Navigating pregnancy can feel overwhelming, but birthing classes are an invaluable resource to help you feel confident and ready. These classes go beyond basic pregnancy information, offering comprehensive childbirth education tailored to your needs (and not only that, I really think you’ll enjoy them). Whether you’re exploring antenatal classes or looking for prenatal classes to fit your schedule, the goal is the same—to help you prepare for labor with practical tips and expert guidance. Find out how the right class can make all the difference for your delivery day!
And, if you’re just looking for a great class at a good price, I recommend this one. I think you’ll love the price, how quickly you’ll be prepared and the expert who’s leading you through all of it (it’s fun!).
However, there’s still a lot to learn (you can skip to that section with these links too)
- What you need to know?
- When you should take a class?
- Which birth classes will prepare you for natural labor?
- How much time will it take?
- How much it’s going to cost?
- Do you need a breastfeeding class too?
- How to best prepare your partner?
- How can single moms get prepared?
- How to prepare for a C-section or other interventions?
And, if you’re wondering why does this “Pulling Curls®” lady have so many thoughts about birth class — that’s valid. In addition to having 3 kids of my own I am also a labor and delivery nurse that many people know better as The Pregnancy Nurse®. I delivered babies for 20 years and I taught birth classes for my hospital as well — so I’m an expert on this one. That’s why I love to share information like this!
So, let’s jump in….
Why Take a Birth Class?
I really think you’re looking for a few main objectives from a birth class (beyond the “boxes” it should tick which I’ll talk about next):
- Help you manage pregnancy, postpartum & labor pains through natural techniques (because you can’t get an epidural at home from those crazy ligament pains).
- Learn about problem signs & common interventions, so you’re both prepared & not traumatized
- Learn how to make choices and communicate them in a positive way with your healthcare team
Good birth classes cover these three things from pregnancy all the way through your first weeks postpartum — be SURE to also get prepared for postpartum as well!
Many classes do #1, but they’re not great at the other ones. As a society we’re not great about #3, and somehow healthcare makes that even worse. So, you want a class that will help you with all of those.
You also really want to involve your partner in all THREE of these things, so you need something that will engage them as well!
Lamaze Techniques & Other Things to Learn
It can be hard to know what to expect at a birth class — and there are a LOT of them out there, so what should you be learning at them?
For a long time we just thought that birth class should just be about pain management — and learning breathing techniques like the Lamaze classes our moms used. Now, that’s important, but birth classes are about WAY more as we are strong, independent women who really want to make our own choices!
Your birth class should include:
- Problem signs that should trigger a provider or hospital visit
- Third trimester testing, and how to manage the results
- How to know if you’re in labor (and how to do early labor like a pro at home)
- When to go to the hospital — it’s complicated.
- What to expect at the hospital — routines and people or supplies you will see (you’d be shocked at how traumatizing it can be if it’s unexpected)
- Common interventions you may encounter in labor and delivery
- Inductions – what to expect and how to make the choice
- Cesareans — what to expect (and again, how to make the choice)
- What happens at birth – no one talks about this, and expectations can often defeat reality here
- What happens in the days in the hospital after birth
- What to expect, and how to thrive once you go home the first few months
Be sure to pick out a well-rounded class that will you prepare you for ALL that you encounter surrounding birth.
It seems to be the “new” thing to just cover a part of those, but I 100% recommend the class that covers ALL of this, so don’t miss something important.
I once read on reddit that you really only use about 10% of your birth class in labor but you don’t know what 10% it will be, and it’s different for everyone — so you gotta do it all. I couldn’t agree more!
Birth Plan Examples
A good birth class should walk you through the common choices you’re going to make on a birth plan, and it should help you start to sort out things that you’d like for yourself.
I actually have a quick birth plan series that might get you started right here (totally free):
Birth Preparation on a Busy Schedule
We’re busy people. It can be really hard to fit in a birth class that’s only offered Tuesday night at 6 pm (that’s when I used to teach them, and I saw that it did NOT work for many tired couples — often with one partner missing).
The good news is that online birth classes have come a LONG way. I love classes that have small chunks of videos where you can get prepared on a specific section in under 20 minutes.
Maybe you watch it while you eat dinner, or a quick cuddle on the couch after a busy day. That way it doesn’t have to take over your life.
When you take an online class you also miss the fun of driving, and parking at your class location (which, if it’s at the hospital that can eat up a lot of time).
