18 of the best online birthing classes
Choosing the right online birthing class can be a difficult decision and with so many online childbirth classes available it can be daunting for a first-time mom.
Are you looking for a childbirth class near you?
Have your prenatal classes been canceled?
Are you a C-section mom who feels that childbirth classes are only for moms planning to go natural?
Do you need a Pregnancy class specifically suited to couples?
Are you after an affordable online childbirth class that covers everything that a traditional class offers including what is a birth plan and questions to ask your pediatrician?
Are you looking for FREE ONLINE BIRTHING CLASSES?
Then you are in the right place! I have compiled a comprehensive list of 18 of the BEST ONLINE CHILDBIRTH classes online for every type of delivery and circumstance.
Some of these courses have childbirth videos for you to see what its really like. and for others, this may be a bit too visual.
Be prepared for childbirth by taking one of these amazing online birthing classes
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What is an online birth class
Online birthing classes are the new way of taking a birthing class for many reasons:
- You are short on time
- You don’t live near a class
- You have other children and can’t attend a class
- You want your birthing Partner to be involved but they work out of state or just don’t have the time to attend one
- The classes can be taken at your own pace if you need to repeat sections
- If you are on bed rest
- If you have a specific need such as hypnobirthing or Cesarean Courses
- If you are shy and don’t like to discuss personal things in public
- This is a subsequent pregnancy and you feel that a traditional class may be for first-time moms
Online birthing courses are great as they tend to be run by qualified labor and delivery nurses rather than support staff that you may get at the birth class.
Some of the classes are less than $40 and have a vast amount of information without the need to leave your home.
Main differences between online birth classes and traditional classes
Traditional classes are great as they are hands on and you get to meet other couples. They are fantastic for talking through your fears with others and hearing other people’s concerns. Traditional classes are usually over a day and go through a lot of information over a short period of time. The classes tend to run from when you are about 7 months pregnant.
The childbirth classes also go through some hands on demonstrations and give you a chance to ask the course leader questions
The classes sometimes give you a tour of the hospital and focus mainly on the stages of labor and in my experience not enough emphasis on breathing and relaxation.
Online birthing courses, however, are great as they offer flexibility in learning, if like me you struggle to take in information and need to read something a few times to understand it then online is great.
An online childbirth class can be taken if you are 12 weeks pregnant, 24 weeks pregnant, or even 39 weeks pregnant (Although I wouldn’t recommend this!)
If for some reason you need a specific course eg if you are having twins and have a c section booked you may want a course that focuses entirely on giving birth via Cesarean section or you have decided that you definitely want an epidural or you want to go down the Hypnobirthing route.
You are also mostly given access to private Facebook groups where you can discuss topics with like minded parents
It totally depends on you and what type of learning suits you.
Who are online birth classes are for
These online birthing classes are for anyone and everyone who is pregnant and wants to get educated on labor and delivery. Whether that be a natural birth, natural birth with an epidural, A planned C section, or a hypnobirth there is an online childbirth class for you.
As long as you have access to the internet and can understand English then you can access any of the courses here.
When to take an online childbirth class
The best time to take an online birthing class is whenever YOU feel ready to take the class. Personally, I would say take the course a few times before your due date especially if you feel anxious.
Unlike traditional courses when you are normally told to attend at 7 months.
With an online birthing class, you can take the class when you feel ready, when you have a quiet moment or if you just want a refresher on a certain topic
This is why Online birthing classes are so good. You can go backward and forward as many times as you like and take the course at your own pace.
Some of the classes are less than $40 and have a vast amount of information without the need to leave your home.
Should I take a childbirth class?
YES, YES, and YES!
Childbirth courses are an absolute must in my opinion both for you and your birthing partner. They go through absolutely everything you think you need and everything you think you won’t!
Trust me with birth you can never be too prepared! As a mom of five, I can tell you every single one of my births was different.
The best thing about these courses? Every single one offers a 30-day money-back guarantee so its totally worth just having a look and seeing if it really does suit you
Online Childbirth classes compared
I have compared the best online birthing classes online to make it easier for you to decide which one is the best for you.
There is an online childbirth class to suit every birth whether you are going natural, you want a hypnobirth or you have a planned C section there is definitely something for you
1. Best all-around: BIRTH IT UP
Birth it up is a fantastic online birthing course aimed at moms who want to have a natural birth
The Birth it up online course offers:
- Over 3 hours of video content
- Ultimate Guide to Labor and delivery
- 74 page PDF
- Access to a private Facebook group
The course is primarily for those who want to have a natural birth WITHOUT an epidural. The course does cover all pain relief options and Epidurals.
