Getting to know Calmbirth Educator, Brin McCaskie

Hello, I’m Brin

Registered Midwife. Nurse. Calmbirth Educator. Mumma of one cute baby girl.

I became a Calmbirth Educator because I am fiercely passionate about supporting women and their partners or birth supporters to feel informed, calm, confident, capable and genuinely prepared for birth (yes, even the unpredictable bits).

As a mum, I understand that pregnancy, birth and early parenthood can feel exciting, scary, overwhelming and magical — sometimes all at the same time.

My goal as a Calmbirth Educator is to help you replace any worries or fears with knowledge, trust, confidence and practical tools – such as breathing techniques, relaxation, visualisation, massage & acupressure techniques and loving support —  all of which work in harmony with the body’s natural hormones to support birth.

My Calmbirth® courses offer a welcoming, inclusive and supportive space for you and your partner/birth supporters to slow down, tune inward, build confidence together, feel held and nurtured in your unique journey – with hopefully lots of questions answered and a few laughs along the way.

Fun facts about me:

• I am an IVF child to two amazing mums, so I love and respect all types of families.
• I used to think the hardest thing I ever did was hike Kokoda Trail… until I became a mum.
• I am a country girl at heart and in my spare time (which is scarce these days) I enjoy yoga, hiking, scuba-diving, horse riding and occasionally riding motorbikes… badly.
• I still get super excited and proud when I see women birth their babies, as every birth is unique beautiful and gives me all the feels.

I firmly believe with the right knowledge, confidence builds — and it’s calm & confidence that changes birth experiences.

I can’t wait to help you to have the best experience, no matter where or how birth unfolds.

My Name is…Brin (…some people mispronounce me as Brian, which I roll with now)

I work at…Maitland Hospital and occasionally Dungog Community Hospital & some of private hospitals.

My life in five words…Laughing, learning, juggling, dreaming and surviving/thriving-ish.

The best thing about where I live is…I love the Hunter Valley region where I can enjoy the mountains, country life, the beach and bush.

What I do to relax when I’m not working…Yoga, scuba-diving, taking long showers and being nap-trapped with my baby on or next to me.

I can’t live without…Google calendar – because mum brain is real.

The person or traits I most admire is…I adore people who are genuine, adventurous, spontaneous, love banter and laughs and don’t take themselves too seriously .

If I had to describe my own birth experiences in 3 words…Powerful. Defining.

The 3 essential things you need to take with you into labour are…

• Your mental & physical preparation (your mindset, relaxation & breathing techniques and your birth tools/skills).
• Loving supporters (whether that be your partner, mother, sister, friend etc.) who can be your anchor, your advocate and your cheerleader.
• One (or more) comfort anchors – could be your birth playlist, essential oils, affirmations, photos, your TENS machine/birth comb or simply your favourite pillow. Whatever helps you stay focused, grounded, comforted and calm.

A favourite quote

Our mind is a garden, our thoughts are the seeds, you can grow flowers or you can grow weeds – (not sure who wrote it but I love it).

If you had to describe how seeing a baby being born makes you feel

I always feel so excited and proud of the woman who birthed her baby and the new family that is created and feel so privileged to be present during their life-changing moments/journeys.

You can follow me at…Instagram: mindbodybirthandbeyond

Facebook: Mind Body Birth & Beyond

My next Calmbirth courses are:

21st & 28th March
18th & 25th April
23rd & 30th May
27th & 28th June