Understanding what happens during labor and delivery can feel overwhelming, but childbirth classes are here to help you feel more prepared and confident. These classes walk you through the entire birth process and teach you practical coping techniques that can truly make a difference during your labor.
When you have this knowledge, you’ll feel more empowered to make informed decisions about the type of birth experience that feels right for you.
If you’re considering placing your baby for adoption, taking an online childbirth class in the privacy of your home may be comforting to you. Being at home lets you learn at your own pace and avoid uncomfortable situations during this emotional time.
Table of Contents
- Why Online Childbirth Classes Might Be Perfect for You
- What to Watch Out for When Choosing a Class
- How to Choose the Right Course for You
- Popular Online Childbirth Classes
- Creating Your Hospital Adoption Plan
Why Online Childbirth Classes Might Be Perfect for You
Online classes have great benefits that might fit your needs:
Privacy and Comfort on Your Terms
When you attend traditional in-person classes, you’ll often find yourself surrounded by excited couples eagerly preparing to bring their baby home. If you’re considering adoption, this environment can feel uncomfortable or even painful. Online classes give you the gift of privacy and anonymity, allowing you to focus on learning valuable techniques without the emotional weight of explaining your situation to strangers.
No Pressure to Share Your Story
Many in-person classes include introductions where participants share their pregnancy journeys and plans. While this builds community for some, it can feel awkward or intrusive if you’re navigating difficult decisions. With online learning, you can absorb all the helpful information you need without feeling pressured to open up about personal matters before you’re ready.
What to Watch Out for When Choosing a Class
Not all childbirth classes have your best interests at heart, and it’s important to know what to look for and what to avoid. Here are some things to be aware of as you explore your options:
When “Free” Isn’t Really Free
Some classes that appear free or very low-cost might have an agenda beyond education. You might notice that certain courses are offered by companies that sell baby products like diapers, formula, or gear. While the class itself costs nothing, it’s really designed to get you interested in their products. The education becomes secondary to sales, and the information you receive might be subtly (or not-so-subtly) steering you toward what they’re selling.
You’ll also find classes created by influencers who may be well-meaning but blend sponsored content, affiliate links, and paid partnerships into their teaching. This doesn’t mean all influencer content is bad, but it’s worth asking yourself: Is this course designed with my well-being as the priority, or is it part of someone’s income strategy?
Red Flags That Should Give You Pause
Here are some warning signs that might indicate a class isn’t the right choice:
- The course is offered by a company whose main business is selling baby products
- The instructor is an influencer with brand deals but no formal healthcare or education credentials
- Throughout the lessons, you notice subtle (or obvious) product endorsements or “must-have” lists
- The content feels like it’s funneling you toward buying more items from their store or website
- The marketing uses fear-based language like “what hospitals don’t want you to know” (quality education empowers without creating unnecessary anxiety)
- The course takes a rigid, one-size-fits-all approach rather than acknowledging that different women need different things
- The instructor’s credentials aren’t clearly listed, or the teacher isn’t a registered nurse, certified nurse midwife, lactation consultant, or certified childbirth educator
How to Choose the Right Course for You
Finding the perfect childbirth class isn’t about picking the most popular or cheapest option. It’s about finding the one that truly fits your specific needs, preferences, and circumstances. Here are some important questions to help guide your decision:
Think About Your Birth Vision
What kind of birth are you hoping for? Whether you’re planning for a natural birth, you’re open to medical interventions, you’re expecting a C-section, or you’re simply not sure yet, different courses cater to different approaches. There’s no judgment here, just honesty about what will serve you best. Some courses focus specifically on unmedicated birth, while others take a more balanced approach to all options.
Consider How You Learn Best
Do you thrive with the flexibility of learning at your own pace, watching videos at 2 am when pregnancy insomnia strikes? Or do you prefer the structure and accountability that comes with scheduled live sessions? Think about your work schedule, your energy levels, and how much time you can realistically dedicate to coursework as your pregnancy progresses.
What Kind of Support Do You Want?
Think about what kind of ongoing support matters most to you. Do you value being able to message instructors directly with your questions? Is being part of a supportive community of other expectant parents important to you? Or are you more of an independent learner who just wants access to solid information?
Your Timeline Matters
Be realistic about when you’ll have time to complete the course. If you’re already in your third trimester or have an unpredictable schedule, you’ll want self-paced content you can access anytime. If your baby arrives early, you don’t want to lose access to materials you haven’t finished yet.
Popular Online Childbirth Classes
There are several excellent online options available, each with its own strengths. Here’s what makes each one special:
Nurtured Nest Online Pregnancy & Childbirth Class
This comprehensive course takes you from pregnancy through postpartum with warmth and expertise. This course stands out because it covers a wide range of topics. You’ll learn about labor and birth, recovery, and even less common subjects, like how to manage relationships with grandparents.