The Birth it up online birthing class is delivered by Liesel Teen a labor and delivery nurse of over 5 years and a mom.
Who birth it up the natural series is for:
- First-time moms who are feeling scared and would like to overcome the fear of labor
- Moms who can’t get out. Have young children and would love to take a birthing class from the comfort of their own homes
- Any mom that may have encountered a difficult birth. This may have caused a lack of confidence which is why a birth course empowering women is exactly what they need
- Those who may want to have a VBAC. A mom who has dreamt of going natural after an assisted delivery
I have personally taken this course and wished that something as amazing and affordable as this was available when I had my first baby.
At a quarter of the price of similar online birthing courses, this is an absolute bargain in my opinion.
PROS
- Affordable
- 3 hours of video
- 74 page ebook
- Private FB group
- Lifetime access
CONS
- No interaction as its online.
- There could be more emphasis on different birthing position
- No interactive assignments
Read my honest review of the course here.
USE COUPON CODE MAMAOFFIVE AND GET 10% OFF TODAY
2. BEST FOR HYPNOBIRTHING
Hypnobubs is an online hypnobirthing course. This is by far the best online hypnobirthing course available.
If you are looking for an online Hypnobirthing class near you and have already made up your mind that you are taking the hypnobirthing route then this is definitely the course for you.
Based out of Australia the online hypnobirthing classes are relevant to everyone no matter where in the world you are. Whether you are in New York or London the hypnobirthing course will be relevant to you.
The course creators are Mellissa Ayling; An award-winning Australian Practitioner, she is a pregnancy retreat leader, birth doula, reiki practitioner, meditation therapist, holistic certified aromatherapist and a mom of 2.
Hypnobirthing Australia is an education program that showcases labor and delivery in a positive way. This virtual hypnobirthing class really does stand out above the rest.
The online hypnobirthing course comes with everything you need to have a successful hypnobirth.
The course can be taken by anyone, anywhere as long as you have access to the internet.
The Online Hypnobirthing classes Include:
- 5 long play MP3 tracks
- The little book of hypnobirthing
- Worksheets and downloadable resources
- Online support
Alison’s Hypnobirthing course empowers you to give birth naturally with
- Guided relaxation
- Breathing exercises
- Positive affirmations
The course is filled with a host of activities that you can incorporate into your daily lives to get the practice you need for labor. This happens without realizing that you are actually doing it thanks to the tips and tricks she provides within the course itself.
PROS
- Take in the comfort of your own home
- Empowers you to have the hypnobirth you want
- In-depth videos on breathing and relaxation
CONS
- This course is only for those who want a hypnobirth
- Hypnosis doesn’t work for everyone
Read my honest review of the course here.
The Hypnobubs really are the best hypnobirthing classes online. Even if you have a class close to you I really would recommend that you have a look at what Hypnobubs can offer as they are the leaders when it comes to the best hypnobirthing courses available online.
3. BEST FOR NATURAL CHILDBIRTH
The best online course when you want a natural birth is definitely the mamanatural birth course. The mamanatural online birthing class has an excellent reputation spanning over a decade of very happy moms.
The mamanatural online birth course is geared towards helping moms have the natural birth they’ve always wanted. The course focuses on getting you ready physically, mentally and spiritually.
The course is hosted by Genevieve Howland the bestselling author of a natural week-by-week guide to pregnancy and childbirth and Maura Walker a certified nurse-midwife (CNM) and board-certified lactation consultant (IBCLC)
The course includes
- Over 8 classes
- Learn how to avoid the cascade of interventions
- Get the lowdown on pregnancy nutrition
- Natural remedies for – back pain, placenta positioning, breech babies, heartburn, swelling, and insomnia
- Exercises to place your baby in the optimal positioning for birth
- Equip your mind and spirit to give birth the way you want to
What do you get in the course?
- An 8 part video series
- Practice videos for you and your partner
- Real Natural childbirth videos
- Printable cheat sheets and resources
- FB group moderated by a certified doula
- Special training for VBAC moms with a focus on preparing nor only your body but more importantly your mind.
- Breastfeeding masterclass- A 90-minute video masterclass to get you breastfeeding like a pro from day 1.
The mamanatural online birthing class has an excellent reputation over the past 10 years with a huge number of testimonials from very happy moms.
PROS
- Excellent reputation
- Lots of bonuses
- 90-minute breastfeeding class
- A huge amount of birthing video content
- A portion of profits are given to charity
- Offers a payment plan
CONS
- A one size fits all approach
4. BEST FOR EPIDURAL
If you are a pregnant mama that knows that you want and Epidural then the Birth it up Epidural series is the course for you.
