The Best Online Prenatal Classes
From learning breathing techniques to understanding the stages of labor to discovering what pain relief options you have, doing research before those contractions kick in can allow you to feel more confident, comfortable and in control. In this article, we look at the different types of prenatal classes available and share our favorite online educational platforms.
One of the best ways to prepare for the arrival of your baby (or babies!) is to take prenatal classes. Commonly done in the second or third trimester, they typically cover everything from early labor signs such as losing your mucus plug to breathing, stretching and massage techniques to what happens if medical intervention is needed. Even though they’re all essentially designed to give you the tools you need for a safe, enjoyable and empowering birthing experience, not all prenatal classes are presented in the same way. Some might have a more clinical approach, while others aim for a more natural angle.
While many of these classes used to be attended in person, due to COVID-19 social distancing restrictions as well as the opportunity for experts to offer their services to a global audience, we’re seeing a shift to online platforms. Much more cost effective and convenient, online prenatal classes can help you feel relaxed, excited and clear about what you’d like your birthing experience to be. As parents who’ve been in the trenches of unsolicited advice and scary message threads, we promise prenatal classes are a much safer place to get your birthing information!
Scroll down to discover the best online prenatal classes and why we love them.
Bini Birth
The thing we love about Bini Birth is that they recognize that there is no single right way to prepare for or give birth. Survey three mothers and we guarantee they’ll all tell you a very different experience! You need to listed to YOUR body, mind and soul and Bini Birth is a fantastic way to help you start your birthing journey.
The Bini Birth Online Childbirth Class includes a 4 hour pre-recorded video that will cover topics such as changes in the pregnant body, hormones of labor & postpartum, positions and movement for labor & birth, breathing styles, relaxation strategies, cesarean birth, pain medication, birth plans, working with a partner, inductions, baby care & bonding and MUCH MORE!
HypnoBirthing® – The Mongan Method
Unlike classes that cover many different pain management options, HypnoBirthing focuses on teaching that, ‘in the absence of fear and tension, or special medical circumstances, severe pain does not have to be an accompaniment of labor.’ Highly acclaimed by women around the world, this incredible class focuses on getting you in tune with your muscles and body so that you can enter a fully relaxed and calm state while in labor.
“When you change the way you view birth, the way you birth will change.”
Marie F. Mongan
While there are numerous certified HypnoBirth Instructors with online courses, we really like these class options from hypnobubs. They include pre-recorded videos, music, e-books, downloadable worksheets and resources as well as online support.
LOOM
LOOM is all about inclusivity, interactivity and respect for personal choices, which is why we are raving about their Prepped classes! Available in a series or one day accelerated program, this online course will help prepare you for birth at home, in a hospital or birthing center. It doesn’t matter if you’re considering being medicated, unmedicated or electing for a cesarean birth, the educators at LOOM have all of the knowledge and resources you need to advocate for yourself and baby.
Prepped: The Series included three 2.5 Hours Classes
Prepped: Accelerated One Day 6 Hour Class
Another great thing about LOOM is that they have courses on periods & sex, fertility, pregnancy, parenting, miscarriage & abortion, and LGBTQ+ parenting.
Mama Natural Birth Course
Hosted by Genevieve Howland, bestselling 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 Mama Natural Birth Course is designed to give you the power to achieve a natural childbirth without the use of medication or medical intervention.
Delivered in a modern and evidence-based tone, the course covers things like water births, gentle cesareans, and skin to skin contact, they’ll also touch on things like how to optimize and “naturalize” any medical intervention for the best outcome possible.
Easy to watch whenever and wherever, the course includes an 8 part video series (plus loads of bonus content and materials).
Learn more about the Mama Natural Birth Course.
Birth It Up
Birth It Up was developed by Liesel Teen, an experienced L&D nurse and the face behind the popular Instagram account @mommy.labornurse. Her goal is to make comprehensive, online childbirth education affordable for all expecting women. Liesel knows that birth preparations for different types of birth matter, which is why she created tailored content to meet your birth wishes.
Birth It Up: The Natural Series is for mamas who know they want a natural birth (or aren’t sure what they want!)
Birth It Up: The Epidural Series is for mamas who know they want to go this route.
The courses were designed to empower mamas through knowledge, erase the fears associated with birth, and help women have a more positive birth experience. The courses educate about the birth process, what to expect when you go into labor, various interventions, pain management strategies, and more!
In each course you get 10 sections of professional video content, a PDF e-book, and other bonuses with your enrollment. It replaces the need to take an in-person prenatal class and will fully prepare you for the birth you desire.
Lamaze
With a belief that a health-care system and care provider can increase or decrease a woman’s confidence in her pregnancy and ability to have a healthy baby, the non-profit organization, Lamaze International, was created to help women be confident, trust their innate ability to give birth and make informed decisions about pregnancy, birth, breastfeeding and parenting.
With numerous online courses to choose from, you can learn more about pregnancy, labor, delivery, breastfeeding and parenting. On average, their classes are $35 per seat.
Learn more about Lamaze International.
Continue exploring
- What We’re Reading: Lessons I Learned From My Unplanned Cesarean Births
- Looking for maternity wear you’ll love even after your bump is gone? Visit The Tot Maternity Shop!
