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13 Best Online Childbirth Classes And Newborn Care Classes

I’m so glad you’re here trying to find the best online childbirth and newborn care classes. Going through childbirth, breastfeeding and caring for a newborn are some of the most difficult things we will do as women IN OUR LIVES, yet we don’t get trained on how to do it.

As an expectant mother, you have NO IDEA what to expect from childbirth, and about 5 people (including a few complete strangers) told you some awful horror stories about the subject. Allowing the voices of those 5 Debbie Downer’s is not going to help you have a semi-relaxing birth.

As a first time parent, you might just want to stay in the hospital FOREVER, because despite nurses who never let you sleep, subpar hospital food and visitors who have no concept of privacy, you aren’t alone in the hospital. You are surrounded by experts who know how to care for a baby!

The nurses know how to swaddle your baby just right and how to bathe your baby (the first time I gave my daughter a bath I almost had a panic attack). They know what to do if your baby starts choking on spit up, if your baby won’t stop crying and they are able to take your baby for a little while if you need a break. Or a shower.

The lactation consultants know just what to do in order to get your baby to latch.

The fact that you’re here means that you care about doing the right thing (and making it easier on yourself). Knowledge is POWER, and knowing the information that these courses can teach you is invaluable.

Learning how to keep yourself calm enough about childbirth to enjoy your pregnancy is priceless.

Learning everything you need to know about breastfeeding (and believe me, there’s a LOT to learn) is essential to success.

Learning about newborn care and postpartum care and newborn sleep will help you to avoid making mistakes that will cost you your sanity.

Reasons To Take Online Classes During And After Pregnancy

While you might be able to find some helpful classes in your area, that’s not always the case. Online classes allow you:

  • To become educated even if classes are not available where you live. I live in a rural area and would have to drive 30 minutes to take a childbirth or breastfeeding course.
  • 24/7, lifetime access. You can take the class whenever and wherever. When I was pregnant, I found that many of the local classes catered to stay-at-home moms. I worked during the day and most classes were offered during that time.
  • Your significant other can be involved. It’s likely that your husband’s work schedule interferes with local classes as well. With an online course, you can snuggle up together at night with a glass of wine and go through these courses together. Educating your spouse on everything birth and baby is essential to involving him and making sure you later don’t want to KILL him.
  • Some of these courses also come with private Facebook groups where the educator is available to answer questions and further support you which is even BETTER than being in a live class. Have you ever been in a class and then later that night, or week or even month, you have tons of questions? If the course that you take has a private Facebook group, you can ask those questions as they occur to you. I know from experience that private Facebook groups can be the BEST part of paid courses.
  • Keep your weekend. I know where I live, if the class didn’t occur while I was at work, it took place over an entire weekend! Work through these online courses at your own pace (and from the comfort of your home!) and don’t sacrifice your precious time off.
  • Get your money back! Even though I’m pretty positive that you will love any of these courses, most have a money back guarantee, something that never comes with in-person classes.
  • Unlimited access.

Here is my suggestion. ALL of these courses are taught by professionals. Whether they are taught by labor and delivery nurses, midwives, lactation consultants or sleep consultants, they know what they’re talking about. Here’s how to pick the right one:

  • Figure out what you desire most from a course.
  • Decide on a budget.
  • Check out the link- most courses have a sneak peek video. Go with whoever you connect with the most!

In this post, you’re going to find three different types of online courses for new parents:

  • online childbirth classes- with options for natural childbirth-based classes and general childbirth classes
  • breastfeeding classes- covering breastfeeding and pumping
  • newborn and postpartum care classes- including baby sleep, healing after birth and losing weight while breastfeeding

This post may contain affiliate links.

Online Childbirth Classes

If you haven’t given birth yet, these courses will encourage and inform you. I’ve split it up between general childbirth classes and natural childbirth classes for moms who desire to give birth medication-free.

Natural Childbirth Classes

If you’re hoping for a natural, non-medicated childbirth, birth education is even more important. I can tell you as a mother who had a failed non-medicated childbirth and a successful one, being emotionally and physically prepared is essential to saying no to the epidural or other pain medication.