Most birthing classes just seem to brush over the bit about Epidurals. Not this course.Birth it up epidural series is specifically tailored for epidural moms
So much pressure is put on moms to have a natural birth, there are however so many moms that just don’t want to go down that route and this is definitely the course for you. There are also so many misconceptions surrounding Epidurals that need to be clarified by a professional.
This course is non judgemental and it’s refreshing to see that Epidural moms have an option when it comes to online birthing classes
Birth it up the epidural series is a course that focuses on moms who want an epidural.
The course also covers the natural side of labor but mainly focuses on how moms can prepare for birth. The course also covers what happens if you can’t get the epidural that you want and what to do instead.
After taking this course you will be prepared for most eventualities.
The course is delivered by Liesel Teen a labor and delivery nurse and a mom. She knows what you will be going through and has supported so many women going through the birthing process.
What you get:
- 30 taught lessons
- The ultimate guide to labor and delivery
- 81 page PDF ebook for those who prefer to read
- Access to the Facebook group
Who the course is for
- Moms who know that they want an epidural
- Second time moms who dont want to go natural
- Mums who are afraid of epidurals but want one
- A mom who wants a VBAC
The course is super affordable and with our discount code taking 10% off the price it is an absolute steal.
Have the birth that you want with this amazing course.
USE COUPON CODE MAMAOFFIVE AND GET 10% OFF TODAY
PROS
- Affordable
- 81 page Ebook
- Lifetime access
- Private FB group
CONS
- Only for Epidural moms
5. BEST FOR CESAREAN SECTION
Yes, believe it or not, but there is an online birthing course specifically tailored for anyone who has a planned C section.
The positive caesarean birth program is the first of its kind. Finally, C section moms have an online birthing course that delivers.
Contrary to popular belief you do have options when you are having a C section. These choices can have a massive impact on how your birth turns out.
The course creator is Melissa Slipstead a clinical hypnothreapist and one of Australias leading childbirth educators.
The first of its kind in the world.
This online hypnobirthing class is specifically for women who want to feel empowered before birth, during labor and postpartum.
Do you want a calm, family-friendly cesarean birth?
Do you want support in reducing anxiety surrounding your planned delivery?
Would you like access to tools that would help create a positive mindset during labor?
Melissa believes that every woman deserves to feel empowered regardless how your baby is born.
What the Hypnobirthing online course offers?
- 19 video sessions
- 5 long MP3 tracks
- The positive cesarean birth Ebook
- Downloadable resources and worksheets
- Online support
Being prepared for a Cesarean can be daunting, this Virtual Hypnobirthing course takes away all fears of having a C section and gives you the confidence to do it without fear.
PROS
- An Online Hypnobirthing course dedicated to cesarean births
- Lots of videos
- The course appeals to any mom anywhere in the world as long as you have access to the internet
Read my honest review of the course here.
CONS
- Only for C section moms
6. BEST ONLINE BIRTHING CLASS FOR COUPLES – PULLING CURLS
This has to be the best course if you want to take the course as a Couple.
The course has been created for busy couples to get as educated as possible before the baby arrives.
Hilary has been a labor and delivery nurse since 2001 who delivers babies every day!
She has seen everything
Hilary is funny, down to able. She knows exactly what you are going through as she is also a mom.
What is Included:
- 9 month virtual access to the full online course
- Online course updates
- Videos within the course
- Ability to ask Hilary questions within the course
- Money-back Guarantee!
- BONUS: Videos on pain management & newborn care!
This Online Childbirth Class is Split into Three Parts
Before Labor
- Common Third Trimester Testing
- What to go to the hospital for
- How to know if you’re in labor
During Labor
- Should you go to the hospital?
- What to expect at the hospital
- Common Hospital Procedures
- Pain Management Options
- What to expect in a C-section
After Delivery
- What happens right after birth
- First hours of recovery
- The postpartum floor routines
- What to expect when you go home
Who the course is for:
The course is aimed at couples its quick and straight to the point, it fits in with your busy schedule, is engaging and accurate and covers everything you need from your third trimester into your baby’s first year
PROS
- The only online birth course that specializes in couples
- Starts at the third trimester all the way to the first year
- Affordable
- Access to private Facebook group
CONS
- Could be more detailed in some areas
7. SUPPORTING HER: ONLINE BIRTHING CLASS FOR DAD
Duration: 10-month full access after enrollment
Who is this course for?
Mothers and fathers learning about their role during labor, communicating with hospital staff, if you’re looking for physical and verbal support to deal with any unexpected curveballs.
