Educator Profile
Calmbirth® is the only childbirth education program that requires all its educators to be practising midwives or trained birth professionals
Ask a question
Related educator articles

Learning to be open to change in unexpected circumstances in birth and being prepared to pivot.
Birth Stories
After waking to spontaneous rupture of membrane, we headed to the hospital. We had our baby 4 weeks early and we had many pivots throughout our birth plan that were deemed medically necessary. My husband was a wonderful support to me throughout pregnancy, birth and now and remained calm despite my distress, which in turn helped me to cope. We set the mood in our birth room with music, low lighting, few staff and beautiful essential oils. I understood what physiological changes were happening to my body as labour progressed and despite my fears, had some confidence going into birth which certainly helped us to understand our pivots and why. Thank you to Karen for delivering such a wonderful program that helped us to be active in our decision making for the birth of our baby boy.

BREECH CAESAREAN BIRTH STORY
Birth Stories
From the start of my pregnancy, I did everything I could to mentally and physically to prepare my body for a physiological, natural birth. From completing the Calmbirth course, pregnancy physiotherapy, pilates, positive affirmations and visualisation and hiring doula support, I felt like I was all over it. I was lucky enough to have a completely “low risk” pregnancy, so I felt excited and so ready to have my dream birth, I envisioned the classic drug-free, spontaneous labour, dimly lit, fairy lights, essential oils being diffused, meditations playing over a speaker, water birth, with my husband, mum, and doula there supporting me.

LAUNCHING NOW - Calmbirth Caesarean Birth course
News
April is Caesarean Awareness month and Calmbirth is excited to announce the launch of our new Calmbirth Caesarean Birth Course for those pregnant couples who are planning a Caesarean birth or for those that find their circumstances have changed, and a caesarean birth is the best option for them and their babies.

Getting To Know Calmbirth Educator Kristen Cantrell
Educators
My name is Kristen, and I am a registered midwife and a Calmbirth educator. Currently, I am pursuing my studies to become an International Board-certified Lactation Consultant. As a mother of three beautiful little girls, I am inspired daily to transform the existing birth culture from one rooted in fear to one built on profound trust, compassion, and empowerment. It is my passion to support and educate families on their journey to parenthood, helping them embrace the beauty and strength within themselves as they welcome new life into the world.
Testimonials
"My partner and I found Cass' sessions extremely informative. Cass individualised our sessions to suit our needs and it left us feeling prepared and confident for birth and beyond. Cass is a great listener and has so much knowledge to share. We couldn't recommend Calmbirth with Cass enough".
Han Fo
"I highly recommend the calmbirth course to all first time mums & dads. It'll help you feel calmer & confident about the next chapter. I really enjoyed using the meditations in preparation for labour. Even though my birth experience didn't go as I hoped, I felt empowered using the calmbirth techniques".
Karen & Chris
"An enormous thank you for a fabulous two days of Calmbirth. We really enjoyed the course & both took so much away from it. We're so excited to continue thinking about our preferences for our baby's birth. Your knowledge & guidance was sensational & we really appreciated the thoughtful way in which you presented".
Sally & Chris
Thanks so much, Cass. Rory and I really enjoyed the course. You are an engaging facilitator and the content was fantastic. We are both feeling excited (yet calm) about our impending labour and birth journey to meet our little one. Again, thanks so much.
Kahli & Rory
"The Calmbirth course helped us so much through our birthing experience. I'm so grateful for you and the knowledge you shared. Thank you so much for everything. You are incredible". Teagan & Zac
Teagan & Zac
"I wanted to have a natural birth experience without analgesics & managed to achieve this- which I am so grateful for. We both got so much out of the classes. In particular, Trystan felt very confident with how he could be an active support person. Thank you so much Cass for making it fun & a safe space to learn"
Emma & Trystan
I just want to say a huge Thank You again for providing your knowledge to help educate and empower not only those that are pregnant, but also the support partners. It's truly incredible.
Sarah & Zaine
We did the Refresher class with Cass & were able to refresh the breathing techniques & labour positions which worked well for us in the birth of our first child & came away feeling excited & well prepared for the upcoming birth. Thanks so much for all your help & advice Cass. Thank you! Katherine & Brett
Katherine & Brett
Thanks for an amazing 2 days Cass. We learnt so much and feel a lot more prepared to head into labour. Appreciate your warmth and patience in taking time to answer all our questions
Anyysha
We were very happy with how the Calmbirth course prepped us for all possibilities & got us having the right conversations early. Our labour & birth went positively & we have a lot of that to credit to doing the Calmbirth course. So, a big thank you!
Brittany & Greg
Calmbirth taught me how to BREATHE, how to prepare mentally and how to prepare my birth space. This was such a huge part of successfully birthing at home. I practiced the breathing & meditations every single day & once labour started, my body knew what to do to get through contractions. Thank you Cass 🤍
Kate
Cass was a wonderful Calmbirth Educator. She was very inclusive towards the whole group, gave clear explanations and ample time for questions. All information provided was in a professional and unbiased way which was based in evidence but also supportive of parents right to choose or refuse interventions
Suz
Our Calmbirth classes honestly helped us so much to understand all the stages of labour, how our mental state & thoughts about labour potentially impact the outcome. More importantly the course really helped us to both get in to the right mindset, focus on breathing techniques & working together as a team.
Lisa