Helping new parents feel calm, confident and supported.
Hi, I'm Sarah...
Hi, I’m Sarah – Midwife, Nurse, Childbirth Educator, Mum & Founder of Sarah Tooke Childbirth & Parenting Education.
I have been providing antenatal education to expectant parents for over 15years, both in hospital and privately. I am currently the Antenatal Midwife Co-ordinator at the Mater Hospital, North Sydney and therefore able to bring real-world experience into every aspect of our programs.
I have personally designed all aspects of our programs and continue to be present at every workshop to ensure a consistent, high-quality experience for every family.
Each session is supported by a second midwife, allowing us to create a seamless, nurturing day with plenty of hands-on support and expert guidance. I’m deeply passionate about providing realistic, compassionate, and evidence-based care and I’m proud to be backed by an incredible team who share that same commitment.
Sarah's qualifications
MIDWIFE, NURSE AND CHILDBIRTH EDUCATOR
- Founder of Sarah Tooke Childbirth & Parenting Education
- Registered Nurse (UWS–Bachelor of Nursing)
- Registered Midwife (UTS–Graduate Diploma of Midwifery)
- Birth suite & Postnatal Midwife at The Mater Hospital
- Facilitator of hospital based antenatal education programs
- Clinical Nurse Specialist & Antenatal Midwife Coordinator at The Mater Hospital
- Winner HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Award for team excellence
- Calmbirth® Educator and Certified Infant Massage Instructor
- Circle of Security® Trainer
- Midwife Trainer for Gidget Foundation Australia
- Co-Chief Investigator & Site Co-ordinator for published research in ANZJOG and Midwifery Journals
Professional Associations
- Current registration with AHPRA board
- Full member NSW Nurses Association
- Full member of Australian College of Midwives
- Full member of Childbirth & Parenting Educators Australia (CAPEA)
- Possums Certified Educator level 1
Meet the Midwives
Michelle Penn
MIDWIFE + NURSEÂ +Â CHILDBIRTH EDUCATORÂ +Â MOTHER
Michelle is a Registered Midwife and Nurse, as well as a Child and Family Health Nurse. She has worked in a leading Sydney private hospital with women, babies and families for nearly 20 years. Over the last 14 years Michelle has worked as a Midwife in the clinical setting at Westmead Private Hospital, as well as facilitating antenatal education programs and infant massage sessions for parents and parents to be.
She is passionate about education and empowering families as they explore the birthing process and consider what will work for them. Michelle also loves working with families as they explore what life will be like with a new baby and supporting them as they move into this new chapter of life.
As a mother of 4, Michelle not only brings a wealth of evidence-based knowledge to our workshops but a personal perspective and deep understanding of the joys and challenges of parenthood.
You can meet Michelle at our antenatal group workshops.
Libby Peach
MIDWIFEÂ +Â CHILDBIRTH EDUCATORÂ +Â MOTHER
Libby is a Registered Midwife with over 15 years’ experience facilitating antenatal education programs at both North Shore Private and the Mater Hospital. She also currently works as part of the antenatal team at the Mater.
She understands that all families have a different journey to parenthood and is passionate about helping expectant parents feel supported and informed as they navigate the antenatal period, postpartum and life with a newborn.
Her personal experience as a mother and grandmother brings real world clarity to the workshops.
You can meet Libby at our antenatal group workshops.
Hayley Cooke
MIDWIFEÂ +Â NURSEÂ +Â MOTHER
Hayley is a highly experienced Registered Midwife and Nurse who has worked at the Mater hospital in the birthing unit, antenatal and postnatal clinical settings for over 15 years.
She is currently the Clinical Team Leader on the postnatal ward at the Mater where her passion for educating families as they navigate the post-natal period and their transition to home is fully realised. She loves educating couples on infant feeding and newborn care and as such is especially committed to ensuring every couple has access to evidence based, non-judgemental and compassionate education and support.
As a mother of two she brings warmth, wisdom and a wealth of practical knowledge to the workshops and believes knowledge is power and antenatal preparation is key to a smooth transition to parenthood.
You can meet Hayley as at our antenatal group workshops.
Pip Guest
MIDWIFEÂ +Â NURSEÂ +Â MOTHER
Pip is a Registered Midwife and Nurse who has worked on the postnatal ward and in special Care nursery at the Mater Hospital, North Sydney for over 20 years. She has recently left the clinical setting to focus on helping Sarah deliver high quality, evidence-based education in our group workshops and provide private, in-home postnatal support services.
She has a deep evidence-based understanding of the postnatal period, normal newborn behaviour, feeding and sleep in the fourth trimester. She is a passionate advocate of the need for post-natal planning during the antenatal period to facilitate as smooth as possible transition to the often-overwhelming task of bringing a new baby home and transitioning to parenthood.
As a mother of two she brings a holistic, practical and most importantly, non-judgemental perspective to our workshops as we explore the challenges of parenthood.
You can meet Pip at our antenatal group workshops or in your home if you require postnatal support services.
Susie Brew
MIDWIFEÂ +Â NURSEÂ +Â CHILDBIRTH EDUCATORÂ +Â MOTHER
Susie is a Registered Midwife and Nurse who has spent most of her career working in Midwifery and with new families in the community. She has worked at the Mater Hospital in the birth suite for nearly 20 years where she has also facilitated antenatal and Calmbirth classes. She is currently part of the antenatal team at the Mater.
Susie is passionate about educating expectant parents about everything there is to know about childbirth & parenting with a focus on non-biased and up to date information. She loves helping new parents become confident in their ability to effectively and gently care for their children.
As a mother and grandmother, Susie has a deep connection to our expectant parents and the type of knowledge they need to know.
You can meet Susie at our antenatal group workshops or in your home if you require postnatal support services.
What our clients say...
They are very friendly, caring and supportive.
It was a pleasure to participate in the Sarah Tooke Childbirth and Parenting education workshop seminar. It was fantastic and very well informative!.
We really enjoyed learning experience with Sarah and Libby. They are very friendly, caring and supportive.
I highly recommend their service to any future first-time parents who seeking guidance and support to assist them with antenatal planning and care.
Anthony Vecchio
I honestly couldn’t recommend this class enough!
My husband and I attended Sarah Tookes’ full-day workshop on a Saturday (2025) and it was an absolutely fantastic experience. We went in knowing very little, but by the end of the day, we felt prepared (well as much as possible) thanks to the way Sarah explained everything in such a clear, simple, and judgment-free way.
The class covered so much valuable information, and Sarah’s approach made us feel empowered and ready for what’s to come. We also want to extend a huge thank you to both Sarah and Susan for making the day so enjoyable and supportive.
I honestly couldn’t recommend this class enough—it’s an absolute must for any expecting parents!
Mia Grimmond
Highly highly recommended.
Well worth the session!
Sarah and Michelle presented extremely well, providing a wealth of information and knowledge.
We feel so much more confident entering the next journey of our lives. Highly highly recommended.
Harrison Latter
Looking for Childbirth & Parenting Classes?
We'd love to meet you at one of our antenatal workshops.
Join us for a day that is informative, practical and filled with support.
Sarah Tooke Childbirth & Parenting Education
Offering face-to-face and online childbirth and parenting education.
Workshops & Classes
About
We proudly celebrate diversity and are committed to providing welcoming and inclusive environment for all families. Our antenatal classes and postnatal support services are open to everyone, including LGBTQI+ parents and families, without judgement or discrimination. We strive to create a safe, respectful space where all individuals feel supported on their journey to parenthood.
We also acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live, work, and teach. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and emerging, and honour their enduring connection to land, culture, and community.