Sometimes you’ll see that classes take TONS of time — some of them upwards of 10+ hours. I think you can get the important information in just a few hours. I have a whole post on how long a class will take. Be sure to find one that you can actually accomplish. You might think you want that mega-class, only to find that it really is too much for you!
What Type of Class to Take?
Back in the day there were some really standard classes: Lamaze, Bradley, or “hospital” classes that most people took.
However, as we’re here in the 21st century we’re using the best parts of a lot of those classes and experts are making their own.
I’m going to talk more about why a lot of people are deciding that hospital classes aren’t right for them (so, keep reading). Beyond that, you’re really trying to decide if you want an in-person class or an online class.
I think a lot of people “picture” an in-person class as they think about doing it — but as with all things, being in person incurs additional “costs” including:
- more time (including travel, parking and finding the classroom)
- having to manage other students (who may have a lot of questions you do NOT have)
- sticking to their strict timeline
- possibly even babysitting $$ if you have other kids.
The biggest cost I’ve seen is that if you, or your partner, miss a class – you’ve just missed it. There’s no way to “make it up.” We’re busy people and often we have conflicts with Tuesday nights at 6 pm. Couples are often trying to work classes around work trips or other obligations. Doing an online class that’s on demand makes that SO much easier.
Pro Tip: Don’t fool yourself that your partner doesn’t need to come to the classes with you, they’re an integral part and when you’re BOTH feeling confident in the labor room you’re an unstoppable team!
There are a LOT of great in-person options and I share more about why many couples are opting this way in this post.
Hospital Birth – should you take a hospital class?
Ok, you’re planning to give birth in a hospital, why not take your class there you might ask?
Beyond all of the general in persons “costs” I mentioned above (time, parking, inconvenience) hospital classes have a few other issues.
The biggest one is that they often are created to “steer” you in the way they hope you’ll birth. That means less questions, less alternatives, more medicalized sometimes.
Honestly, I don’t think most hospitals are doing this on purpose — it’s just how those classes have been structured.
They often tell you “how” things will happen, and don’t really dive into making those choices (and asking the questions) on your own.
Hospital classes have become the “gold standard” over time but I really would encourage you to challenge that in your mind. The good news? There’s LOTS of alternatives.
Pro Tip: I AM a huge fan of taking the hospital tour, but you can do that without taking a class. Check your hospital’s website or call the unit to get more information on how to do that. I think they can be REALLY helpful! Just remember, you can do those without taking a full class!
When Should You Take a Birth Class?
Personally, I think the best time to start one is when you’re coming into your third trimester — which is around 27 weeks.
I recommend starting to look at them, and getting one (or two — many people take a few of them to get a few different viewpoints from a few experts which I think is fantastic) at about 20 weeks.
If you’re looking to do an in-person class I recommend starting as early as possible to book yours. Local classes often fill fast, so you need to be on your A-game to get one scheduled (that’s one of the other “costs” to in-person classes).
While you can clearly start, and review your online classes whenever, I would aim to have it completed by 34 weeks. Just to be safe. That also gives you lots of time to review online material.
Hey is your baby kicking?
If you’ve gotten this far — a virtual high five for you!
If you’re around that time you should start your birth class, it’s also time to start doing those kick counts.
Are you doing your kick counts? You’ll find it is a big soap box issue for me. If you don’t know how to do them (or are worried you’re doing them wrong) — grab my cheat sheet right here:
Birth Classes for Natural Labor
First off, I’m never sure what people mean when they say “natural labor” — but I think most people mean that they’d like to avoid the epidural, if possible.
If that’s you — I think a birth class is a VERY smart idea. I’ve seen a lot of people fail at having an unmedicated birth because they didn’t have any preparation.
There are three keys to this:
- Learning natural pain management techniques that will help you cope with the pain
- Learning how to labor at home safely, a bit longer to avoid extended time at the hospital
- Partners learning what THEY can do to help you out.
There’s a lot to it — but just make sure that you’re taking a class that gives you all three of those, not just teaching you how to breathe. I have a whole post with some more tips that I think you’ll find helpful.
Cost of Birth Classes
Ok, an economist’s daughter can’t help but ask — but how much is this going to cost?
Because I’m so invested in you taking a birth class, I’ve done a fair amount of research on how much they often cost. The average price for a “no bells and whistles” class is $187 — but if you’re looking for more (think extra classes on baby care, baby sleep and even breastfeeding) you’re looking closer to the $400 range.
