Karin and Patricia from Birthwise

Who We Are

We believe that the more trust and understanding we bring to the natural, extraordinary process of pregnancy and childbirth, the more powerful and life-enhancing your experience of it can be.

We aim to inspire you to have confidence in your body’s innate ability to give birth, whether at home or in hospital. Your pregnancy will bring you instinctive wisdom; our intention is to provide you with relevant knowledge and tools to support, nurture and empower both you and your partner. This will allow you to make informed decisions naturally and carefully, from a balanced, positive perspective, so that you can look forward to the birth of your baby with optimism, confidence and joy.

Our Approach

  • Encourages trust in the natural wisdom of your body
  • Provides you with essential knowledge and understanding
  • Includes Pregnancy Yoga, the ultimate preparation for birth, aligning your mind-body connection, in addition to the wonderful breathing techniques it brings
  • Promotes the Active Birth principles of learning through your body
  • Recognises the spiritual and transformative power of birth as a rite of passage
  • Gives you and your partner useful, practical skills in preparation for birth and parenthood

Our knowledge and inspiration has been accumulated over many years and from many specialists in the field of birth. We focus especially on the teaching of Janet Balaskas, founder of the Active Birth movement, of which we are associate members.

Patricia Whitworth and Karin Walters have many years’ experience supporting women and their partners through pregnancy, birth and motherhood, and have extensive knowledge of the challenges that can arise along the way. They created Birthwise in 2004 to combine their passion for empowering women to have meaningful and positive birth experiences. They continue to support and inspire each other.

In the summer of 2022 we had the pleasure of welcoming Claire Arnold to Birthwise. Claire is dedicated, passionate and eager to share her knowledge and experience with families in South Devon.

They work closely with other specialists in their field:

Janine Gassmann - Birth and Postnatal Doula
Gaby Sweet - Birth and Family Photographer
Nikkie Huddart - Yoga Teacher & Sleep Consultant
Jojo Hogan - Prenatal Massage and Postpartum Doula

Birthwise Team

Specialist Associates

Janine Gassman

Janine Gassmann

Birth & Postnatal Doula

07774 575397 janine.gassmann@gmail.com View Profile
Gaby Sweet

Gaby Sweet

Birth & Family Photographer

07816 239800 gaby@gabysweetphotography.com View website View Profile
Nikkie Huddart

Nikkie Huddart

Yoga Teacher & Sleep Consultant

07511477156 yogawithnikkie@gmail.com View website View Profile
Nikkie Huddart

Jojo Hogan

Prenatal Massage and Postpartum Doula

07514 774832 jojo@slowpostpartum.com View website View Profile

A little feedback

Attending the classes run by the team at Birthwise in Exeter, and employing their fabulous doulas, were some of the wisest decisions we have ever made. We are eternally grateful - the birth of our daughter was such a positive and empowering experience"

Ciara Muldoon