Preparing for Baby Best Online Birthing Classes Lamaze International Bestsellers Bundle is a comprehensive online birthing class By Sara Lindberg Sara Lindberg Sara Lindberg, M.Ed., is a freelance writer focusing on mental health, fitness, nutrition, and parenting. Learn about our editorial process and Nicole Bonaccorso Nicole Bonaccorso Twitter Nicole is an expert in healthy family living, diet and exercise, and wellness. Her work has appeared on Weather.com, AskMen.com, Upworthy, NBC.com, RetailMeNot, and Mashable. Learn about our editorial process Updated on March 10, 2023 Fact checked by Katelynn Rigano Fact checked by Katelynn Rigano Katelynn Rigano is a qualified expert in mental health. With experience on both the clinical and consumer ends of mental health, she has hands-on experience when it comes to evaluating products and services geared towards health and wellness. Learn about our editorial process Print We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more. Birthing classes cover a wide variety of topics, from staying healthy during pregnancy and coping with labor to the basics of newborn care, including breastfeeding. While you may not get the same community-building aspects of an in-person course in an online version, there are many benefits to taking a birthing class online, including a flexible schedule, accessibility for people on bed rest, and a large variety of classes offered on specific topics you may be interested in. Your hospital or birth center may have a few basic classes, but online, you should be able to find a class for virtually any topic related to birth and baby care. Here’s a look at some of the best online birthing classes we’ve found. Best Online Birthing Classes of 2023 Best Overall: Lamaze International Bestsellers Bundle Best Budget: Birth It Up Best for Parents Wanting No Pain Medications: Kopa Birth Best for Home or Birthing Center Birth: Mama Natural Birth Course Best for Couples: The Online Prenatal Class for Couples Best for Non-Pregnant Partners: SupportingHer Best for People Without Partners: Motherhood Reimagined Best for LGBTQIA+ Pregnant People: Maia Midwifery & Fertility Queer & Trans Pregnancy Program Best Free: Pampers Childbirth Education Class Best HypnoBirthing Class: The Positive Birth Company Best Online Birthing Classes View All Best Online Birthing Classes Our Top Picks Lamaze International Bestsellers Bundle Birth It Up Kopa Birth Mama Natural Birth Course The Online Prenatal Class for Couples SupportingHer Motherhood Reimagined Maia Midwifery & Fertility Queer & Trans Pregnancy Program Pampers Childbirth Education Class The Positive Birth Company See More (7) Final Verdict Compare Providers FAQs Methodology Best Overall : Lamaze International Bestsellers Bundle Lamaze International Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: $85Types of Classes: Birth, labor, and breastfeedingDuration: 3+ hours of self-paced video lessons Why We Chose It Lamaze has been helping people prepare for birth for more than 60 years and is one of the most trusted names in birthing classes. This bundle is sure to cover many of the questions expecting parents have about pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. Pros & Cons Pros Includes three courses covering a variety of topics Method has been practiced and trusted for decades Suggests various techniques for coping with pain Video, quizzes, resources, and interactive content included Covers vaginal birth after cesarean (VBAC) Cons Amount of information may be overwhelming Taking the class isn't enough; you have to practice the method to really get the benefits Overview For a one-stop-shopping experience that is also budget-friendly, you can’t go wrong with the Lamaze Bestsellers Bundle. This course includes three of Lamaze's top classes: Safe and Healthy Birth, Labor Pain Management, and Breastfeeding Basics. Throughout the lessons, you’ll learn how to spot active labor, use techniques to manage pain, and make it through the delivery process. You’ll also get tips to help you have a healthy birth (both medicated and unmedicated) and how to prepare for breastfeeding. Taught by a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, all Lamaze classes are self-paced and typically take around 60 to 75 minutes to complete. The format for each one includes text, videos, audio, slideshows, interactive images, quizzes, and personal reflections. If you want to try before you buy, consider taking Lamaze International's free Labor Confidence course. This allows you to view the class format, content, and structure without any financial obligation. The Lamaze bundle gives you access to three courses for $85. Individually, these classes' costs range from $30 to $35, so you save approximately $15 when you bundle. The purchase gives you unlimited access to the site's content for one year. Best Budget : Birth It Up Birth it Up! Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: $139Types of Classes: Unmedicated birth, epidural, c-sectionDuration: 12+ hours of self-paced video lessons Why We Chose It We love that there are different classes for both medicated and unmedicated births. The amount of information you’ll get in each class is great for the price. Pros & Cons Pros Can choose a class based on the birth plan you have in mind 30+ lessons with a lot of information Take at your own pace Both video and text lessons Cons Class is lecture-style, not interactive Does not teach hands-on skills such as massage during labor Overview Parents-to-be who want a class with some depth, but don’t want it to make a considerable dent in their bank account, should check out Birth It Up courses. Taught by Liesel Teen, a labor and delivery nurse, the Birth It Up series has three options: The Natural Series, The Epidural Series, and The C-Section Series. Each class has a separate $139 fee and enrollment process, but you get exactly what you need because Teen breaks up the content so it's specific to each type of birth. The classes come with more than 30 lessons with video and text content (via e-book). The epidural class takes approximately three hours to complete, while the natural class takes about five to six hours. In both courses, you will learn about the birth process, what to expect when you go into labor, what happens after delivery, special circumstances, and hospital tips. The C-Section series has three hours of on-demand birthing videos taught by a labor and delivery nurse, two hours of newborn care guidance, and lifetime access to the C-Section Series. You'll also have access to nine printables that include checklists and trackers. Best for Parents Wanting No Pain Medications : Kopa Birth Kopa Birth Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: $245 to $295Types of Classes: Natural pain management, labor positions, relaxation, informed choices, postpartum careDuration: 12+ hours of self-paced video lessons Why We Chose It This class takes an in-depth approach to guide you in your unmedicated labor. You’ll learn tips on how to successfully cope with pain, including relaxation, labor positions, and how to best prepare for the birth you want. Pros & Cons Pros Labor exercises included with lessons Step-by-step approach to unmedicated birth Relaxation audio files included Cons No info for birth-center or home births Not much advice on coping when things don’t go to plan Overview New parents wanting a pain medication-free experience need to check out this online class. Not only is it a top pick for first pregnancies, but it’s also a quick study. This is typically taught as a three-month course, but the online class condenses that to one month. Instructor Katie Griffin is a registered nurse and a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator with more than a decade of experience in unmedicated hospital births. The overall goal of the Kopa Birth class is to teach laboring parents coping tools to manage contractions without pain medication. The Prepared Essentials course consists of over 12 hours of video divided into eight classes: relaxation, the birth process, early labor, patterned breathing, pushing phase, labor positions, and more. Once you purchase the course, you'll have access to it for twelve months. There is also a Prepared Plus class with a unlimited access period with additional topics such as relaxation triggers, prenatal fitness, babywearing, partner labor guides, and more. The Essentials course costs around $245, and the Plus class is about $295 and comes with a risk-free, 30-day money-back guarantee. Best for Home or Birthing Center Birth : Mama Natural Birth Course Mama Natural Birth Course Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: $264Types of Classes: Nutrition, natural remedies, infant positioning, pain management techniquesDuration: 12 hours of self-paced video lessons Why We Chose It This class is appropriate for wherever you’re choosing to give birth. It’s created to support you in your birth plan—but also helps you cope when things don’t go according to plan, which is always a possibility. Pros & Cons Pros Great for hospital births, birthing centers, and home births Includes video, detailed text guides, and worksheets Helps you handle the unexpected Cons Expensive No lifetime access Overview Let’s face it: Birthing without pain medication is no easy feat. But that doesn’t mean you should shy