Frequently Asked Questions

No, not at all. It has a scientific base using evidenced based research information as its core. All the wisdom and skills taught: breathing, relaxation, meditation, mind/body connection, mindful self-awareness is mainstream scientific knowledge. A few decades ago it might have been viewed as out there hippy stuff but not anymore. A quick visit to TedxTalks on YouTube will be enlightening for those who are new to this information. Julie is an excellent facilitator who can guide you through the information, so you’ll catch on quickly and effortlessly. No brain pain involved.

Julie has discovered it’s best for couples to have a gap to take time to process the information is the most effective form of learning, especially with The New Mindful Hypnobirth course. Although she does occasionally offer a weekend course in The New Mindful Hypnobirth ; that is all day Saturday and all day Sunday in the one weekend… she has actually have found that teaching with a good space between each session allows the couple to go home and chat about all the concepts, and to think it over during the week/s and come back with plenty of questions. Julie also encourages them to commence their relaxation breathing practice during that week and inevitably there will be questions she can respond to the following session. Personally Julie thinks couples get more out of it when they have at least a week’s break between sessions.

Some couples feel so well prepared after their first baby that they want to come back and update but don’t necessarily need to re-do the entire course. I would recommend the 1-day course(s), or even a one-on-one session with Julie as a refresher.

Yes. Julie recently increased the booking system to allow all couples to select any options they desire. From 1, 2, 3, or 4 sessions or the Super Condensed One day workshop. The Transition into Parenting Super Condensed one day workshop held on a Sunday is the course most overseas pregnant visitors choose… especially if they are tourists or on a working visa. Conveniently the one day workshop is both thorough and yet extremely time efficient. If you need transport to get here the best option is to book a hire car through Shire Cars. They will ensure you will be delivered here on time and they can collect you from their airport or your hotel. It will be safe, comfortable, and reasonably priced travel.

Yes and you can come along early prior to the session starting and take your time going through all the products on the shelves. Lots of couples take time at lunch to view them as well. No rush, no hurry. Julie will answer your questions or just be in the background organising things.

+ Relaxation CD’s with Julie Clarke’s very calm smooth gentle voice and music. Very popular.
+ Relaxation music CD’s – same as the ones played in the course. Quite lovely and effective.
+ Aromatherapy Oils: Lavender, Mandarin, Patchouli, only $20 each.
+ Books on Pregnancy, Birth, Relaxation, Breastfeeding Baby care. Up-to-date and good quality.
+ Approved safe Hot / Cold Packs for use during labour. (only $15) Included is a washable soft cotton cover for use with the pack. They are very good, durable hot/cold packs.
+ The Epi-no Childbirth Trainer and pelvic floor muscle strengthener and exerciser.

These products are available exclusively for the couples attending the courses.

Is Julie a pushy salesperson?
No, if anything, she has been criticised for not mentioning the products very much – you may possibly have to ask her about them to give her a nudge to fully explain them to the whole group or just have a chat to her about them during break times or after the session is done.

Active Birth is an attitude of mind and body – the woman wants to be free to move around to use comfortable positions and make her own decisions about what she wants to do during labour and birth instead of laying on her back with her legs in stirrups which was what previous generations endured. Active Birth as a concept has been a respected recognised concept since the 1980’s and was introduced to the world by author Janet Balaskas (Yoga teacher and mum of 4) An extraordinary woman who wrote an incredibly helpful book The New Active Birth available from the UK Book Depository or Amazon. Transition into Parenthood covers all the wisdom of the latest active birth techniques for use during labour and birth for a quicker, easier, safer, experience with less risk of drugs, stitches and other medical interventions. Recovery after the active birth is usually faster.

Yes Julie is a birth Doula; that is a professionally trained birth support person who attends births Julie has attended about 150 births over 25 years – as well as her own 2 amazing birth experiences. Visit Julie’s blog for her birth stories. I have supported birthing couples in ALL settings: operating theatre, delivery suite/labour ward, birth centres, waterbirth and homebirths… They have all taught me a massive amount which I am able to thread through my courses – the knowledge gained has been invaluable. Years ago, when I was a trainee childbirth educator and during my first couple of dozen births I was incredibly fortunate to gain from the wisdom of very senior experienced midwives and obstetricians which has also assisted me in creating a unique course. The information about my birth doula support service is provided routinely to all the couples who attend the courses. My birth doula support service is available to those couples who attend the courses as they have had the chance to get to know me and vice versa.

A large number of first aid measures and simple natural techniques can be employed to assist pregnant women to become far more comfortable during their pregnancy. I think it helps pregnant women to become more insightful and caring mothers when they gain insights into using some simple comfort measure to overcome basic discomforts.

Yes, definitely, gay and lesbian couples are most welcome to attend these ante-natal classes. You will find Julie most respectful and welcoming. She is a proud mum herself. There has never been an issue over the past 30 years all the couples attending here have been welcomed, accepted, included and delighted with their experience in their group participation.

Yes, definitely. Julie has already assisted many families-to-be with a variety of circumstances which might not be common or mainstream. She certainly can guide and assist you along the lines of your own unique Transition into Parenthood. Ring her on 95446441 for the best recommendation on which course to select. The New Mindful Hypnobirth course helps you to train yourself to stay calm and not panic under all circumstances – important and useful no matter how the birth unfolds – whether caesarean or normal. Gain more insight from reading this: Transition into Parenthood… confidence, empowerment, education

There are several ways in which Julie Clarke’s comfortable, casual, boutique style courses offer a superior investment in time and value compared to mainstream classes.

+ Small like-minded groups,
+ professionally designed and bound information workbooks and well detailed course notes provided for your future reference,
+ well-organised, professional, qualified, private, informative, hygienically clean, tranquil setting,
+ relaxed breaks in the beautiful garden with quality surrounds and seating,
+ refreshment breaks fully catered for morning and afternoon tea,
+ BYO lunch or Bakery nearby,
+ Unlimited beverages and snacks on hand for your dining pleasure,
+ Quiet, calm atmosphere to facilitate your learning,
+ High quality products stocked and available to purchase if desired.

The Course lounge room is carpeted, air-conditioned, spacious, clean, plentiful cushions, warm in winter with rugs and hot chocolate, crispy cool in summer during the hottest days. Julie’s famous for pampering her clients!