Pro Tip: Be aware for birth classes that seem cheaper, but really only cover one thing (aka, breathing). Just beacuse it says “birth class” doesn’t mean it will prepare you for all of it. Many people split them up to make it more affordable, but ultimately don’t do their job.
Honestly, that’s why I recommend this one — it’s really the best price I’ve seen and comes with SO many great options I think you’ll just love. It does include everything at that great price.
Don’t fool yourself that the more expensive ones are better. Honestly, the more people who take the class the cheaper the instructor can offer it — so, the cheaper ones may actually be the best classes.
Oh, and don’t forget all those Facebook and social media ads people invest a ton into. Those make them wildly expensive. I prefer to give my money directly to the teacher rather than most of it to Facebook…. I have a whole post on why birth classes are so expensive that might give you a peek into why they’re so much money!
The good news is that a lot of health insurance companies are paying for classes now — so I’d always encourage you to check with them (and be SURE to check if there are stipulations you need to be able to get reimbursed). It’s smart, since birth classes have been proven to make birth cheaper for them.
And, if you’re thinking — gosh, there has to be a free option — I see you — I have a few good options for you:
Really quick — I actually have a free mini class that you might enjoy, and you can sign up for it right here:
Best Birth Classes by a Labor Nurse
It probably won’t be a shock to you, but as a labor nurse — I think taking a class from a labor nurse is your best bet. There’s a few reasons why….
- They are with patients in labor the most (you’ll be surprised, but you see them WAY more than your doctor)
- They see a wide variety of population which allows them to teach to a wide variety as well (doulas often only see a specific segment that can afford them……)
- They know interventions (and c-sections) which makes them an expert in things that could be very traumatic if you’re not prepared
In fact most of the classes I list in this post are by labor nurses. Of course, I recommend this one, but there are lots of good classes out there!
Pregnancy Books
Can a book prepare you? I think that’s a super valid point. I am definitely a book learner myself (and I love the cost).
There are some books out there….
- Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth this is the gold standard for “natural childbirth” but honestly I disagree with a lot of it… but, if you really want to know that mother nature “made us to do this” it might be the book for you!
- The Bradley Method Book — this class was all the rage when I had my first in 2000. Ultimately, I found a lot of friends feeling guilty for how they birthed instead of taking what they could and moving on…. but some people like it. 🙂
- What to Expect — I had this book, and I loved that I could look at where I was at during my pregnancy. If you’re a book person and enjoy reading — I think this a good one. I certainly enjoyed it when I was pregnant.
Here’s a few more that people seem to like (no opinion from me though):
- The Simplest Pregnancy Book in the World
- Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn: The Complete Guide
- Expecting Better
I don’t think that any of these really replace a class. Many are social calls to justice about birth in the US (which I think are valid, but may not really prepare you for birth).
Remember you’re looking for a class that:
- Help you manage pregnancy, postpartum & labor pains through natural techniques
- Learn about problem signs & common interventions, so you’re both prepared & not traumatized
- Learn how to make choices and communicate them in a positive way with your healthcare team
While a book can help with #2, it’s not as good as hearing it from a teacher.
Honestly, I wrote a birth class book and I decided it just wasn’t enough. I didn’t think that couples would both read it, and I felt like my experience was best conveyed through video.
Video also can REALLY help you learn great communication skills #3 — it’s really hard to learn that in a book.
Anyway, books are great, awesome to supplement but I don’t personally think they do the whole thing.
First Time Parents or ALL Parents?
Ok — so who exactly needs a class. Is it all pregnant couples, or just first timers?
Honestly, I think every birth is different, and sometimes you need to clear-up some thoughts and feelings from your previous birth(s) that a class can REALLY help with.
I recommend them for all pregnant families. I think that the smaller class in here is a great one for repeat pregnant families. I know their time is even more limited, so it’s perfect.
I talk more about why in this post.
Breastfeeding or Pumping Moms
Ok, breastfeeding. I think that’s something that we also don’t prepare people well for either. I do think that a class can be REALLY helpful. Which is why the class I recommend comes with one in the larger bundle.
I also think it’s VERY important to connect with someone who can give you further help as you progress in a breastfeeding journey. I wish we connected people in the hospital but there are some laws that stop us from doing so. That’s why I found an expert who also gives consults and has tons of further information once baby is here.