away from this incredible experience. The Mama Natural Birth Course is a top pick for parents-to-be who want an unmedicated birth at home, hospital, or birthing center. This class has an excellent reputation. Its instructors are Maura Walker, a certified nurse-midwife and board-certified lactation consultant, and Genevieve Howland, author of a week-by-week guide to pregnancy and childbirth. They will walk you through eight classes that cover topics like preparing your body and mind for birth, finding your support team, early and active labor, transition and pushing, aftercare for baby, and how to handle the unexpected during labor. In addition to the eight videos, you'll also get a breastfeeding masterclass, printable cheat sheets, and resources. You'll have a full year to work through the course at your own pace. The Mama Natural Birth Course is $264 and comes with a risk-free, 30-day money-back guarantee. A three-month payment plan is available if you can’t pay in full upfront. Best for Couples : The Online Prenatal Class for Couples The Online Prenatal Class for Couples Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: $79 to $197Types of Classes: Signs of labor, delivery, pain management, postpartum careDuration: 3 hours of self-paced video lessons Why We Chose It This class really involves the partner in the preparation, rather than just focusing on the birthing partner. Partners learn about the birthing process as a team and connect by making decisions together. Pros & Cons Pros Taught by a labor and delivery nurse Video and written materials included Hands-on assignments Doesn’t overload students with information Cons May not be enough information for some parents Doesn’t coach you through breathing techniques Overview Grab your partner and get ready to tackle everything birthing-related in this three-part class specifically designed for couples. The Online Prenatal Class for Couples, taught by labor and delivery nurse Hilary Erickson, is for any pregnant person and partner planning a hospital or birth center delivery. Since this course begins and ends with both partners participating, it allows couples to be on the same page. Each class includes a video with written materials (in the form of an e-book) and supplemental resources, plus a couple of discussion questions included after every chapter. Topics include third-trimester testing, signs of labor, the pain factor, types of births, contractions, inductions, and going home. Couples will enjoy the insider information that Erickson can provide after spending 20 years in the delivery room. They will also appreciate the simplicity of the course, since it only covers what you absolutely need to know. The Online Birthing Class for Couples costs around $99, or you can get the deluxe version, which features the ability to replay all the videos, access to a private Facebook group, and a 100-page e-book and workbook for about $197. If you don’t want the online video content, you can just purchase the basic version for approximately $35, which includes the e-book and couples' workbook. Best for Non-Pregnant Partners : SupportingHer SupportingHer Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: $69 to $149Types of Classes: Preparing for birth, labor, physical support, verbal supportDuration: 2+ hours of self-paced video lessons Why We Chose It This class teaches birth partners how to be supportive and involved when their significant other is in labor so they are able to adequately bond and feel like part of the event. Pros & Cons Pros Focuses on emotional and physical support Easy tips and advice for non-pregnant partners Access to SupportingHer Facebook group Bonus printable handouts included Cons No information about the biology of labor Lacks course material covering the prenatal stage Overview It’s so important that birth partners get their own training. Too often, the non-pregnant partner feels helpless and like a third wheel during the labor process. If your other half needs a fun, concise, and completely relatable tutorial on what to expect during labor and delivery, then SupportingHer is a great place to start. Broken up into three sections—Before Labor, She’s in Labor, and Baby Is Here—this short but informative course is perfect for the birth partner. This course consists of instructor-led videos that teach the basics of being a supportive partner during labor and delivery, both physically and emotionally. In fact, it’s the emotional connection that is emphasized the most in this course. If you’re looking for an in-depth view of the labor process, this course is not for you. Topics include a birth partner’s role, verbal and physical support, what to do