The Best Online Prenatal and Childbirth Classes

Prenatal classes, also called childbirth or labor preparation classes, are strongly recommended by ob-gyns, labor and delivery nurses, doulas and midwives for pregnant, first-time parents to help them prepare for what's to come.

Plenty of classes are offered in-person through a hospital, birth center or women’s health group. But what if you can’t fit an in-person class into your busy schedule or can't do an IRL class for other reasons?

There's good news: childbirth classes are available online, too, and they cover the same material as in-person classes. In most cases, the online classes allow you to have access to the course materials for up to one full year after you’ve signed up, or they’ll provide a downloadable textbook that’s yours to keep forever (which can really come in handy if you take the class early in your pregnancy and need a refresher as you get closer to your due date).

Besides never having to leave your house to attend these classes, one of the best parts about learning birthing techniques online is you can go at your own pace.

If you have FSA/HSA/HRA funds, you may be able to use them on online childbirth courses. You'll just need to check with your insurance about their reimbursement policy first before registering for a class.

Ready to get prepped for the childbirth experience? Here are our favorite online prenatal and childbirth classes:

LAMAZE:

• Labor Basics: Free; covers the very basics of labor and childbirth.

• Bestsellers Bundle: $84.95; 3 courses; covers safe birthing practices, labor pain management and breastfeeding basics.

• Individual courses:

  • Safe Birthing Practices: $29.95

  • Labor Pain Management: $34.95

  • Breastfeeding Basics: $34.95

  • Other individual courses are $29.95–$34.95 and cover everything from sex during pregnancy and VBAC to bringing home baby and learning to co-parent a newborn.

PAMPERS:

• Free A nine-video series; covers all areas of childbirth from contractions and stages of labor to breastfeeding and check-ups; taught by two registered nurses with over 47 years of combined experience, and includes the real-life experiences of five expecting parents.

BIRTH IT UP:

• Full "Birth It Up" course: $79; available for both epidural and non-epidural births; taught by an experienced labor & delivery nurse and mom of two; includes access to 5-6 hours of video modules, 74-page ebook and private Facebook group; and covers all different types of birth (medicated, VBAC, breech, twins, etc.), how to manage labor pain (including pros and cons of getting an epidural) and postpartum recovery. Keep in mind: This course uses the outdated term "natural birth" to refer to non-epidural births.

• Also available: Bundle "Birth It Up" and "Newborn Basics 101" - priced at $119 for access to both classes.

KOPA BIRTH:

Kopa Birth has two offerings:

• Essentials Course: $195; 3 months of access, 12+ hours of video, downloadable course manual.

• Plus Course: $245; 7 months of access, all of the above plus meal plans, babywearing basics and prenatal fitness course.

THE ONLINE PRENATAL CLASS FOR COUPLES:

Here are the different options:

• Basic Course: $35, includes downloadable ebook, workbook and email series (no videos).

• Online Course: $99, includes nine months of access to videos, virtual course and ability to ask questions directly to the RN (no downloadable ebook or workbook).

• Deluxe Course: $149, includes everything from Basic Course and Online Course, limited availability.

• **Not just for couples. While this course strives to help partners feel included in the birthing process, it’s still appropriate for single parents.

TUCSON MEDICAL CENTER:

• Free YouTube video series (recorded from in-person birthing class) (five hours and 45 minutes in length).