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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.
He believed birth should be a natural, physiological process—supported and respected, and free from fear and unnecessary medical intervention. He also acknowledged that for some women medical intervention was necessary and he wanted to be able to help all women feel prepared for birth no matter how their birth unfolds.
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. Drawing on not only midwifery and obstetrics but also neuroscience, epigenetics, and therapeutic medicine, he developed a program that addressed both the mind and the body to prepare fully for birth.
What emerged was Calmbirth: a revolutionary, holistic, science-backed childbirth education program that changed the way Australia thinks about birth. Today, Calmbirth has become the foundational blueprint for childbirth education across the country.
"We are flattered by this, because by preparing couples for birth, we aim to transform the birth experience, reduce unnecessary medical interventions and trauma, and foster positive emotional outcomes for women and their families during birth and the postpartum period." says Calmbirth Founder, Peter Jackson.
As Peter’s daughter, his vision for improving the emotional wellbeing of birthing families infused into me, I felt a deep calling to continue his work. 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 an inherent strength in all women, and it is often magnified during birth. As a midwife, I witness this every day, and my greatest wish is for every woman to recognise this strength within herself, no matter her birth journey.
I’m deeply passionate about both what we teach and how we teach it, always respecting the delicate balance between the art and the science of birth, while supporting the unique needs of each couple. I’m incredibly proud of Calmbirth’s 20-year history and the role we continue to play in evolving our approach—drawing on the latest evidence, research, and midwifery-led practices. Our focus is on preparing couples to navigate labour, birth, and the complexities of the maternity system by engaging their mind, body, and heart.
I feel truly privileged to do this work. I can’t wait to meet our new families and watch their confidence, connection, and trust in the birth process grow.
“Ultimately, our goal is to rewrite and retell the narrative of birth, empowering women, and their partners worldwide to trust their instincts and create the best birth experiences for themselves and their babies. We emphasise the importance normalising physiological birth and of surrendering to the birth process, regardless of their birth journey.
Through the power of positive birth stories and experiences, we are actively transforming birth culture,” says Karen McClay.
