IN-PERSON VS ONLINE CHILDBIRTH CLASSES
Preparing for Birth and Babies can be a full time job!
You have made it to your second trimester, selected your midwife or OB, the best prenatal yoga class, and started your honey-do list for the nursery. And then your bestie has her baby and you ask her how it went and she says with relief, “I’m so glad I took a birth class! We felt so empowered and connected throughout the process and my partner was amazing because we had practiced it ahead of time and discussed how we wanted our labor and birth to go.”You hadn’t even THOUGHT about a childbirth class yet! Now it’s number one on your agenda!
You intuitively know that you and your partner want to feel prepared for labor, but between work, appointments, getting the house ready and everything else, figuring out which class to take and how to make it happen can be its own challenge. And if you you want to feel like your friend after your birth, you need to find a class that aligns with your birth wishes and the experience you and your partner want to have in childbirth while also acknowledging your lifestyle and availability of time. But it is SO worth the time you give it.
Why take a Childbirth Class at all?
Over the years, I have been asked variations of the following questions countless times: “if our ancestors have been giving birth since the dawn of time and didn’t have childbirth classes, do we even need to take one? Can’t we just trust the process? If I know I’m going to get an Epidural when I get to the hospital, do I still need to take a class? My doula or my midwife will go over everything in our meetings, right?”
Here’s the thing: the landscape of birth has changed over time and the way our ancestors prepared for birth is no longer the primary way WE prepare. What used to be knowledge passed down through our lineage is now shrouded with fear and misinformation. They used to watch siblings and cousins be born and learn how labor unfolds through that experience. For a long time, it was an experience that only females experienced amongst other females (save for an Obstetrician!) while any male counterparts waited outside the room, maybe even with other males - not having any idea what the process looked like. (It’s no wonder male partners these days feel like there’s a huge learning curve!)
And your OB or midwife is there to answer questions about your care - but you will not have hours with them to get truly educated on all the choices you may have to make. They are there to take care of your medical needs. And yes, birth doulas are also educators. But your pre-birth visits with them are so much more about getting to know one another and finding out how they can support you than they are about how labor works. When you’ve taken a birth class, your doula can really add to that base of knowledge and dig into even more ways to navigate the process!
The truth is that the more you know about the process, the more agency you have when you’re in labor AND the more empowering the birth experience is for all involved.
When you have taken a good childbirth class, you will have learned how much of the process is about how feeling safe, seen, and supported throughout the process can really lesson the anxiety, fear, and disconnection. And taking a childbirth class with your birth partner can really bolster your confidence, give you ideas about coping with labor and give you and your partner the time to get on the same page about expectations and desires about how they can support you during labor and the birth of your baby.
Childbirth Classes - Location, Location, Location…
Virtual/Online (live and on-demand) VS In-Person childbirth education classes?
In-person childbirth classes usually happen at the hospital or birth center in a conference room setting or at an out of hospital location, like a yoga studio. Some can also be done privately in your home. Virtual/online childbirth classes can be live at a regularly scheduled time through an online platform like Zoom or you can purchase pre-recorded content that you can watch anytime.
Both virtual and in-person childbirth classes offer great benefits, depending on your needs and lifestyle. The intention of the following post is to help you find the best version of a class for you!
Benefits of In-Person Childbirth Classes
#1 Hands-On Learning and Interaction
When you’re in a class with a live instructor, you can ask your questions as they come up for you! And get into a discussion about a topic if that’s desired. Birth is a physical experience and having the opportunity to practice positions and pain-coping skills with your partner and ask for guidance from the childbirth educator is invaluable!
#2 A Structured Environment
When you set aside the time at a regular time every week, it helps with accountability because you’re committed to showing up at the same time every week you can focus not get distracted with housework, pets, or other tasks. You will also have all the tools that you may have access to at the hospital or birth center to practice with and get familiar with.
#3 Opportunities to Build Community
In-person group childbirth classes offer the opportunity to meet other expecting parents that are having babies at the same time as you. This is a time to build your community of parents who will be going through what you’re going through and maybe even meet up after the babies are born. New parents can feel isolated and having others to visit with and ask questions can be really helpful in the postpartum window. You also get the opportunity to ask questions and share experiences in a supportive setting.
Benefits of Online Childbirth Classes
#1 Convenience and Flexibility
Some birth classes are pre-recorded - meaning that you can access the classes online at your convenience, and from home on your own schedule. This is a nice option for parents with busy or tricky work or travel schedules or those who have other children or family responsibilities.
#2 Offers Access for Rural or Underserved Areas
Online classes can be helpful and accessible to families outside major cities, like Denver or Boulder in Colorado. Whether it is an online class with other families through a platform such as Zoom or a pre-recorded class, expecting parents can still receive expert guidance without long commutes.
#3 Replay and Review Materials Anytime
One key benefit of an online class is that they are usually pre-recorded or recorded during a virtual class and you can re-watch sections or watch them separately when schedules allow and discuss together. It also offers the option for those who like to take notes and revisit lessons at your pace.
Which One Is Right for You?
Ask Yourself These Questions:
Do I learn better with live, hands-on instruction or independently at my own pace?
Do I have time (or want to make time) to attend weekly in-person classes?
Do I want to meet other parents or prefer to learn privately with my partner?
Consider a Hybrid Option
Some doulas and educators offer both formats. You can take an online course and add a private in-person session. Or some parents take multiple classes - one in-person at a hospital and one out of hospital class. Or they take a group class and hire a doula or childbirth educator to offer specilized instruction in their home.
Where to Find Trusted Childbirth Classes in Denver & Boulder
Local In-Person Classes
Hospitals, birth centers, and local doula groups often host group classes. Ask your OB, midwife or doula for recommendations! [I teach group Birthing From Within Childbirth 4-week class series at Belly Bliss in Denver!]
Virtual and On-Demand Options
Independent educators and doulas may offer online courses like this online Hypnobirthing class with Emily at Radiant Birth and Wellness.
Look for private birth class options or pre-recorded/On-Demand options based on your birthing wishes such as The Mama Natural Birth Course!
Ultimately, choosing a childbirth class is as personal as your birth!
Whether you're preparing at home or prefer in-person interaction, childbirth education is one of the best ways to build confidence before birth. Explore your options and find a class near you or online that matches your learning style and birth goals.