If you go into labor dreaming of a non-medicated birth but you haven’t educated yourself, you’ll likely end up getting the epidural (remember… that was me!). These courses will help you mentally prepare.

There are a few really great online natural childbirth classes available.

Birth It Up! The Natural Series

**Our choice for BEST natural birth course**

Perfect for: The mom who desires a natural birth and doesn’t have much support or much of a budget.

Created by: Leisel, a labor and delivery nurse and mom. She gives out amazing pregnancy and baby advice on her blog Labor Teen and if you are on Instagram, you HAVE TO follow her. Her Instagram is amazing, entertaining and filled with useful information.

Course length: Approximately 3 hours

Biggest Pro: It is by far the most inexpensive natural birth course. Leisel’s goal is to educate as many women on their birth as possible. She truly cares about getting this information to as many women as possible. She believes that childbirth courses are overpriced, and that this essential information should be available to every expectant mom, not just those who can afford a course.

Biggest Con:

None! Birth It Up aims to give you the confidence and knowledge you need to have a successful natural birth.

What You Will Learn:

  • The birth process
  • What to expect when you first go into labor (the process of labor and stages of labor)
  • How to get through labor medication-free
  • How to conquer your fears and reservations and get PUMPED for childbirth
  • How to prep your cervix
  • How to control the pain
  • What to do if you’re ready to give in
  • An overview of the epidural and a cesarean in case you end up getting either
  • What to expect postpartum

You will also get access to Leisel’s Ultimate Guide To Labor And Delivery, including checklists for postpartum essentials, baby registry and your hospital bag, and a list of natural ways to induce labor.

What if you have questions? Leisel has a private Facebook group for anyone who purchases the course.

Lifetime access? Yes! You can rewatch this virtual class for later pregnancies.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee– Yes

Price: $139 but you can get 10% off with code PAPERHEART.

Learn More About Birth It Up! The Natural Series

Kopa Natural Birth Classes

Perfect for: Moms who desire a natural vaginal birth and have partners who would like to be an involved part of the natural process.

Created by: Katie, a registered nurse turned Lamaze certified childbirth educator with 6 kids.

Course length: 12+ hours

Biggest pro: I love that this course is taught not only by Katie, but by her husband as well. It also includes the actual video of their 5th natural birth experience.

What you will learn:

  • positions to promote relaxation during childbirth
  • breathing and relaxation techniques, affirmations and mantras
  • how your partner can help you through strong contractions and transition
  • pushing positions and techniques to practice with your partner
  • perineal support
  • how to use a birthing ball
  • a look at birth interventions
  • what to expect from a hospital birth
  • workouts for each trimester

What if you have questions? This course does not include a private Facebook group.

Lifetime access? Depending on the course that you choose, you will either have access for 3 or 7 months.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee: Yes!

Price: $195-245

Learn More About The Kopa Natural Childbirth Classes

Empower By Midwife 101

Perfect for: Expectant parents (new mothers and new dads) who want to learn about natural childbirth, breastfeeding and newborn care all in one complete guide.

Created by: Gelena, a licensed professional midwife. Gelena owns a home birth and birthing center practice and has delivered vaginally both at home and at the hospital, and has also delivered via c-section.

Course length: 25+ videos

Biggest pro: Midwife 101’s mission is to empower women. You are encouraged to share your account with a friend. While I wouldn’t recommend sharing with anyone and everyone, it is nice to have the option to share with a friend who is possibly pregnant at the same time.

Biggest con: There is not any way to ask questions after taking the course.

What you will learn:

  • coping techniques and strategies
  • exercises and stretches to help you have an easier birth
  • how to know if you’re really in labor
  • how to breastfeed
  • how to care for your newborn
  • a guide to nutrition during pregnancy

What if you have questions? This course does not include a private Facebook group or forum.

Lifetime access? You will have access to the course for 12 months.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee: No.

