Taking a birth class can seem like it will cost a LOT of money. But, you can find options with an online course that won’t leave expectant parents with empty pockets. Come check out the options for both in-person classes and an online course.
How do I know all of this?
Hi, I’m Hilary — The Pregnancy Nurse 👩⚕️. I have been a nurse since 1997 and I have 20 years of OB nursing experience, I am also the curly head behind Pulling Curls and The Online Prenatal Class for Couples. 🩺 I have helped thousands of families be admitted to the hospital to have their baby — I would call myself an expert on this one — so, let’s jump in.
No matter if you’re delivering at home, at a birth center, or at a hospital, I think it is SO important to take a birth class. However, prior to just the past few years, couples have been limited to what is available near to them. And it was so hard to mesh schedules with your birth partner AND an affordable class, it just seemed like a unicorn.
The advent of online classes allows you to take it at your own pace, and also find one that fits your budget.
Just in case this applies to you: I have a post on if birth classes are covered by health insurance (also includes tips on how to get yours covered).
The Most Affordable Birth Class
Most in-person classes tend to be around the $100 mark, and you’ll find that many online birthing classes can be found for about that price point (but many offer coupons that save you money).
The Online Prenatal Class for Couples offers what is the most affordable option for a full birth class (from pregnancy through postpartum) from an expert.
I love what Miranda had to say:
Thank you so much for creating an affordable, accessible course that is easy to understand and still feels like I am getting all of the information I need!
Remember, all of these can be reviewed, taken at your own pace, and shared with your partner as you desire. That’s a HUGE benefit to these online classes.
This class is taught by a registered nurse and really dives into the best practices for new parents. It is aimed to soothe the fears of pregnant women and their partners.
The deluxe class comes with other experts on topics like communication, breastfeeding, baby sleep and more!
Other Affordable Birth Classes
Tinyhood’s price seems to fluctuate, but does seems fairly comprehensive. It has tons of reviews, and I do see a coupon available on the front page. It is taught by an RN-BSN.
Mayo Clinic has one for $50 – but it seems pretty sterile, and has no refund policy.
Honestly, guys, I’m having a hard time finding much under $100 that is any good. Which is sad.
This is why I really try to keep my own class super reasonable.
I will admit there are classes under the $100 mark, but I’ve seen their educators offer REALLY BAD advice on social media, so I am unable to support those. Please make sure you vet the educator before jumping into a class (many offer free classes to see what you think of the instructor). I do offer a free beginning class as well.
What a Birth Class Should Cover
Many birth classes are cheaper because they are split up into small chunks that may not give you the “full view” of your birth. Your comprehensive course should cover:
- Cesarean Birth (this one is hard to find someone with a lot of experience with them online, I find)
- How your birth partner can help
- Pain medication and pain management options
- Plans for an unmedicated birth
- L&D Supplies
- L&D routines
- What to expect from life after baby
- Possible medical interventions
- Creating a birth plan (and why it’s important)
- Basic baby care or newborn care
- Stages of labor or the birth process
- What to expect with a vaginal birth
Other optional things to consider:
- Infant CPR (some community centers offer this for free, so check around)
Pro tip: I will admit that sometimes when I taught in person I’d get distracted and miss something in a class. With online classes that doesn’t happen. The class is always complete for you. 🙂
In-Person Classes
Since I don’t know where you live, I’m going to give you a tiny secret.
Hospital tours.
Now, with Covid, a lot of those stopped, but if your hospital is offering them again (even online or via zoom) take them up on it. You can ask a LOT of questions about what is normal at that facility and learn a lot about what to expect at YOUR facility, without paying a fee.
Now, it’s not the same as a birth course, but it can be great and is most often free.
When I taught classes for my hospital we included a tour in the birth class (but also offered other tours as well).
What Do Studies Show About Childbirth Education?
Most of the studies show that it decreases birth anxiety but surprisingly it shows that women who take a birth class are much more likely to have an un-assisted vaginal birth (that means not using a vacuum or having a cesarean section) than those who did not take a class.
I share some helpful studies in my post on birth statistics.
In my own experience, I found that taking a birth class really created a much more positive birth experience. Patients were always so happy they had invested in themselves for the course.
Affordable Breast Feeding Classes
The Online Prenatal Class for Couples Bump to Bassinet bundle includes a breastfeeding class. So, for under $200 you get pregnancy, birth, postpartum, newborn care, breastfeeding, nutrition and more!
The class is also taught by an IBCLC, so you know you’re getting expert advice!
I know that money can be tight, there is SO much to purchase for a baby, so my tips are:
- Buy things used
- Be open to hand-me-downs, as long as they’re safe – not always the case with car seats
- Remember many things can be purchased later on (like a stroller)
Use the money you save to get a prenatal class. The Online Prenatal Class for Couples is the easy way to get prepared for birth in just a few hours. Plus, it’s priced right — so come join me!
Want to do a vibe check before diving into the whole thing with me? — check out my free labor pro tips. It’s your first step toward getting in the driver’s seat of your birth.
- About the Author
- Latest Posts
A nurse since 1997, she has worked in various fields including pediatrics, geriatrics & hospice. She has 20 years of labor and delivery experience in the San Jose, CA and Phoenix, AZ areas.
As an evidence-based prenatal educator Hilary has delivered thousands of babies and has educated hundreds of thousands of parents from a diverse patient population to help them have a confident birth.
6 Reasons You Need to Take a Birth Class
