What are some good pregnancy classes taught by labor nurses? I think we can all agree that labor nurses are GREAT to learn from — but how do you know you’re getting a quality class rather than one made by AI that is boring and possibly not up to date?
Before we get started how do I have a clue in this space? Hi, I’m Hilary — a lot of people know me as The Pregnancy Nurse®. I’ve been a nurse since 1997 and I have 20 years of labor and delivery experience. I’ve also taught birth classes for my hospital and seen first hand the transformational change that a birth class can have for a couple.
I think they’re not talked about enough so I’m really glad that you’re here.
Cliff Notes: If you just want a good class and then to peace out of this article My #1 class is The Online Prenatal class for Couples. It is affordable, taught by a labor nurse, it’s constantly being updated and added to. I think it’s the best class out there, bar none.
BUT I’m guessing that a few of you have more questions than that. So, let’s answer a few.
Why a class from a labor nurse?
The dirty secret in labor and delivery is that your labor nurse does 99% of the work. Your provider will pop in, deliver and leave. Your nurse is there the whole time. She really sees labor over, and over, and over from beginning to end.
Labor nurses are the fount of labor knowledge, and while doctors are great to come deliver and help if something is going wrong — it’s really left to your labor nurse to manage it.
While there are other classes out there by doulas (VERY hard to vet, and often concentrate on the wrong things), midwives (again, hard to vet — are they a CNM or a lay midwife…. do they know about hospital birth) and even some out there by doctors… I really think that a class from a labor nurse is going to be your best bet.
What a birth class should cover?
Great question, because recent info is showing that a lot of birth classes fall short of what they truly need to teach.
I think this is what you’re going to want to cover:
- 3rd trimester testing (a SUPER important part that SO many people skip)
- What labor is like and how to labor at home for a while (and know when to go in)
- What to expect at the hospital — admission, supplies, routines, etc
- Pain management options (yes, every class should cover both natural pain management & medical pain management)
- Common interventions such as vacuums, forceps, inductions, what happens when baby’s heart rate dips and cesareans (SO important!!!! — and this is an area that labor nurses shine in)
- What happens at & after delivery (both vaginal and cesearean)
- How to get the most out of your postpartum stay
- How to take care of yourself & baby once you go home (and problem signs to watch for)
I also think it can be helpful to get classes in:
- Breastfeeding
- Baby Care
- Perhaps some extra focus on natural pain management
Honestly — this is why I recommend The Online Prenatal Class for Couples — because it really addresses each of these areas.
What You WANT in a Birth Class?
This can be tricky — but let me give you a few things to think about:
Interaction with other moms? You can look for a class with a Facebook group, or perhaps an in-person class. Personally, I don’t think those interactions end-up being as helpful as you think they are. I think going to a postpartum hospital support group can be really helpful though.
Video or Text? Some people love to read, some people love video or audio at least. Look for a class that has what you need.
Partner Prep? Looking to get your partner more involved in your pregnancy and birth — look for a class that includes them.
Still Be Able to Afford Diapers? Birth classes have gotten INSANE with their pricing. Somehow, with the advent of online courses we think we should charge more for them? Anyway, there are classes at a good price point, and some insurance companies cover them as well.
Engaging Instructor — I’m always amazed that people can be really fun online and show-up in a way that helps people, but when they go to create a birth class they’re as dry as toast. I don’t know why — I think that’s when you bring your A-game, but make sure you have an instructor that works for you. A few things that can help with this:
- Take a free class with them << this makes it really easy to know their teaching style and if it works for you.
- Watch their longer videos on Youtube. See if you find them engaging, fun. Someone you’d want to spend a few hours with.
- Make sure they teach to ALL types of births (although I think labor nurses naturally do this since they deliver in all types of ways) — not the type they think is “right. I get nervous when people offer separate classes for cesarean or “natural” birth — I think we gotta know about all the things.
Bells and Whistles? Anything else you think you’ll find super helpful in the class? These can include:
- Live meet-ups to ask your questions
- Printables or workbooks
- Bonus content that support your birth journey — breastfeeding, baby sleep, etc.
You know yourself best. For instance, I love a workbook to follow along, but a lot of people don’t…. so, pick what works for you.