This course doesn’t just concentrate on natural births but also gives information and support for c sections.
Pros
- Facts, suggestions and tactful alternatives.
- Takes away the fear of having a baby
- Refund if you aren’t happy within 30 days
Cons
- Very little guidance to help you through
8. BEST FREE ONLINE BIRTHING CLASS – KOPA BIRTH
The best free online birthing class is definitely the KOPA Birth.
What is included
- Relaxation 101
Here you will learn how to relax your muscles as much as possible, release tension and stay calm during contractions
- Guided imagary for labor
These audio tracks are a helpful and easy way to practice relaxation techniques at home
The other topics included are
- Why natural birth
- Pain Vs Suffereing
- Cooked Vs Uncooked Noddle theory
- The 3 Rs
- Positions for relaxation
- Fear tension pain cycle
The KOPA class is an excellent free online birthing class that can set you up to learn relaxation techniques to have an easier and natural birth.
The course is free so it doesn’t go into too much detail but if you want to try something for free I would highly recommend it.
You Can watch chapter 1 online for FREE
Read my honest review here.
Online birthing courses
If you’re a first-time mom, you might be worried about what is to come. The unexpected can be a worrying time for both parents. There are online courses below that might be able to help you with any worries.
9. Lamaze Online
Duration: 1 year
Lamaze helps to promote a healthy, safe and natural approach to pregnancy, childbirth and the early stages of parenting.
You can expect to receive advice and practises which are based on the most current medical evidence.
Who is this course for?
Lamaze Online courses are suitable for individuals trying to conceive, pregnancy, labour, childbirth, after-birth, birthing support people, couples and single parents.
This course also helps individuals learn more about comfort and coping with pain through labor.
PROS
There is a wide range of topics covered by Lamaze Online and you get to have virtual interaction with a Lamaze educator as well as receive content that will guide you through each stage of pre, during and post-pregnancy.
You will take a lot away from this course. Including:
- Learning about the best positions to open the pelvis and give a shorter pushing time.
- Getting to know the best relaxation skills to use during early labor.
- Effective strategies for the challenges of transition.
- Gathering an understanding of back labor and how to deal with the pain from your back while you encourage your baby to turn in your stomach.
CONS
- There is no instructor, so you might lack that one-to-one connection and support.
10. birth boot camp
Duration: 3-month online access which includes 10 classes.
You might have noticed that this name suggests that there is a centre around a military theme. A good positive is that once you’ve registered, you’ll have full access to all of the childbirth classes for 3 months.
Who is this course for?
Concentrating mostly on couples going through the pregnancy together, the Birth Boot Camp wants you to feel informed, prepared and empowered.
If you’re looking to learn a huge variety of information regarding pregnancy, labour and post-pregnancy, including:
- Relaxation
- Exercises and pelvic floor health
- Breastfeeding
- Pregnancy nutrition
- Parenting a newborn
- Variations of labour
- Birth plans
- Comfort measures
- Hospital birth
- Comfort measures
- Birth centre or home birth
- Food and fitness
PROS
- There is a lot of concentration on breastfeeding and there is an offer for extensive breastfeeding help.
- Birth Boot Camp includes thematic childbirth education.
CONS
- There is very little medical training involved as the instructors are childbirth educators.
11. Birthing Better
Duration: No time scale
There are 5 online courses which may fit in with what you would like to gain knowledge or reassurance on. Whatever course you decide to choose, you will find that each one is easy to learn and has plenty of birth-coaching skills available to learn.
Who is this course for?
This course is for single parents, couples, birthing partners, grandparents, friends, fathers-to-be, mothers-to-be and professionals.
If you’re looking to complete the full birth skills, online class, then you’ll find 3 skills-set:
Soft skills which include teamwork, birthing behaviors, birth plans, negative/positive voice, staying in the NOW and the phases of contractions.
PROS
- Concentrates on the whole family, as well as friends and birthing partners.
CONS
- There isn’t much to the course working with your partner. Rather more so about individuals.
12. kopa birth
Duration: 3-7 month online access (varies based on the course you select)
With this course, you’ll have value and quality as well as having an affordable enrollment fee. If you choose Kopa to give you some guidance then you’ll have practical and hands-on tools which advise you on natural birth.
You’ll be highly engaged in watching the Kopa Birth.
Who is this course for?
This course is for anyone looking to mock the labor experience, gain relaxation during labor, birth plans, guided imagery, benefits and risks of common hospital labor interventions, the birthing process, medications, cesareans and labor inductions, Lamaze-style breathing techniques, natural hospital birth footage, labor positions and sensory techniques and what to expect during each stage of labor.
