Getting To Know Calmbirth Director, Karen McClay

Hi, I’m Karen McClay and for those that don’t know me I am the Director of Calmbirth, Australia’s leading childbirth education program. Calmbirth started in the Southern Highlands nearly 20 years ago and is now in 8 major maternity Hospitals in NSW and New Zealand with over 100 educators across Australia. I still offer Calmbirth classes every second weekend in the Southern Highlands, so if your pregnant come and join one of my classes and learn everything you need to know about pregnancy, labour, birth, and the postpartum period. You will both walk away feeling informed, empowered, and confident to birth your baby as a team. My next course is on this weekend on the 28th & 29th June. To BOOK go to: https://calmbirth.com.au/educators-profile/?edid=11

Here are some fun facts about me: 

I work at…I am Owner and Director of the Calmbirth organisation and a Calmbirth Educator @southernhighlandscalmbirth and Midwife at Campbelltown Hospital.

What I love most about being a Calmbirth Educator…What I love most about being a Calmbirth Educator is seeing the positive effect that our program has, not only on birth outcomes but the lives and relationships of the couples we work with.

My life in five words…Crazy busy, yet amazingly fulfilling!!

What I love about where I live…The beauty of its seasons and the lifestyle I can have for my family.

The three essential things you need to take with you into labour are…Belief in yourself, your body, your baby & your partner. Tools to help with labour not just physically but also emotionally. A partner &/or support team that believes in you and knows how to protect your birth space.

What I do to relax when I’m not working is…I am a movie buff and I love being with my family and being by the ocean.

If I had to describe my own birth experience in three words, I would describe it as…Empowering, powerful, fulfilling.

My Most memorable moment as a Calmbirth Educator is…I have so so so many!! The stories and feedback that I receive about how our program has helped couples in so many ways are why I keep doing what I do so passionately.

I can’t live without…My family.

The person I admire most is…My Dad, Peter Jackson, the Founder of Calmbirth because without his wisdom and belief in women and their partners, Calmbirth would not exist.

The best advice I ever got in my life was… “If you let them – every mother will teach you something” (Michel Odent) and they absolutely do!

You can book a Calm birth course with me: https://calmbirth.com.au/educators-profile/?edid=11

My next course dates are on:

28th & 29th June
12th & 13th July
26th & 27th July
9th & 10th August
23rd & 24th August
6th & 7th September

Follow us @calmbirth