at the hospital, dealing with medical staff, and more. Plus, you’ll get bonus videos of other non-pregnant partners talking about their time in the trenches (aka the delivery room). The SupportingHer online course is $69 and has a 30-day money-back guarantee. If you'd like to add on a private consultation, you can opt for the package deal at $149. Once you purchase, you have unlimited access for 10 months. Best for People Without Partners : Motherhood Reimagined Motherhood Reimagined Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: $347Types of Classes: Labor, postpartum, breastfeeding, and newborn careDuration: 15 hours of live Zoom calls spanning 10 weeks Why We Chose It The support group atmosphere that Motherhood Reimagined offers really can’t be beat. Instead of a class that just covers solo birth, this is an extensive course that is specifically designed to prepare you for and support you through pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond as a single parent. Pros & Cons Pros Supportive group atmosphere Focused on solo pregnancy Includes postpartum success advice Classes and groups are live Cons Pricey Runs on a schedule, so if you miss the start date you may benefit from paying month-to-month Overview Pregnancy and birth can be tougher for those without partners. That’s why Sarah Kowalski, single mom by choice, fertility doula, life coach, and author, teamed with certified nurse midwife Betsy Freeman to create Motherhood Reimagined, a 10-week course about the solo pregnancy journey, It’s more than just a robust childbirth education class. The course functions as a support group as well. You’ll be joined by other single pregnant people and the class focuses on the challenges of navigating the childbirth arena solo, as well as the empowering and transformative aspects of single parenthood. The package includes a weekly 90-minute Zoom group call, a private platform to connect with the other group members, as well as a larger community platform that houses guest experts and interviews. You’ll also get direct access to the instructors, both single parents themselves, so you can ask questions or receive support when needed. The Join the Community package is $10 per month; the Group Coaching Support package is $97 per month; the Individual Coaching package is $347 per month; and the Solo Pregnancy and Birth Course is $347 for the full 10 weeks. Best for LGBTQIA+ Pregnant People : Maia Midwifery & Fertility Queer & Trans Pregnancy Program Maia Midwifery & Fertility Queer & Trans Pregnancy Program Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: $300 for first month, $150/month thereafterTypes of Classes: Nutrition, prenatal, birth prep, postpartum, lactationDuration: 50+ hours of live sessions and 25 hours of self-paced video training Why We Chose It Maia Midwifery & Fertility offers a plethora of resources and classes for LGBTQIA+ families, along with flexibility: You can go for the full support package, or pick the classes and groups that most address your needs. Pros & Cons Pros Atmosphere is inclusive and caters specifically to LGBTQIA+ families Flexible pick-and-choose platform Classes cover a wide range of topics Live classes and groups Cons Full package is expensive Classes are live, so you’ll have to run on their schedule Overview For a more inclusive birth class for LGBTQIA+ families, Maia Midwifery & Fertility’s Queer & Trans Pregnancy Program offers a support group-like atmosphere and lots of online resources Midwife Kristin Liam Kali, who has more than 25 years of experience working with LGBTQIA+ families, runs the classes. The comprehensive program provides care and information beyond what is typically provided by your midwife or obstetrician. The Centering Queer & Trans Pregnancy Group guides you through announcing your pregnancy and exploring your care options, along with caring for your changing body and emotional well-being as you transition into parenthood. The Childbirth Class for LGBTQIA+ Families offers a 100% gender-inclusive, LGBTQIA+ centered, in-depth curriculum that covers hospital, birth center, and home birth preparation. Several other classes and groups are offered with the full package, such as a lactation class for LGBTQIA+ families and a transition to parenthood group. But you can also opt for the Fertility and Family Building Package if you’re still in the early stages of conception. The full Pregnancy and Parenting Program includes over 85 lessons covering each trimester of pregnancy, birth prep, lactation, adjusting to life with a new baby, and more. You’re billed monthly for as long as you choose to participate, with a first month fee of $300 and $150 each month