Getting to know Calmbirth Educator, Nevena
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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
My Name is…Nevena Read.
I work at…Albury Wodonga Health as a Midwife and Registered Nurse, providing continuity of care throughout perinatal continuum. I’m also the face behind Calmbirth with Nevena.
My life in five words…Family. Connection. Curiosity. Adventure. Purpose.
The best thing about where I live is…The perfect balance of country charm, community connection and endless opportunities to explore.
What I do to relax when I’m not working…You’ll find me reading a good book, practising Pilates, exploring somewhere new, or enjoying a little adventure in our caravan with my husband.
I can’t live without…My family and friends, good coffee, meaningful conversations, and a little sunshine.
The person or traits I most admire is…People who lead with kindness remain curious, have the courage to challenge convention and aren’t afraid to stand up for what they believe in.
What I love most about being a Calmbirth Educator…Watching knowledge transform uncertainty into confidence. Helping couples discover their own strength, connect with one another, and approach birth feeling informed, supported and empowered.
If I had to describe my own birth experiences in 3 words…Unique. Efficient. Extraordinary. Three very different births, from an induction with my first to spontaneous physiological birth with my second and third. Each experience uniquely its own — The one thing they all shared was efficiency!
The 3 essential things you need to take with you into labour are…Knowledge, trust, and a support person or team who understands your needs and believes in you.
My most memorable moment as Calmbirth® educator…Receiving feedback from couples who share how their Calmbirth experience had positively shaped their journey. Knowing that something I’ve taught has made a meaningful difference during such a pivotal life experience is incredibly rewarding.
A favourite quote…“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” — Maya Angelou
If you had to describe how seeing a baby being born makes you feel…Privileged. No matter how many births I witness, that moment never loses its magic. There is something extraordinary about witnessing strength, vulnerability and love converge as a new life begins.
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