparation, recovery tools, and conscious parenting.
How big is the group?
Typically 6–10 couples, in a nurturing and relaxed Southern Highlands setting.
What should I wear or bring?
Comfort is key – just wear relaxed clothes. Everything you need is provided, including course handbook and guided imagery/meditations.
Let’s catch up
A weekend away at Mittagong is as enriching as it is practical – a gentle reset to focus on birth intention, relationship, and emotional empowerment. If you’d like to chat about your specific hopes, anxieties, or timing – we’re here to help, no pressure.
Want to know more? Just ask: What does the birth experience you hope for feel like, in your heart?