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Childbirth classes: Your complete guide

Birth classes prepare parents for what to expect during childbirth – and there are plenty of them to choose from. Here's the scoop on some of the most popular childbirth classes, plus tips for where to find great in-person or online birthing classes.  

A woman leaning over a pregnant woman, using a baby doll to explain labor position and childbirth.
Photo credit: iStock.com / MarsBars

Whether you're a first-time mom or you've been through labor before, childbirth classes are a great way to prepare for welcoming your newborn baby into the world. They can give you (and your partner) the confidence to handle one of the most exciting experiences of your life, from recognizing the first signs of labor to putting your newborn in their car seat and bringing your baby home from the hospital.

Read on for our complete guide to childbirth classes, including where to find birthing classes near you, the different styles and types of childbirth classes you can choose from, and whether or not an online childbirth class is a good option for you.

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What topics do childbirth classes cover?

Typical childbirth classes usually consist of lectures, discussions, and exercises, all led by a trained childbirth instructor. Common topics covered include:

While approaches vary depending on the type of class you take (more on that below), the common goal of a childbirth class is to prepare you for childbirth, help you make informed decisions about the birthing process, and ease your fears about labor and delivery.

Most childbirth classes also cover some of the most common childbirth complications, like slow labor and perineal tears, and how your hospital or birthing center might handle them. You can also expect to watch footage of some real vaginal births and c-section deliveries.

Some classes also teach the basics of breastfeeding and newborn care, but those are often offered as add-on classes. (Many hospitals separate their pregnancy classes by topic: Labor and delivery, breastfeeding, infant safety, and other parenting topics.) If you're taking a childbirth class at your hospital, it may include a tour of the maternity unit, so you'll know what to expect before you arrive.  

In addition to the topics covered, childbirth classes provide a great opportunity to meet other expectant parents who will have a child the same age as yours. Some participants stay in touch long after their birthing classes are over.

 

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When's the best time to take a birthing class?

Some hospitals suggest the best time to take a childbirth class is in your third trimester, so the information covered is fresh when it's time to deliver. But if you feel like that's cutting it too close, or you want to take more than one class, you can get started earlier.

Depending on what type of class you attend, childbirth classes range from one-day intensive workshops to weekly sessions that last for a couple of months. If other kids or work make it easier to learn from home, some hospitals, as well as birthing programs like Lamaze and Bradley, offer virtual sessions.

There are some benefits to taking a childbirth class in your second trimester: Some birthing classes go over how to choose a maternity and labor provider, and that's something you'll want solidified as early as possible (with extra time to change providers, if necessary). On the other hand, it might be better to wait to take a breastfeeding class until your third trimester, when you're closer to nursing.

Another important thing to note: Many hospital childbirth classes fill up quickly, so you'll want to give yourself plenty of time to register. The goal is to finish classes before your due date – and maybe even sooner, in case your baby arrives earlier than expected.

Where to find birthing classes

Most hospitals offer birthing classes as part of their educational programs, or you can take one through an independent instructor or organization. Hospital classes are usually the least expensive option, though they tend to be the most crowded and in demand.

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You can search online for independent childbirth classes and instructors near you – some instructors are certified by the International Childbirth Education Association (ICEA)Opens a new window, so checking their website is a good place to start. The ICEA doesn't promote any particular style of childbirth class, so class content varies by instructor. If you're thinking of using an ICEA-certified instructor, ask them what pain management for labor techniques their class will cover.

To find other in-person classes in your area, ask your ob-gyn or midwife, check with the hospital or birth center where you plan to have your baby, or ask friends who've recently had babies for their recommendations.  

Online birthing classes

The COVID-19 pandemic brought many real-world activities into the virtual space, including birthing classes. Already on the rise, the relative safety of online childbirth classes has made them surge in popularity among expecting parents.

Taking your childbirth classes online comes with a lot more flexibility than in-person ones – you're usually able to hit play and pause whenever is best for you, and watch modules over if you want to review something twice. The downside: You don't get to partake in hands-on experiences, like changing a diaper on a baby doll or practicing breathing techniques with an instructor's one-on-one guidance.

A great way to learn from home is with BabyCenter's free online birthing classes. This video series is a good solution for parents-to-be with busy schedules or second-time parents who want a refresher course. In this program, you'll learn about the five signs of labor, how to manage pain, and what happens during an episiotomy.

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How much do childbirth classes cost?