You’ll have direct access to message certified educators with your questions, and with 12 months of access, you can revisit lessons whenever you need a refresher. They offer both a free course to get you started and paid options ranging from $89-$299, and it’s HSA/FSA eligible too.
Tinyhood Expecting Classes
Tinyhood’s subscription-based platform offers flexibility with on-demand classes covering pregnancy through delivery and after. For $12.95-$38.95 monthly, you’ll have access to expert-led courses while your subscription is active.
It’s a good fit if you prefer learning in bite-sized pieces over time and want ongoing access to parenting resources beyond just childbirth. They also offer a 30-day money-back guarantee if it’s not the right fit.
Mama Natural Birth Course
If you’re drawn to natural, unmedicated birth, this course, taught by a certified nurse midwife, might speak to you. For $264, you get 12 hours of instruction focused specifically on natural pain relief techniques and preparing for birth without medications.
The course includes helpful content designed for your partner, too, and you’ll have a full year to access everything. They accept FSA/HSA payments and offer a 30-day money-back guarantee.
Evidence-Based Birth Childbirth Class
For those who love diving into research and understanding the “why” behind every recommendation, this course is a wonderful fit. Priced between $325-$550, you get six weeks of live instruction with mentorship from your instructor, plus six months of access to their online portal. With small class sizes (just six families maximum), you’ll get personalized attention and learn how to advocate effectively for yourself during birth.
Lamaze International Parent Education
Lamaze offers time-tested education focused on labor, pain management techniques, and VBAC (vaginal birth after cesarean) preparation. Their courses emphasize confidence-building and informed decision-making, with basics on early postpartum included.
UnityPoint Health Classes
Many hospital systems like UnityPoint offer their own childbirth preparation classes, often at low or no cost. These classes typically focus on what to expect at their specific facility, hospital procedures, available pain management options, and breathing techniques. It’s worth checking with the hospital where you plan to deliver to see what’s available.
Don’t Forget About Hospital Childbirth Classes
Most hospitals offer childbirth classes to prepare you for labor and delivery at their facility. These classes explain their specific procedures, available pain medications, options for medication-free delivery, and teach breathing techniques and coping methods.
The wonderful thing about hospital classes is that they’re sometimes offered for free or at a reduced cost. It’s definitely worth reaching out to your delivery hospital to ask about their class schedule and any free options they might have.
Creating Your Hospital Adoption Plan
If you’re considering adoption, you might be wondering what your hospital experience will look like. This is completely normal, and creating a hospital adoption plan can help you feel more in control during this emotional time. This plan is your voice: it lets everyone involved (the adoptive family, hospital staff, and your adoption coordinator) understand exactly what you want and need during this significant moment.
You can create this plan well before your due date, giving yourself time to think through what feels right for you without the pressure of labor. Remember, this plan is entirely yours to make, and every choice is valid. Here are some things you might want to consider:
Time with Your Baby
How much time, if any, would you like to spend with your baby after birth? There’s no right or wrong answer; this is deeply personal. Would you like to hold your baby, or would you prefer not to? Both choices are okay.
The Adoptive Family’s Presence
Would you like the adoptive family in the delivery room with you, or would you prefer they wait elsewhere? Do you want a trusted friend, family member, or doula as your birth partner during delivery? Again, whatever feels right to you is the right choice.
Privacy and Space
Would you like the adoptive family to have alone time with the baby without you there, or would you prefer to be present during their interactions? Would you like to be admitted to the hospital confidentially? Some birth mothers find it more comfortable to recover in a different area of the hospital, away from the maternity ward. These are all options you can discuss.
Having a thoughtful hospital adoption plan serves you in beautiful ways. It gives you clarity about what to expect, so there are fewer surprises during an already emotional time. You won’t have to make difficult decisions in the moment when you’re exhausted from labor. Most importantly, knowing you have a plan can bring you peace of mind throughout your pregnancy and birth.
Whatever your circumstances, remember that preparing for childbirth—whether you’re planning to parent or place your baby for adoption—is an act of love and courage. You deserve support, respect, and the knowledge you need to navigate this journey in the way that feels right for you.
Editor’s Note: This article was originally published on February 19, 2021, and has since been updated.
As Vice President of Lifetime Adoption, Heather Featherston holds an MBA and is passionate about working with those facing adoption, pregnancy, and parenting issues. Heather has conducted training for birth parent advocates, spoken to professional groups, and has appeared on television and radio to discuss the multiple aspects of adoption. She has provided one-on-one support to women and hopeful adoptive parents working through adoption decisions.
Since 2002, she has been helping pregnant women and others in crisis to learn more about adoption. Heather also trains and speaks nationwide to pregnancy clinics to effectively meet the needs of women who want to explore adoption for their child. Today, she continues to address the concerns women have about adoption and supports the needs of women who choose adoption for their child.
As a published author of the book Called to Adoption, Featherston loves to see God’s hand at work every day as she helps children and families come together through adoption.
0 Comments