Online Childbirth Preparation Classes in 2023: Choosing the Right One for You

Choosing a birth preparation class can be a daunting task, especially for first-time parents. With the advent of technology, online childbirth classes have become increasingly popular due to their convenience and comprehensive content.

Why Choose Online Prenatal and Childbirth Classes?

Online prenatal and childbirth classes offer numerous advantages over traditional in-person birth preparation classes. They provide flexibility, allowing you to learn at your own pace and on your own schedule. This is particularly beneficial for those with busy schedules or those who prefer to learn in the comfort of their own home.

Moreover, online classes often offer a broader range of topics, from staying healthy during pregnancy, preparing for labor including educating yourself about labor signs (real labor vs. Braxton Hicks contractions), coping with labor to the basics of newborn care, including breastfeeding. They also provide accessibility for people on bed rest and offer a large variety of classes on specific topics you may be interested in.

Factors to consider when choosing an online birth preparation class

It's crucial to consider several factors when choosing an online birth preparation class:

1. Content: The course should cover a wide range of topics, including birth preparation, labor and delivery, pain management options, breastfeeding, newborn care, and postpartum recovery.
2. Format: Consider whether you prefer live classes, pre-recorded sessions, or a mix of both. Also, check if the course offers interactive elements like Q&A sessions, forums, or quizzes.
3. Duration: The length of the course can vary greatly, from a few hours to several weeks. Choose a course that fits your schedule and learning pace.
4. Price: Online childbirth classes can range from free to several hundred dollars. Determine your budget and consider what's included in the price, such as workbooks, access to a community, or additional resources.
5. Instructor Qualifications: Look for courses taught by certified professionals such as childbirth educators, doulas, lactation consultants, or medical professionals.

Top-ranking online birth preparation class

Based on our analysis of the top-ranking content in Google search, here are some of the best online prenatal and childbirth classes available:

Now, let's explore some of the top online prenatal and childbirth classes available:

Mommy Labor Nurse Online Birthing Classes

• Outline: Mommy Labor Nurse's "Natural Series" is an online class to help pregnant women feel strong and ready for their unmedicated, epidural-free birth.
• Benefits: These courses aim to prepare women for a natural vaginal birth while eliminating anxiety and fear about labor and delivery, and preparing mothers for different types of childbirth procedures.
• Duration: The courses are self-paced, allowing you to complete them at your own speed. The Natural Series birth Prep course is broken into 12 self-paced lessons in addition to a few bonus video content (such as Newborn Basics 101, Giving Birth to Twins, etc). Total course duration exceeds ten hours.
• Cost: The online class costs $139 or can be paid in three monthly payments of $49. 
• Link to the course

The Mama Natural Birth Course

• Outline: Mommy Labor Nurse online, is an on demand course that allows you to take the course at your own pace. The hosts of the course are Genevieve Howland author of The Mama Natural Week-by-Week Guide to Pregnancy & Childbirth, and Maura Winkler a Certified Nurse Midwife (CNM) and Board Certified Lactation Consultant (IBCLC). The course is designed to prepare mothers-to-be for different types of childbirth experiences.
• Benefits: These courses aim to eliminate anxiety and fear about labor and delivery, provide tools for managing pain, and prepare mothers for different types of childbirth procedures. It is offered to pregnant women and their partners.
• Duration: The courses is comprised of eight classes. The online classes are self-paced, allowing you to complete them at your own speed.
• Cost: The course costs $264 in one payment or $98 paid in three monthly installments.
• Link to the course

Birth Boot Camp

• Outline: Birth Boot Camp offers several different courses, including a comprehensive childbirth education class, a home and birth center class, a hospital birth class, and a breastfeeding class. They claim to offer the #1 original online birth classes for parents.

• Benefits: The courses are designed to provide comprehensive information about childbirth and breastfeeding. They also are designed to give pregnant mamas confidence in their body, their baby, and and an opportunity to work with their partner together to have an amazing birth experience.
• Duration: The courses are self-paced, and you have 12 months of unlimited access to the class(es) you are registered for.
• Cost: The comprehensive childbirth education class costs $297, the home and birth center class and the hospital birth class each cost $247, and the breastfeeding class costs $77.

• Link to the course

Motherly: My OB & ME Online Pregnancy & Childbirth Class

• Outline: This comprehensive course covers the entire pregnancy journey, including all the "what ifs" that can occur, all things birthing, and additional postpartum support. The class is taught by a practicing OBGYN and her patient.
• Benefits: The course is designed to eliminate anxiety and fear about labor and delivery, provide tools for managing pain, and prepare mothers for different types of childbirth procedures. It also includes a community support group for additional help and advice.
• Duration: The class includes immediate access to the video course with 40 week-by-week lessons and 15 bonus videos. The course is self-paced, allowing you to complete it at your own speed. 
• Cost: The price for this course is $250. explicitly stated on the website, so interested individuals are encouraged to contact Motherly directly for this information.
• Link to the course

Pampers Childbirth Education Classes

• Outline: This course covers a wide range of topics including what to expect during each trimester, labor and delivery, breastfeeding, and newborn care.

• Benefits: The course is free and provides comprehensive information about pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care.
• Duration: The course is self-paced, so you can complete it at your own speed. 
• Cost: Free
• Link to the course

Lamaze: Prepared for Pregnancy

• Outline: Lamaze International has designed this class with the aim of providing pregnant women with the necessary knowledge and skills that empowers them to manage discomfort effectively and approach labor with confidence.
• Benefits: The course is designed to provide comprehensive information about pain management during childbirth. The course was designed that you're as ready as possible for the labor process.
• Duration: The course is self-paced, and includes 10 lessons.
• Cost: The course costs $29.95.
• Link to the course

Pulling Curls Online Prenatal Class for Couples

• Outline: This comprehensive course covers a wide range of topics, including 3rd trimester testing, understanding labor, natural and medical pain management, hospital routines, healthcare communication, using movement in labor, prenatal nutrition, possible hospital interventions, what to expect at delivery, cesarean sections, postpartum life, newborn care and sleep, and breastfeeding.
• Benefits: The course is designed to eliminate anxiety and fear about labor and delivery, provide tools for managing pain, and prepare mothers for different types of childbirth procedures. It also includes a community support group for additional help and advice.
• Duration: The course is self-paced, allowing you to complete it at your own speed.
• Cost: The online course is priced at $89. This includes access to the online course and printable materials as well as Facebook group access. The Expanded Bundle is priced at $197 and includes additional content such as downloadable e-book, lifetime access to all course materials, bonus pintables, and more.
• Link to the course