Price: 70.00

Learn More About Empower

Mama Natural Birth Course

Perfect for: The mama who is 100% dedicated to having a natural childbirth and who wants to know about all options for her upcoming birth (hospital birth, home birth, birthing center, etc).

Created by: Genevieve, the blogger behind the blog Mama Natural and Maura, a board-certified lactation consultant who has attended hundreds of births.

Biggest pro: The Mama Natural Childbirth Course has been around for a long time, and therefore is the #1 bestselling online childbirth course. Thousands of students have gone through the course, and the included private group is very active and encouraging.

Biggest con: This course is the most expensive natural childbirth course.

What you will learn:

  • How to involve your partner- each video has a segment for your man, made by a man
  • The #1 most important key to achieving a natural childbirth
  • How to avoid interventions
  • Pregnancy nutrition
  • Natural remedies for bothersome pregnancy aches, pains and symptoms
  • Exercises to help position your baby and prepare your body for childbirth
  • Techniques and visualizations to use during labor
  • How to pick your birthing location

Course will also include:

  • practice videos for you and your partner
  • real natural childbirth videos that are empowering (not scary)
  • printable cheat sheets and guides
  • VBAC specific video
  • 90-minute breastfeeding bonus class
  • printed positive pregnancy affirmation cards delivered to your door
  • audio-recorded childbirth affirmations

What if you have questions? The Mama Natural Childbirth Course also comes with access to a private Facebook group.

Lifetime access? You will have access to the course for one year.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee: Yes!

Price: $264

Note* While The Mama Natural Childbirth Course is the most expensive course on this list, it’s this way for a reason. This course has been around for years, and its creators have strived to make it the very BEST online childbirth course through years of tweaking and research. It is the most comprehensive course on natural childbirth that you can find.

Learn More About The Mama Natural Childbirth Course

General Childbirth Classes

Not interested in a natural childbirth, but still nervous about giving birth? These general childbirth preparation classes can help educate you and calm your fears.

Birth It Up! Epidural Series

Perfect forThe mom who wants to ease her fears about getting an epidural and about birth in general.

Created by: Leisel Teen, a labor and delivery nurse and mother of two.

Course length: 12 hours

Biggest Pro: It is an inexpensive epidural birth course. Leisel’s goal is to educate as many women on their birth as possible. She truly cares about getting this information to as many women as possible. She believes that childbirth courses are overpriced, and that this essential information should be available to every expectant mom, not just those who can afford a course.

Biggest Con:

None! Birth It Up aims to give you the confidence and knowledge you need to have a successful epidural birth.

What You Will Learn:

  • how to create a birth plan
  • how to control the pain before getting the epidural
  • how to prepare for the postpartum stage
  • when to head to the hospital
  • best pushing positions and methods for when it’s time to push with an epidural

What if you have questions? Leisel has a private Facebook group for anyone who purchases the course.

Lifetime access? Yes! You can rewatch this virtual class for later pregnancies.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee– Yes

Price: $139 but you can get 10% off with code PAPERHEART.

Learn more about the Birth It Up! Epidural Series

Birth It Up! C-Section Series

Perfect forMoms who want to feel prepared and at peace with a c-section birth

Created by: Leisel Teen, a labor and delivery nurse and mother of two.

Course length: 5 hours

Biggest Pro: It is an inexpensive online c-section course. Leisel’s goal is to educate as many women on their birth as possible. She truly cares about getting this information to as many women as possible. She believes that childbirth courses are overpriced, and that this essential information should be available to every expectant mom, not just those who can afford a course.

Biggest Con:

None! Birth It Up aims to give you the confidence and knowledge you need to have a successful c-section birth.

What You Will Learn:

  • how to create a birth plan
  • what to expect from a c-section
  • what your partner can do to support you
  • how to feel comfortable during your hospital stay
  • how to handle special situations
  • how to prepare your body and home for a c-section
  • how to care for yourself after

What if you have questions? Leisel has a private Facebook group for anyone who purchases the course.

Lifetime access? Yes! You can rewatch this virtual class for later pregnancies.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee– Yes

Price: $139 but you can get 10% off with code PAPERHEART.

