Nevena Read

Hi, I’m Nevena. I’m a Midwife, Registered Nurse, Calmbirth® Educator and proud mother of three, based in the Albury–Wodonga region.

I became a midwife — and later a Calmbirth educator — because I believe knowledge can transform the way we approach birth. When we understand our bodies, our choices and the physiology of birth, fear can begin to make way for confidence, calm and trust.

As your Calmbirth educator, I want you to understand the incredible capability of your body and mind; the physiology of labour and birth; and how your environment, hormones, nervous system and support people can work together. I also want you to leave with practical tools you can draw upon and the knowledge to make informed decisions that feel right for you.

Because knowledge builds confidence — and confidence changes the way we step into unfamiliar spaces.

As a midwife, I have had the privilege of seeing these principles come to life in the birth space. I have watched Calmbirth couples arrive with knowledge, practical tools and an understanding of what is happening within the body. Just as importantly, I have seen support people arrive understanding that they have an important role too.

There can be a wonderful sense of connection between them — an understanding of how to work together, create an environment that supports them and communicate their needs.

And when birth takes an unexpected turn, as birth sometimes does, that preparation provides something equally valuable: the ability to adapt.

I don’t believe a positive birth experience is defined by achieving one kind of birth. It is about understanding your options, feeling supported in your decisions, and having the knowledge and tools to navigate your experience; however, it unfolds.

Knowledge can help us make informed choices, advocate for ourselves, and step into birth with confidence. But birth also asks us to navigate the things we cannot control.

My role is to help you prepare for both.

It is an incredible privilege to support families through such a pivotal time in their lives. I would love to welcome you and your support person to Calmbirth with Nevena