Things to Watch-Out For
There are a few things I’d encourage you to watch out for:
Updates? Many labor nurses take the time to make their initial class and then sell it for years. Are they taking the time to make updates as practices change? I think this is really important — and I am sure that this class is actually being constantly updated and has gone through LOTS since it started in 2016.
LABOR nurse. There are a few classes out there taught by nurses but not actually LABOR nurses. Let’s be really clear that pregnancy is it’s own nursing skillset and other nurses aren’t going to have the same abilities as an actual labor nurse.
Experience. The weird thing about labor nurse, as a job, is that you’re really a bit of a novice for the first 8 or so years. After that you’ve just seen more, learned more and are just more aware of labor. So — you’re looking for someone who’s been at the beside for a long time.
What about in person classes?
I think a lot of us think we want and need an in-person class. But I think we’re finding out that:
Hospital classes may be biased to make you a good patient rather than to have a great birth. Not every class is angled that way, but I know when I taught for my hospital there were some guidelines we were to follow.
In-person classes have timelines. You gotta be there Tuesdays at 6 pm. You have to find parking, and sit in our hard hospital chairs. It’s just TOUGH for couples — and as a hospital instructor I saw this just wasn’t working for them. They’re tired, hungry and often one of the couple had to miss.
One and done — sure, you might get some handouts, but what if you want to review what your great instructor had to say? You’re out of luck — whereas the online classes allow you to review. This one even comes with cliff notes to review right before birth!
Best 5 Online Birth Classes Taught by Labor Nurses
Ok, here are my top five classes out there:
(sharing my pro’s and con’s for each class — again, just my opinion, I think all these labor nurses out there are doing the good work!)
#1: The Online Prenatal Class for Couples
Pro’s: I love that this is created for couples, taught by a nurse with a LOT of experience and the price point is one of the best in the business, especially when you do the bundle that includes so many different options. Plus, I love that it’s for couples since it’s sometimes tricky to get that partner involved!
Con’s: Hilary talks fast, so some people find that annoying, although some people still speed up the videos and do just fine. I think she just wants to make sure you get the information you need, even with a busy lifestyle.
#2 Birth it Up!
Pro’s: Liesel has been at this for a long time and has a great online presence. I can also share that she is just as kind in person as she is online.
Con’s: I’m not sure how frequently this class is updated. I also don’t love the separate classes for “natural”, epidural and cesarean births.
#3 Bump to Latch
Pro’s: Tina is so funny and great. She’s been on my podcast a few times and we have met in person as well. She is genuine and funny and she also has a passion for breastfeeding (and is becoming an IBCLC I believe)
Con’s: This class is brand new, which always makes me a little nervous. I’m also seeing the class price dropping a lot during a very long initial launch. While Tina has a LOT of free content online, I don’t see a free class to check out her teaching style for this type of thing.
#4 Labor Nurse Mama’s Course
Pro’s: Trish has been in online spaces for a long time and clearly knows how to navigate them. She has a good amount of free content and also some videos on the sales page that gives you an idea of what to expect.
Con’s: This class seems more “natural” focused (hard to know if that’s the type of birth you’re GOING to have). Trish seems to now be focused on coaching people to build their healthcare related business. She also has a monthly fee/group that she enrolls you in as well. Just not my favorite (but a favorite of coaches).
#5 Bundle Birth Labor Class
Pro’s: Bundle Birth is well known in the labor space, mainly for training NURSES.
Con’s: Their focus is training nurses, which is awesome — I’m just not sure it can also be tailored to patients as well. I’d prefer someone who just focuses on patient teaching. With all the spoons they have in nurse education, I doubt this gets the updates it deserves.
A few things I notice as I reviewed my favorites:
- Many of these were produced ONE time — and don’t get the add-ons or updates that they deserve.
- When birth classes really “came” online in 2020 a LOT of people made them and have slowly left them behind, so be very careful that the class you purchase is still being “serviced” (aka, will any emails, comments or troubleshooting be answered).
- The PRICE. Yipes guys. Some of these are so expensive for a very basic class. Don’t get me started on monthly fees. Oy. vey.
- They’re all the #1 class with the MOST value. Makes me giggle. I hate marketing.
But the good news is there is a lot of variety in the space and I hope you can find a class that works for YOU.
Have a review of one of these classes, or have questions? Ask us in the comments. Either way, I’m glad you’re looking to get prepared for your upcoming birth. It’s so smart of you!
Leave a Reply