Any mom can attest that having a baby is the most amazing experience. Moms-to-be usually have it all figured out: Once they get their cute bump (or chub, but who cares?) they’ll start painting the nursery, making a birth plan, going for prenatal massages, going shopping for cute little baby clothes, getting their nails done, and taking an infant CPR course.
But when things actually get going and your hormones start wreaking havoc on your body and mind, you are in desperate need of information and support to get you through delivery. And then you find a solution: You’ll take a birthing class and it will make you feel confident and a little less scared.
Unfortunately, due to everything that has been happening lately, in-person classes are not an option right now. Most future parents have to make changes to their original plan and find other ways to make the experience as perfect as possible. As overwhelming as it may be, navigating pregnancy during the pandemic can still be a joyful experience. Thanks to modern technology, endless resources and information can be found online, and there a ton of effective ways to get prepped.
Seriously, taking the time to educate yourself and your partner about what to expect can reduce stress and anxiety of venturing into the unknown. So, if you’re getting ready to welcome your bundle of joy during these uncertain times, fear not – because even though most hospitals in the capital have suspended their birthing courses, there are classes you can take sitting comfortably at home. It’s probably not what you planned for, but these virtual lessons are there to help you through the journey, all the while staying safe and comfortable. All you need is a credit card and stable Wi-Fi. So, without further ado, these are some of your options.
Lamaze International Online Birthing Classes
Lamaze International has developed an online course for expectant parents to help them prepare for the safe birth of their child. The classes have been designed by trusted Lamaze certified childbirth educators, focusing on all aspects and stages of pregnancy and labor. The Lamaze technique is based on the idea that controlled breathing during contractions decreases pain and makes women more comfortable and relaxed during the birthing process. The virtual classes are grouped into five categories: Pregnancy, Labor and Birth, Breastfeeding, Baby Care, and Parenting. You can also search for classes by trimester. The Labor and Birth category includes three courses: Labor Pain Management, Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC), and Safe and Healthy Birth. The courses include audio and video content and quizzes, as well as various interactive activities to raise your comfort level and help you achieve your desired childbirth outcome. You can either pay for a single course (each includes ten lessons) for USD 29.95 or USD 34.95, or buy a bundle for USD 84.95.
Tinyhood Online Birthing Classes
Tinyhood offers online courses for all stages of pregnancy, labor and parenting, as well as virtual group meetings for new parents. With the Childbirth 101: From Labor through Postpartum course you’ll learn how to prepare for childbirth both mentally and physically, how best to manage aches and pains that lead up to labor, what’s normal and what’s not, as well as how to cope with prenatal anxiety and stress. The course also covers the questions you might have about the first days postpartum. The classes are taught by a labor, delivery and postpartum nurse as well as a psychotherapist specializing in perinatal mental health. You can get this prenatal course for USD 90, or you can buy a bundle (Childbirth 101 plus the Baby 101 course) for USD 159 and make sure you’ve got everything covered by the time your tiny one arrives.
WeeHuman Online Birthing Classes
While maybe not exactly the same as in-person classes, WeeHuman online courses are as close as it gets. The courses include a number of lessons where new parents get everything they need to know to feel confident and prepared for their new role. The courses range from USD 35 to USD 99, with an option to buy the Full New Parent Program bundle ( includes three courses: Modern Childbirth, Newborn Care and Breastfeeding) for USD 149. If you’ve been worried about not getting the support that comes with face-to-face classes and meeting people who are going through the same, WeeHuman has got you covered.
Apart from interactive on-demand lessons that deal with everything pregnancy and parenting related, WeeHuman also offers live zoom sessions hosted by childbirth education experts/doulas where you get to connect with other parents and have all your questions answered. The virtual parent meetups are repeated monthly, and participants get access to an extensive database of resources. If you’re not comfortable in a group setting and just seek professional guidance and support, WeeHuman also offers private classes with certified experts and educators. These can be scheduled for an additional cost.
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