The cost of childbirth classes depends on where you live, and which type of class you take. At a hospital, you can expect to spend anywhere between $30 and $100 per couple for a class. Boutique birthing companies offer more specialized in-person workshops, but the costs for those tend to be higher – usually somewhere between $200 and $500 (or even more) per class.

Some health insurance companies will cover the cost of childbirth classes. The catch is that your insurer may require the class to be taught by a certified childbirth educator or a lactation consultant. And typically, you'll have to pay for the course and then submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement.

Some birthing classes teach a particular childbirth method, but many – such as the ones offered at a hospital – don't promote any particular technique. You may want to research the classes that are available in your area, to find the one that best meets your needs.

If you want to give birth without an epidural, for example, look for an instructor who spends time exploring unmedicated labor and natural methods of pain management. On the other hand, if you're sure that you're going to ask for an epidural or another form of pain medication, a course taught by a strictly anti-medication instructor is not for you.

Here's a look at some of the most well-known options for childbirth classes:

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Lamaze class

According to Lamaze International, the goal of its classes is to help women make more informed choices about their healthcare. In Lamaze class, you'll learn various coping strategies, breathing and movement techniques, and other natural ways to comfort yourself during childbirth. Classes are centered around a pillar of birth practices, including letting labor start on its own, avoiding any medically unnecessary interventions, and keeping the mother and her baby together.

This more natural approach to labor might not be a good fit if you've already decided you want an epidural. But the education a Lamaze class provides can help you make more informed decisions if you do end up needing interventions or you want pain meds during labor.

Read more about the Lamaze method of childbirth.

The Bradley method

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The Bradley birth method embraces the idea that childbirth is a natural process and that, with the right preparation, most women can avoid pain medication and other medical interventions during labor and birth. The 12-week Bradley method program emphasizes the importance of diet and exercise during pregnancy, teaches deep breathing techniques to manage pain, and involves your partner as an integral part of the birth process.

Read more about the Bradley method of childbirth.

HypnoBirthing classes

HypnoBirthing, or the Mongan Method, teaches you how to deeply relax your body using self-hypnosis to have a more natural and comfortable birth. While the focus is on natural pregnancy and childbirth, the techniques it teaches are also useful for mothers who need medical interventions during labor and delivery.

Read more about the HypnoBirthing birth method.

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The Alexander technique

The Alexander Technique is a movement-awareness method that can help you physically prepare for pregnancy, childbirth, and parenthood. This technique focuses on freedom of movement, balance, support, and coordination.

If you're into yoga, you might want to explore prenatal yoga classes. Many women find the breathing, stretching, and meditation taught as part of various types of yoga very helpful during pregnancy and childbirth. Chat with a local yoga instructor, or ask about taking classes at a hospital, birth center, or adult education facility.

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BabyCenter's editorial team is committed to providing the most helpful and trustworthy pregnancy and parenting information in the world. When creating and updating content, we rely on credible sources: respected health organizations, professional groups of doctors and other experts, and published studies in peer-reviewed journals. We believe you should always know the source of the information you're seeing. Learn more about our editorial and medical review policies.

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Bradley Method. Undated. FAQs. https://www.bradleybirth.com/FAQs.aspxOpens a new window [Accessed October 2021]

Cedars Sinai. Undated. Classes and Maternity Tour. https://www.cedars-sinai.org/programs/obstetrics-maternity/classes-tour.htmlOpens a new window [Accessed October 2021]

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Lamaze International. 2021. When is the best time to take a childbirth class? https://www.lamaze.org/Giving-Birth-with-Confidence/GBWC-Post/when-is-the-best-time-to-take-a-childbirth-classOpens a new window [Accessed October 2021]

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OHSU. Undated. Pregnancy and childbirth insurance reimbursement. https://www.ohsu.edu/womens-health/pregnancy-and-childbirth-insurance-reimbursementOpens a new window Accessed October 2021]

Steinberg Wellness Center for Mind and Body at Emerson Hospital. Undated. Hypnobirthing -- The Mongan Method. https://www.emersonwellness.org/classes/hypnobirthing®-the-mongan-method [Accessed October 2021]

Tidelands Health. 2020. Virtual prenatal classes popular with new parents in the age of COVID-19. https://www.tidelandshealth.org/newsroom/2020/virtual-prenatal-classes-popular-with-new-parents-in-age-of-covi/Opens a new window [Accessed October 2021]

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Stephanie Watson
Stephanie Watson is a freelance health and lifestyle writer based in Rhode Island. When she’s not busy writing, Watson loves to travel, try new cuisines, and attend as many concerts, shows, and plays as she can fit into her busy schedule.
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