There is a plus course available in which cover these following subjects:
- Newborn babywearing basics
- Prenatal nutrition
- Hypno-style relaxation triggers
- Prenatal fitness
PROS
- Affordable
- Money-back guarantee
- Natural birth curriculum
- Mock labour experience
- Teaches how to have a low intervention during birth in the hospital
CONS
- Gives no information regarding home births or birth centre births
13. birth MATTERS
Duration: 16-20 hours (including a 2-hour postnatal reunion)
Who is this course for?
Mothers and Fathers that are in the early pregnancy stages can learn about looking after themselves, birthplace options, changes to expect during pregnancy, routine tests to prepare for and touching on common concerns during pregnancy.
You will be introduced to the physical and emotional changes before and during labor, coping and support strategies for labor, feeding choices, labor that may not go to plan and be prepared for that unexpected change, what to expect in the first few weeks when you bring your new baby home.
Pros
- Unbiased opinions
- Offers up-to-date information
- Practical activities to engage in
- Independent advice
- Offers an additional 2-hour breastfeeding class
Cons
- Does offer face-to-face service which might not fit everyone’s schedule
14. Baby Med
Duration: None
Cost: FREE
Offering a lot of information regarding pregnancy and childbirth, this is a free online birthing class which is completely text-based. This means that there is a lot of reading and no one-to-one support from a medical professional.
There is, although, a wide range of subjects covered, such as pain relief, changes in pregnancy and labor facts.
Who is this course for?
Mother and fathers who have the time to dedicate to this course from home. Perfect if you have the space for paperwork. Even if you don’t have much time but still want to learn about the above topics, you’re able to take this class around anywhere with you.
Pros
- You can take it everywhere with you and spend as much time as you like on it at a time.
Cons
- All text-based so takes a lot of patience and time to complete
15. LOVE YOUR BIRTH
Duration: 10+ weeks
Who is this course for?
If you’re worried about the pain you might endure during labor and you don’t really want to have any pain relief, this course offers Hypnobirthing, making you feel more confident, prepared and equipped.
It is for both mothers and fathers to gather and understand what is to come.
This course offers private video calls, group hypnobirthing classes, one to one hypnobirthing classes, intensive courses and a refresher course.
Pros
- Replaces the fear with excitement
- Allows you to start parenthood in the best way
- Shows you that you have control and a voice to use
- Gives you the best birth experience.
- Helps you to enjoy your pregnancy
- Gives support and information to your birthing partner
Cons
- Not much support for anyone other than moms and dads.
16. pain to power birth
Duration: 1-year online access, 9 classes
Who is this course for?
Mothers who are tired of hearing about how painful birth can be and want to know what more there is.
Giving pure advice and tips on reducing pain as well as having a pleasurable experience regardless of the setting you choose.
This course reaches parents as well as birthing partners.
You’ll gain knowledge on birth hormones, labor support, comfort techniques during labor, communication during labor as well as access to “Orgasmic Birth: The Best-Kept Secret” documentary.
Pros
- Unlimited support via email for 1 year.
- Encourages positive emotions about labor
- 6-week postpartum ‘babymoon’ plan
Cons
- It might be uncomfortable to discuss orgasmic birth.
17. bonapace method
Duration: At your pace
Who is this course for?
Parents who are looking to gain knowledge on pain-management techniques, approaching childbirth as a team, including your partner, how hormones and intimacy can ease worry and produce pleasure, learning yoga to relax and align the body and making informed and confident decisions about your pregnancy and birth.
Pros
- Learn to work with your partner
- Gain trust with the person you’re working with
Cons
- Without a deadline, you might struggle to get the motivation to finish the course.
18. Beyond the birth plan
Duration: Your own pace
This course offers you bonus printable reference guides to ensure that you can have something on the go. The reference guides available are:
- Writing a postpartum plan worksheet
- Common pregnancy discomforts and remedies
- Postpartum mental health symptom guide
- Prenatal exercises handout
- Birth bag packing checklist
- Early labor cheat sheet
- Decision-making in labor
- Encouraging labor at home
- Labor positions cheat sheet
- Birth affirmations
- Comfort measures
- Birth fear to birth affirmation
- Guided relaxation
- Birth visualizations
- Deep breathing exercises
Who is this course for?
Mothers and Fathers who are looking into learning more about what is to be expected during pregnancy and labor. With this course, you’re able to work together as a team and ultimately, if you have good labor support, it can help to prevent birth trauma and postpartum depression.
Pros
- You can do this course at your own pace
- You have a full year of access
- Your partner can also prepare for what is to come
Cons
- There is no face-to-face contact which might not be as personal