Learn more about the Birth It Up! C-Section Series

Pulling Curls Prenatal Class For Couples

Perfect for: Expectant parents who want to learn about birth together but can’t find an in-person class to fit their busy schedule.

Created by: Hilary, a labor and delivery nurse who has been delivering babies and teaching in-person prenatal classes since 2001.

Biggest pro: This course is specifically tailored to you and your partner, whereas most courses are solely focused on mom.

What you will learn:

  • third trimester testing
  • when to come to the hospital
  • pain management (natural or medication)
  • how to know if you’re in labor
  • everything about both vaginal and cesarean deliveries
  • what to expect from the hospital stay
  • what to expect when you leave the hospital
  • newborn care

What if you have questions? The deluxe course offers entry into a private Facebook group.

Lifetime access? You can access this course for the length of your pregnancy.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee: Yes!

Price: This course has three options:

  • The Deluxe Course includes the online course, private Facebook group access and downloadable ebook. $149
  • The Online Course $99
  • The E-Book $35

Learn More About The Prenatal Class For Couples

Online Breastfeeding Classes

If you REALLY want to make breastfeeding work for you and your newborn baby but wonder if it’s possible, taking a breastfeeding course is the #1 thing you can do to put yourself on the path to success.

I breastfed my babies for a combined 51 months and I can tell you that you will not make it on sheer determination. Relying on BabyCenter for all of your breastfeeding questions is also not the best plan, because you will at some time, receive horrible, potentially destructive advice.

Get your information from one of these experts instead.

Milkology’s Ultimate Breastfeeding Class

Milkology breastfeeding class

Perfect for: The mom who is determined to have a successful breastfeeding experience but is frustrated by conflicting information found online.

Created by: Stacey, a certified lactation educator and mother of three.

Course length: 90 minutes

Biggest pro: This course is full of helpful, useful and encouraging information for an AMAZING price.

Biggest con: It does not come with a private support group.

What you will learn:

  • the biggest mistake that breastfeeding moms make
  • best breastfeeding position for a good latch
  • how to know if your baby is getting enough milk
  • how to signal your body to make more milk
  • how to pump and store breast milk
  • breastfeeding in the first month vs beyond
  • how to troubleshoot your most common breastfeeding questions

What if you have questions? Unfortunately, Milkology does not come with a private Facebook group.

Lifetime access? Yes.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee: Yes!

Price: $19 (really, that’s it!)

Learn More About Milkology

Milkology’s Ultimate Back To Work Pumping Class

Milkology pumping course

Perfect for: The mom who doesn’t want to end her breastfeeding journey just because she needs to go back to work.

Created by: Stacey, a certified lactation educator and mother of three.

Course length: 45 minutes (it’s seriously no-fluff and won’t waste your time. You’ll get the facts you need quickly.)

Biggest pro: This course is full of helpful, useful and encouraging information for an AMAZING price.

What you will learn:

  • how to pump faster
  • how to easily build a freezer stash during your maternity leave
  • how to get your baby to take the bottle
  • how to make a plan with your employer
  • how to make your transition back to work easier
  • what to do if you’re not pumping enough
  • how to choose and attain the perfect pump
  • how to store milk safely

In my experience, the BEST information that you gain from taking this course is the video on how to get your baby to take the bottle. I failed miserably in this area, and had a baby who refused to take the bottle while I was gone. While we were still able to continue breastfeeding because she made up for all of her missed feedings in the middle of the night, knowing this vital information would have saved me a lot of stress (and a lot of sleep!)

What if you have questions? This course does not come with a private Facebook group.

Lifetime access? Yes.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee: Yes!

Price: $19

Learn more About The Ultimate Back To Work Pumping Class

Simply Breastfeeding

Simply Breastfeeding course review

Perfect for: Moms who are looking for science-based breastfeeding information from a course that has been around for years.

Created by: Cindy and Jana, both registered nurses and board-certified lactation consultants.