after. Best Free : Pampers Childbirth Education Class Pampers Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: FreeTypes of Classes: Body changes, nutrition, birth prep, labor, postpartum care, feedingDuration: 1.5+ hours of self-paced video lessons Why We Chose It This is a great way to start your pregnancy and childbirth education, or it may be a good refresher course for those who have already given birth. The class covers all the big topics, from body changes to postpartum care and bringing baby home. Pros & Cons Pros 9 comprehensive lessons Expert advice from RNs Includes real-life stories Cons Not a replacement for an in-depth birth class Not tailored to specific types of birth plans or locations Overview Babies cost a lot of money, so anything you can get for free is always a bonus. During this 90-minute course, you will take nine classes: Body Changes and Discomforts, Prenatal Health and Nutrition, Preparing for Labor and Birth, Labor and Birth Parts 1 and 2, Immediately After Birth, Feeding Your Baby, Bringing Baby Home, and Postpartum Care. Each segment features real-life expecting parents, so you'll feel like you’re taking a live class. The instructors, who are registered nurses and clinical childbirth experts, deliver the material in short segments, which means you'll leave feeling informed but not overwhelmed. In terms of format and content, this one is like an in-person, hospital-based birthing course. You can use it as an add-on to a more comprehensive session or watch it with your partner for a quick summary of what to expect. Since the Pampers Childbirth Education Class is free, you'll have access to the course content whenever you want. Best HypnoBirthing Class : The Positive Birth Company The Positive Birth Company Sign Up Now Key Specs Price: $55Types of Classes: Science of HypnoBirthing, relaxation, birth preferences, labor, feedingDuration: 6+ hours of self-paced videos Why We Chose It The Positive Birth Company’s HypnoBirthing Digital Pack includes many resources to help you have the positive, peaceful birth you desire. Pros & Cons Pros 6+ hours of video content Scripted guided meditations Includes private Facebook group with instructor access Cons Not a live class Emphasizes unmedicated and out-of-hospital births Not much focus on when birth doesn’t go as planned Overview The Positive Birth Company HypnoBirthing Digital Pack focuses on deep relaxation before and during labor to help with pain management and ease the stress of birth. HypnoBirthing is an increasingly popular birthing method that uses self-hypnosis (really, no more than a deep meditation) to help the birthing person withstand pain and manage anxiety. The method keeps the birth partner involved, and trains them to aid you in relaxation methods during your pregnancy and when labor gets tough. You’ll focus on positive birth stories, and not anecdotes about possible risks and complications. The method teaches you about the fear-tension-pain cycle and the theory that the more stressed and afraid a birthing person is, the more pain they may feel. This online program offers more than six hours of video content, 8 MP3s to listen to, guided meditations, a course notes booklet, and a birth plan template. You’ll also get access to a private Facebook group where you can gain support, read positive birth stories, and participate live Q&A sessions with your instructor. The digital package costs $55, and you’ll have access to the course for 12 months. Final Verdict Online childbirth classes are a great way to get the education you need without leaving the comfort of home. We chose Lamaze International Bestsellers Bundle as our overall favorite because it's comprehensive, inclusive, and affordable. Taught by Lamaze-certified educators, this course covers everything from the early stages of labor to breastfeeding and postpartum care. Compare the Best Online Childbirth Classes Class Price Class Type Duration Lamaze International Bestsellers Bundle: Birth, Labor, and Breastfeeding Basics Best Overall $85 Birth, labor, breastfeeding 3+ hours of self-paced video lessons BirthItUp Best Budget $139 Unmedicated, C-section, and epidural classes 12+ hours of self-paced video lessons Kopa Birth Best for Parents Wanting No Pain Medications $195 to $245 Natural pain management, labor positions, relaxation, informed choices, postpartum care 12+ hours of self-paced video lessons Mama Natural Birth Course Best for a Home or Birthing Center Birth $264 Nutrition, natural remedies, infant positioning, natural pain management techniques 12 hours of self-paced video lessons Online Prenatal Class for Couples Best for Couples $99 to $197 Signs of labor, delivery, pain