My wife Amanda and I came to utilising the wonderful services of Karen / Embracing Birth as we were from Tamworth and due to give birth in Newcastle in August 2016. From the very first contact with Karen, her warmth and caring nature was at the forefront of each pre birth meeting. We were nervous second time parents, following the stillbirth of our son in September 2015 and Karen's services helped to mitigate our nervousness and strategies to aleviate our stresses. We also performed a private ante natal class with Karen and this fully explained things occuring before, during and after birth. When it came time for Amanda to give birth, it was almost midnight and our baby girl came in quite a rush, but no matter the hour, Karen calmly met us at our motel and aided us getting to John Hunter and was present alongside hospital staff to help Amanda to stay calm (even though the labour ended up approx. 50 minutes). During the labour process, all the things which were discussed in tuition with Karen pre birth, came to fruition (breathing techniques, massage and being well informed about the various stages of the labour process) and our Baby girl was born drug/intervention free. We had never heard of a Doula or the services on offer, but could not recommend highly enough Karen for her realistic, affordable and knowledgeable care. Thankyou Karen, with all our hearts. Amanda, Richard, Quinn & Bonnie Johnston

My husband and I attended Karen’s hypnobirthing classes. These classes were amazing! Karen’s calming, positive and empowering nature completely put my husband and I at ease for the big day. The techniques and knowledge Karen provided us with were invaluable. We are now so excited for our baby’s birthing day! Being a midwife I thought I knew it all! But Karen has provided me with invaluable tools, techniques and knowledge that will allow my baby’s birthing day to be even more special than I ever could have imagined it. Thank you so much Karen for all you have taught us!

My husband and I attended a week end of hypnobirthing with Karen. It was perfectly what we wanted, a beautiful comfortable private environment. We weren't sure what to expect but with Karen's knowledge and amazing persona we left feeling calm, confident and happy � thanks Karen

I wish words could explain how grateful we are to of met this wonderful women, after my first child I was so fearful of labour & thanks to Karen we had the most incredible birth ever.. I knew exactly what my body was doing & could enjoy it so much more.. My husband was so hands on aswell after hearing what his roll is in being apart of birth & it was so special for us both.. I walked away feeling so empowered & have been blessed with such a calm happy baby which I believe is from this! Xx

After struggling to find a class that could accommodate my husbands working hours Karen was recommended to us by our obstetrician. We completed a one day private class in the comfort of Karen's home where she made us feel welcomed and relaxed. She was able to share/teach her knowledge without overwhelming us or feeling intimidated by the upcoming birth of our first child. We left feeling confident and supported. When I went into labor I used the knowledge that Karen had passed on and her confidence that I could have the natural birth I wished for. After a quick and calm labor we welcomed our baby boy into the world ready to use our newly found skills learned from Karen. I recommend Karen to any expecting parents!

I had a calm birthing class with Karen before my first baby was born. I left feeling happy, excited, empowered, calm and in control. It was very important to me to be in a good frame of mind about the birthing process as I can become panicky quite quickly, and didn't want that to happen on the day. I am so grateful that I had a beautiful, calm and wonderful experience (without any panic!). My beautiful girl was born quickly and safely and will forever remain one of the best days of my life. Thank you Karen xx

My partner and I moved to Newcastle from Queensland 5weeks prior to baby's due date. Missing out on the hospital prenatal class, Karen was able to take us on short notice. Right from the first phone call and through out the education day, Karen put us at ease and explained everything clearly, with lots of passion and enthusiasm. The day was fun informative and made us feel confident about the options available to us in managing the labor process and what to expect afterwards. We are so glad we had the opportunity to meet Karen and experience her service and support.

  My husband and I completed Karen's Hypnobirthing class over the last two Saturdays. We sought her out as I was really apprehensive (well scared really) about giving birth but super pumped to be having our first baby. Karen gave us some great tools and information and completely changed my thinking around our baby's birthing day. Now we are excited and feel much more prepared to handle whatever comes our way calmly and positively. Would highly recommend Karen ?.

Karen was absolutely wonderful delivering our antenatal intensive class, it was highly informative, relaxed and lots of laughs along the way. Thank you so much Karen, we are extremeky grateful