About Me


Hello and welcome, I’m Maxine,
I’m a qualified antenatal teacher, Birthlight baby massage and baby yoga instructor, postnatal group facilitator, and a registered nurse with over a decade of experience.
My work is grounded in evidence-based practice and a deep understanding of the complexities of pregnancy and early parenthood. Moving from hospital nursing into this field highlighted how vulnerable, powerful, and transformative this stage of life can be and how important it is for parents to receive clear information in a space that feels calm, supportive, and free from judgement.
After completing a Certificate of Higher Education in Birth and Beyond at the University of Worcester, I became a qualified antenatal teacher in 2021. I went on to work with the charity Becoming Families in Worcestershire, a service I had personally attended, where I supported antenatal and postnatal groups and helped to build strong, connected communities of parents who supported one another beyond the sessions themselves.
Now based in Northam, North Devon, I offer small group courses and bespoke sessions, including support in your own home. My aim is to create a welcoming space where parents can learn, ask questions, and take what feels right for their own family.
My role is to share clear, evidence-based information, while recognising that real life during pregnancy and early parenthood doesn’t always fit neatly into guidelines. Together, we explore what is safe, informed, and realistically achievable for you and your family without judgement or pressure.
Shared Beginnings welcomes families of all backgrounds, identities and experiences. Sessions are inclusive and respectful spaces where every parent, caregiver and baby is valued. Shared Beginnings is committed to providing a safe, non-judgemental environment regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, disability, family structure, gender identity or sexual orientation. Kindness and respect are at the heart of every session.
I’d love to welcome you into a session or course. Please get in touch via email with any questions, or follow along on Facebook and/or Instagram to see what’s coming up.
Love Max x
Qualifications & Professional Experience
Registered Nurse (since 2011)
Qualified Antenatal Teacher (since 2021)
Certificate of Higher Education in Birth and Beyond – University of Worcester
Birthlight Diploma in Integrated Baby Massage & Baby Yoga (2023)
Postnatal Group Facilitator
Additional training in:
Normal Infant Sleep & Safe Sleep (BASIS)
Pregnancy After Loss (Foundation of Infant Loss)
Sensory-Informed Infant Care (Sensory Beginnings)
Perinatal Mental Health Awareness (Lifeboat)
Brazelton Newborn Behavioural Observations System
I am committed to ongoing learning and evidence-based, compassionate care.
Values
Evidence-led, not opinion-led
All support is grounded in current research and best practice, shared clearly and honestly.
Compassion without judgement
Parenting is complex and deeply personal. There is no one ‘right’ way, only what is right for your family.
Community and connection
Parents thrive when they feel supported and understood. Creating spaces where connection can grow sits at the heart of my work.
Informed choice and autonomy
My role is to offer knowledge, not direction, empowering you to make decisions that feel right for you.
A calm space to just be
Sessions are designed to feel safe, welcoming, and unhurried. A place to pause, reflect, and grow.
The Heart of Shared Beginnings
I support pregnant and postnatal families with evidence-based guidance, compassionate care and a strong sense of community.
My aim is to create safe, supportive spaces where parents feel informed, held and confident to make choices that are right for them.
Contact
hello@sharedbeginnings.co.uk
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