Educator Profile
Calmbirth® is the only childbirth education program that requires all its educators to be practising midwives or trained birth professionals
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Why choose Calmbirth?
Birth Preparation
Over the years of supporting various families through their pregnancy, birth and postpartum journeys, I have been asked numerous times about what birth education I most recommend. Initially I didn't have a great answer for this, I'd just say, 'Here are some local options, take a look and decide which one fits you and your family best!'. I didn’t recommend any one education model over another, but I did notice that oftentimes the families undertaking Calmbirth classes had so much more information and preparation, not just for their 'ideal birth', but also for the potential changes in plans that can arise – they seemed to have an understanding of and a preparedness for whatever the birth entailed, and tools they could use regardless of where they ended up. I love that I witnessed this before knowing Calmbirth’s motto: ‘With knowledge comes confidence’!
My top questions to be asking your caregiver
Birth Preparation
I encourage my Calmbirth couples to start having conversations with their caregivers about their preferences for pregnancy, birth and postpartum as early as possible. This allows the establishment of rapport, development of trust, and open dialogue. It allows you to become familiar with the preferences and policies of your caregiver/place of birth, they become aware of your wishes, and this hopefully means there are less unknowns in labour.
Waterbirth: Exploring the Benefits and Considerations
Birth Preparation
In recent years, waterbirth has gained popularity as a natural and empowering way to bring your little one into the world. But what exactly does waterbirth entail, and what should you consider before making this choice? Let's dive in. The concept of the fear–tension–pain cycle helps explain why mindset and emotional safety matter so deeply in labour — and why preparation goes far beyond simply knowing what happens in each stage.
Getting to Know Calmbirth Educator Karen Garzoli
Birth Preparation
For the past 9 years I’ve had the privilege of teaching Calmbirth, and it continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of my work.
Testimonials
Sheridan made us feel so comfortable and explained things clearly and concisely in a way we were able to understand. The knowledge Sheridan shared with us really set us up for a positive labour and birth experience. She is so passionate about her job and Calmbirth, we are so grateful to have found you!
T&N
Sheridan taught us so much about Calmbirth; she completely changed my beliefs on birth and labour and gave my husband and I great insight into how labour/birth can be for us and gave us the tools to implement to have a calm birth. I liked Sheridan's calm approach and how she could answer questions with statistics.
N&B
Sheridan was very knowledgeable and presented with a genuine love of teaching about Calmbirth and birth in general. Sheridan's enthusiasm was infectious, she always made us feel welcomed and engaged in the content. We both feel like we are well prepared for our first birth.
J&B
Calmbirth with Sheridan Caesarean course was a great course with an awesome teacher. We felt this course was so informative and now have an understanding of our options for birth and what to expect afterwards.
K&M
Sheridan is so passionate and knowledgeable about birth. Sheridan is very approachable and we felt comfortable to ask questions - she always took the time to answer.
L&L
Sheridan is a great presenter and made the session fun and interactive without being too overwhelming or dry. We enjoyed learning about the hormones of labour and how we can support these through our birth. Calmbirth has encouraged me to trust my body and has given me the confidence to birth!
L&K
Sheridan is a friendly and approachable presenter. Calmbirth covered the full spectrum of birth and provided opportunities to practice relaxation techniques for birth and beyond. We really enjoyed the small group size, snacks and location and leave Calmbirth with a better understanding of our choices & confidence.
C&T
Sheridan is amazing and helped us understand physiological birth. I'm now feeling empowered from the knowledge I have learned and confident about birth.
K&K
Calmbirth helped me be comfortable with my beliefs around birth. Sheridan has amazing knowledge and created an open environment to learn and ask questions. I liked that the course had a good balance between types of births and possibilities, and practicing relaxation techniques.
B&E
Sheridan was absolutely amazing, very educated on everything pregnancy, birth and post natal. I went from being an anxious mess about birth to feeling empowered. My husband also learnt so much and is now ready to tackle labour as my support person!
H&D
"I just wanted to thank you again for your amazing caesarean section course, it helped pave the path to the most healing birth for us. Baby W was born on in just the most beautiful moment."
R&S