I don’t think that a lengthy breastfeeding class is wildly helpful, but the basics are a HUGE help!
It should cover things like:
- What to do in those first few hours after birth with breastfeeding
- What a good latch should look & feel like
- Signs it’s NOT working (super important)
- How/where to get more help (probably the MOST important part)
I recommend The Breastfeeding Mama for all breastfeeding concerns, she teaches the lesson in here, and is a GREAT resource. She also has tons of helpful info online!
Pregnancy Goals: Is a birth class important?
You may just be wondering, overall, if a birth class is really going to change anything? I have a couple of articles that you might find helpful.
The first one shows lots of studies about how birth classes improve outcomes. The cliff notes is that birth classes:
- Decrease interventions like inductions or using a forceps/vacuums
- Decrease cesarean rates
- Increase birth satisfaction overall
You can learn more about it in the full article:
This next article gives more casual, anecdotal evidence about how a class changed birth and parenting after baby for couples. It really can make a huge difference if you actually do the class and make a priority.
Pro Tip: A lot of thought is often placed on purchasing a class, but remember actually doing the class is what changes things. Be sure to find a class that is doable (and engaging enough to not sleep through). Some people think birth classes need to be boring, and that is nonsense. It’s why I recommend this one.
Prepare For C-Section
You definitely want a class that talks about cesarean sections, and prepares you for it.
Many classes act like you only need to do that section if you’re planning on a c-section — but on first births you have to remember that 33% end-up having a cesarean birth — and the vast majority are NOT scheduled.
It’s a real possibility that you will need a c-section, so getting prepared for it is imperative. You’ll feel SO much better knowing what to expect.
This is actually one of the MAIN reasons I recommend taking a class from a labor nurse (or a doctor) because they really KNOW these types of things. Versus Doulas who just have heard about them, or experienced a few.
This class has a chapter on cesareans and I REALLY encourage everyone to do it, it’s not long and it really gives you that “picture” of what to expect once you’re in the OR and choices you can make as you have that type of birth.
Partner Preparation
YES — how do we get PARTNERS prepared?
For me — I think there’s a three-pronged approach to it (because, let’s face it — labor isn’t happening to them, so often they sort of just glaze over it):
- Engaging them, so it’s fun and they enjoy it (because we all know we remember things better when we enjoy them) — also, make sure it’s not too long that makes it less-fun.
- Showing them how they can be involved and help out
- Talking about how this really is part of their life, and communicating together about how things will change once baby is out (and they’re very much involved).
Honestly, there aren’t a lot of classes that really aim for the partners to take the class together, but I really do think it’s best. Some have a tiny module to take with your partner, but I really think you should try to take as much together as possible. Although, this one has key points I’ve had a few couples do together because time together was short. That’s valid too.
Here are a few great birth classes for couples.
Pro Tip: Couples love, love, love the questions in here. It really gets conversations started and I hear it’s one of the most popular features of the class I haven’t seen in other classes.
Single And Pregnant
Ok, well — what if you’re doing this alone.
I would encourage you to reach out to someone who can help you — maybe it’s your:
- Mom or sister
- A friend
- A doula
Labor is tough, and I think everyone needs a friendly face with them during it. Nurses will help a lot, but they can’t be in your room all the time, and I really think a partner can be really helpful — and you’ll need help once you go home too.
The couples questions in here work for partners, or just support people too. It mostly is about someone supporting you, rather than a “title”.
And, if you’re younger, you might find this post helpful.
In summary:
Let’s wind this up into three things I want to share the very most with you:
- Birth classes are important, I think you should make them a priority
- Picking a class you’ll actually do is so smart
- Make sure that you pick a class that fulfills those main objectives.
And, in case you’re wondering what those are again….
- Help you manage pregnancy, postpartum & labor pains through natural techniques
- Learn about problem signs & common interventions, so you’re both prepared & not traumatized
- Learn how to make choices and communicate them in a positive way with your healthcare team
I really think that if people did those three things there would be much more birth satisfaction for people (and the studies prove that’s true).
As I’ve said, I recommend this one. It can be done in just a few hours, involves partners, and is taught by an expert. It hits all the areas I’ve spoken about in this post.
But, the most important part is finding a class you’ll actually do (and enjoy). If you’re not sure we’re a good fit check out my free class — It’s your first step towards being your own birth boss.
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