management, postpartum care 3 hours of self-paced video lessons SupportingHer Best for Non-Pregnant Partners $69 to $99 Preparing for birth, labor, physical support, verbal support 3+ hours of self-paced video lessons Motherhood Reimagined Best for Birthers Without Partners $10 to $347 Labor, postpartum, breastfeeding, newborn care 15 hours of live Zoom calls spanning 10 weeks Maia Midwifery & Fertility Queer & Trans Pregnancy Program Best for LGBTQ+ Pregnant People $300 for first month, $150/month thereafter Nutrition, prenatal, birth prep, postpartum, lactation 50+ hours of live sessions and 25 hours of self-paced video training Pampers Childbirth Education Class Best Free Free Body changes, nutrition, birth prep, labor, postpartum, feeding 1.5 hours of self-paced video lessons Positive Birth Company HypnoBirthing Digital Pack Best HypnoBirthing Class $55 Science of HypnoBirthing, relaxation, birth preferences, labor, feeding 6+ hours of self-paced videos Frequently Asked Questions Are Lamaze Classes Still Popular? Lamaze classes are the oldest and most popular method of childbirth preparation in the United States, according to Lamaze International. Classes are widely available both online and in person. Classes incorporate coping strategies for labor, breathing techniques, and other strategies to increase your confidence and comfort during the birthing process. Are Online Birth Classes Worth It? While online birthing classes may not be ideal for everyone, they can be helpful as a substitute when in-person experiences aren't practical or available. Taking online birthing classes can be extra beneficial for parents-to-be whose location, schedules, or required bed rest don’t allow them to take in-person classes. Online classes allow you to focus on the topics that are most helpful for you, but they usually lack valuable hands-on activities and face-to-face instruction. When Should I Take an Online Birthing Class? As with any childbirth course, you’ll want to have enough time to get through the program without feeling pressure to rush through it. Generally, in case you start labor early, you should aim to finish the class before week 36 of your pregnancy. If you don't deliver early, you'll have time to practice the techniques before childbirth. Learn More Reasons to Take Your Childbirth Class Early How Much Do Online Birthing Classes Cost? The cost of online birthing classes varies. Some basic classes are completely free, while other more comprehensive programs may cost up to $250 or more. Generally, most classes fall in the range of $80 to $200. In some cases, birthing classes may be covered by health insurance. Talk to your health insurance provider to ask about coverage for online classes. What Classes Should I Take Before Baby Arrives? Around eight to 10 weeks before your baby arrives, it's a great idea to take a childbirth class, also known as labor preparation. First-time parents may also benefit from courses on postpartum preparation, prenatal exercises, breastfeeding, infant CPR, and general baby care. Methodology When choosing the best online birthing classes, we looked for a variety of features to address the needs of different types of parents-to-be. When making our decisions, we considered platforms (text, video, live, or a combination), length, price, topics covered, and instructor qualifications. We also considered user reviews to get a sense of the customer experience. Finally, we narrowed down our list based on audience, such as whether the classes are designed for single parents, couples, or LGTBQ+ parents. Different birthing preferences, such as hospital births vs. home births, were also considered. Our top picks include birthing classes that offer a variety of perspectives to help you make the best decision for your family. Additional reporting by Nicole Bonaccorso. VeryWell Family/Design by Hilary Allison By Sara Lindberg Sara Lindberg, M.Ed., is a freelance writer focusing on health, fitness, nutrition, parenting, and mental health. Edited by Ally Hirschlag Ally Hirschlag Ally is an expert in health, science, sustainability, wellness, mental health, and parenting. She has written for publications including The Washington Post, The Guardian, BBC Future, and more. Learn about our editorial process Updated by Lindsay Modglin Lindsay Modglin Lindsay is a nurse-turned professional mental health and wellness writer. She uses her 9+ years of clinical healthcare and diverse medical background to write about mental health, chronic conditions, and medicine. Learn about our editorial process See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Review Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies