Best Online Birthing Classes for Teen Moms

Are you a teen mom, or love one and you’d love for them to get a childbirth class in?  I have a great prenatal class for young mothers that will not only get them prepared for the changes in their life as a young mom, but will also prepare them for pregnancy, birth and bringing baby home as well!

Before we get going  — the BEST childbirth education for young moms is The Online Prenatal Class for Couples.  It includes a whole bonus video on tips for teen moms.  It comes from lots of experience with young mothers — how great they are, and pitfalls a lot of them find. 

The couples section can be used for whoever is supporting the young mom (it’s much more on support than being a “couple”) — it just starts conversations about what to expect around this life-changing event!

Ok, before we get into the REST of it, how do I know so much about teen moms?

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 hundreds of young moms have their baby – and I see the pitfalls they make — I am a great resource for teens facing labor and delivery!

What do you learn in birthing classes?

A young mom should look to find out more about what her body is going in labor, what her options are and how to best communicate with her healthcare team.  She should also be understanding how her body and life are going to change after baby is born and how that will affect her as well.

A good birth class needs to cover the main facets from:

• Pregnancy
• Birth (including complications like inductions or C-sections — even for young moms this happens)
• Postpartum life

You are going to want a class that covers all of that.

Many classes are super focused on what to do with the pain, or something specific about pregnancy and birth and skip all these other things that will help you feel more empowered and less scared during birth (because that helps with a lot of the pain too). 

The Online Prenatal Class for Couples also has a bonus video on natural pain management that gives you lots of tips towards getting the birth you want (what some people refer to as Lamaze breathing of yesteryear).

Should I take a childbirth class?

Yes!  Studies show that birth classes improve birth outcomes in areas such as:

• Decreased anxiety both before during and after birth
• Decreased need for an induction of labor
• Decreased c-section rates for those who take a birth class

It does it through empowering you in what to expect.  It isn’t just surprise after surprise, instead it is thinking — oh, she said that might happen — and you’re able to take it much more in stride.

Are Online Childbirth Classes Any Good?

In those same studies I mentioned above, it has showed time and time again that online courses offer those same benefits as above — they’re just often cheaper, and easier to attend.  Plus, they can do it in the comfort of their home!

When should I take a birth class?

I recommend starting your childbirth education class around 20 – 25 weeks (but I have a whole article on when to take a birthing class).  With Teen moms it’s important to introduce it gently as this may not be something she has much knowledge about and may have a lot of concerns about the actual “how does it come out” scenario. 

So, starting early, and doing it slowly with time, plus talking about those things beyond just watching them in the class (using the class to ease into it) will be important for her!

The good news, is even if you’re headed into your due date you can still take The Online Prenatal Class for Couples in just a few hours.  No, you won’t have the time to let things “settle” a bit before you move on, but at least you’ll be educated and ready!

How do I choose the best birth class for me?

First off, you want one that speaks to you and what you want.  Look at the place they sell it and see if the class is taken by lots of people who love it.

One of the best parts of online classes is you are able to experience the childbirth educator prior to taking the class.  Look at their social media, checkout any free classes they have, sign up for their newsletter, and decide if you like their vibe.

But, also take one that addresses concerns you have.  The Online Prenatal Class for Couples addresses a lot of concerns for teen moms:

• A whole video on tips just for young moms
• How to talk with your healthcare team (and encouragement to ask questions along the way and take charge of their own healthcare)
• Make a plan for life after baby with engaging questions to get you started.

These are extra important for young moms who maybe haven’t thought about all these things (and frankly, also important for older moms, but they may not be as ready to admit it).

What topics do childbirth classes cover?

You’re going to want to look for a birth class that covers:

• What to be concerned about during pregnancy
• Third trimester testing
• What to watch for in contractions & labor
• What to expect when you’re admitted to labor and delivery (and during your hospital stay)
• Common complications like inductions or preeclampsia
• The c-section process, and what to expect there
• What happens at the hospital after baby is born
• What to expect when you go home, and how to transition to life with baby
• How to talk with your provider (doctor or midwife) about your birth choices.

Bonuses can be:

• Breastfeeding
• Newborn Care
• Dietary & Nutrition needs
• Baby sleep

You can take classes that dive deep on one or two areas, but be sure to get a class that covers ALL of that in a fun, energetic way.

Pro Tip:  Take a class that is fun in addition to educational.  It will help you enjoy it and actually get the information in your brain! Look at the reviews to see how much people enjoy the class!

Should Young Moms Hire a Doula?

If a young mom is struggling for support I think a doula can be extremely helpful.  However, if they have a good support team, most young moms decide to use that money elsewhere.  Plus, taking a birth class gives you a big advantage to where your birth team can doula for you!

How much do childbirth classes cost?

The average cost to a basic birth class is $183, birth classes with more bells and whistles are probably more in the $400 range.  I have a whole post on how much childbirth classes cost that dives into it more.

In person classes vary from $100 (usually hospital-based) up to $400.

SOME people’s health insurances cover childbirth classes << that post covers how to find-out if that works for you!

What birth class to take if I’m not giving birth in a hospital?

I would call your birth center, or speak to your midwife to see what classes they recommend.  Many birth centers offer in-person classes that might be helpful.  Many people love Mama Natural’s classes for home/birth center births.

So, Why The Online Prenatal Class for Couples Again?

It really hits all the things you need:

• It’s fun, so they’ll stick with it and learn the things
• It has a whole video just to empower new moms
• It starts you thinking about what life is going to be life not only during your labor but also after baby is born
• The price is right so you can still afford the other things you need for baby!

We also offer bonus videos taught by experts like dieticians and lactation consultants that you’ll enjoy as well!

I hope you find the right class to help you, or someone you love give birth.  I think they’re SO important which is why I have spent my life’s working helping moms feel the most empowered they can be surrounding their pregnancy and birth.

I know that birth classes can be extra hard for young mothers to fit in their budget, which is why I made The Online Prenatal Class for Couples very budget-friendly.

BUT if even the payments option is too much I do offer just the Young Mother’s section on it’s own and you can pay what you can for that section alone.