The hands-on workshop for birth partners

BIRTHING PARTNERS ARE SO IMPORTANT - YOU DO MATTER!

Being a birth partner is about so much more than holding her hand and watching your baby being born.

Your birth buddy can be anyone you choose to have beside you — your partner, friend, sister, mum, aunty, family member or another trusted support person.

Whoever they are, their role matters.

It’s about knowing what to do, how to help and when to step in — and feeling confident enough to be genuinely useful when she needs you most.

Best Birth Buddy is a private, hands-on workshop where you and your chosen birth buddy learn practical ways to support you through labour and birth.

Together, you’ll learn massage and comfort techniques, movement, positioning and simple ways to help create a calm, supportive environment around you.

You’ll practise together, ask questions, talk through your birth preferences and build confidence in their role — so when the big day arrives, your birth buddy isn't wondering what they're supposed to do.

You don’t need to be an expert. You just need to be prepared.

Not another antenatal class This workshop doesn’t replace your antenatal or childbirth education — it adds to it.

Antenatal classes give you the information you need to understand pregnancy, labour, birth and caring for your baby.

Best Birth Buddy is different.

This is about the person standing beside you.

Instead of sitting in a room listening to information, you and your birth buddy get hands on, personalised time together to learn practical ways they can support you through labour and birth.

We practise massage and comfort techniques, explore positions and movement, work through communication and talk about what you might find helpful — so your birth buddy isn't wondering what they're supposed to do when labour begins.

It’s your opportunity to prepare together, ask the questions you might not think to ask in a group class, and build confidence before the big day.

Because knowing what to expect is important. Knowing how to support her is just as important.

Birth partners really do matter

Your birth partner can be anyone you choose to have beside you.

It might be your partner, friend, sister, mum, mother-in-law, aunty, family member or another trusted support person.

Whoever they are, their role matters.

They don't need to be a midwife, doula or birth expert. They just need to understand how they can support you, what you might need from them, and how to be confident and present when it matters most.

Anyone can be your Best Birth Buddy.

This workshop gives them the practical skills and confidence to step into that role — so you can feel supported, understood and cared for throughout labour and birth.

So, what does a Best Birth Buddy actually learn?

This is where we get practical.

Together, you and your birth buddy will explore:

• Massage & the power of touch — practical massage techniques and comfort measures that can be used during labour.

• Movement & positioning — explore how movement, different positions and simple changes can help throughout labour.

• Comfort holds — learn simple hands-on techniques your birth buddy can use when you need physical support.

• Communication — discover powerful ways to communicate with a woman in labour, including knowing when to encourage, reassure, listen or simply be there.

• Creating a calm environment — understand how your surroundings, touch, voice and your birth buddy's presence can help you feel safe and supported.

• Preparing for labour — talk through what to expect, what you might find helpful and how your birth buddy can prepare for their role.

• Your birth preferences — discuss your birth plan, fears, worries, hopes and anything you want your birth buddy to understand before labour begins.

• Fetal positions — understand how baby's position can influence labour and the practical ways movement and positioning may help.

• Preparing your NEST — practical preparation for creating a calm, comfortable space for labour.

• Welcoming baby — talk about those precious first moments, including the golden hour and how your birth buddy can continue to support you after birth.

Most importantly, you'll practise together.

This isn't about memorising a list of things your birth buddy should do. It's about giving them practical tools they can draw on when the time comes — and helping you both feel more prepared.

Your own hands-on session

This is a one-on-one workshop in your own home, giving you the space to learn together without the pressure of a group class.

You can ask questions, practise techniques, talk openly about your preferences and work out what feels comfortable for you as a couple or support team.

Your birth buddy will also receive a complete manual to keep and practise in your own time, so you have something practical to refer back to before baby arrives.

When should we book?

Most workshops are booked between 36–39 weeks, giving you enough time to practise the techniques and feel comfortable with your new skills before baby arrives.

However, you don't have to wait until the final weeks.

You can choose to have:

One 2-hour session closer to your due date, giving you everything you need in one practical session.

Or

A session earlier in pregnancy to learn and practise, followed by a shorter refresher session in your final trimester if you'd like a reminder before baby arrives.

What will it cost?

Private Best Birth Buddy Workshop

2 hours | $245

A complete one-on-one session in your own home for you and your chosen birth buddy.

Refresher Session

60 minutes | $140

An additional session if you'd like to revisit the techniques and refresh your birth buddy's skills before baby arrives.

A small additional travel cost may apply outside the local Howick area.

Want to be the birth buddy she needs?

Your role doesn't have to be perfect.

You don't need to know everything about birth.

You just need to be prepared, present and ready to support her when it matters most.

Best Birth Buddy gives you the practical skills, knowledge and confidence to do just that.

Ready to book your private Best Birth Buddy workshop?

Contact me directly by phone or text 021 049 7724, email hello@driftaway.nz, or fill in the enquiry form at the top of this page, and I'll be in touch to arrange your session.