Biggest pro: This course has been around for a while, which means that it has been updated to answer frequent questions and is very thorough.

What you will learn:

  • how to avoid the biggest and most common breastfeeding mistake
  • how to avoid nipple soreness
  • comfortable positions
  • how to know if your baby is getting enough
  • what to do when you are having an issue and when to get outside help
  • baby’s first feed
  • how and why to hand express

What if you have questions? You will gain access to the course’s community forum.

Lifetime access? Yes.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee: Yes!

Price: $40

Learn More About Simply Breastfeeding

Online Courses For New Parents On Postpartum And Baby Care

The Postpartum Cure

Perfect for: The new mom who wants to heal quickly, eat well, lose the baby weight and start working out again all while maintaining a healthy milk supply.

The Postpartum Cure is such a unique program (there’s really nothing else like it!) It will teach you how to nourish your body in a way that promotes healing, healthy milk supply and weight loss.

It also comes with an app which makes following the program and viewing the recipes super simple.

Created by: Katie, a pilates instructor and pre/postnatal exercise specialist.

Biggest pro: The best thing about this course is that it will allow you to not only take care of your baby, but also to take care of YOU. This is an important priority that is often overlooked by, well, everyone.

What you will learn:

  • 60 unique recipes to consume postpartum including a grocery list
  • a 5-day jump start to gently work your way into the program
  • 20 top postpartum recovery foods
  • how to batch cook
  • pelvic floor exercises
  • pilates ab rehab workout videos
  • 24 snack ideas
  • workouts for after your 6 week check-up

What if you have questions? This course comes with access to a private Facebook group.

Lifetime access? Yes.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee: Yes!

Price: This course has different levels and therefore different price points.

The Postpartum Cure Course- $37

The Postpartum Cure Mini Course- $27

The Postpartum Cure Course + app- $47

The Ab Rehab And Pelvic Floor Restore Program (also included in the Postpartum Cure)- $27

Learn More About The Postpartum Cure

Healing And Recovery From Birth Course

Postpartum care online course

Perfect for: Moms who have been focused on pregnancy and birth, but haven’t yet considered postpartum care.

Created by: Cindy and Jana, both registered nurses and board-certified lactation consultants.

Biggest pro: After you give birth, no one (not your husband, not your mother, not even yourself) is going to be concerned with your health because everyone’s focus will be on the baby. But your body just went through A LOT! I think going through a course like this reminds us of the VERY important task of mom self care, EVEN in the newborn stage.

What you will learn:

  • what to do if you pass a blood clot
  • how much bleeding is too much
  • how to poop comfortably after giving birth (did you know that this can be a huge issue?)
  • how to get more sleep for yourself with a newborn and strategies for dealing with sleep deprivation
  • how to know if the emotions that you’re feeling are normal (baby blues vs postpartum depression for example)
  • breast changes

What if you have questions? This course does not offer a private Facebook group.

Lifetime access? Yes.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee: Yes!

Price: $30

Cindy and Jana are also giving all of my readers a special 20% off coupon code. Simply use PAPERHEARTGET20 at checkout!

Learn More About The Healing And Recovery After Birth Course

21 Days To Peace And Quiet- A Baby Sleep Course

Perfect for: Moms who feel like the lack of sleep that they are getting each night is interfering with their well-being and ability to parent, connect with their husband and care for themselves.

Created by: Jilly, a neonatal nurse and lactation consultant who has helped mothers get their baby’s to sleep better for the past 10 years.

Course length: A 21-day plan

Biggest pro: What I LOVE so so much about this course is that it’s not a one size fits all course. I was against cry-it-out with both of my children. It just wasn’t right for me. I didn’t feel comfortable with it and wanted to comfort my babies WHENEVER they needed my comfort. However, this meant that I was anxious over the amount of sleep I was NOT getting and I was SO FREAKING tired.

21 Days To Sleep And Quiet offers a range of methods, so that if you’re not comfortable with crying, you don’t have to let your baby cry. You will be given so many different options to fit your baby’s age, baby’s temperament and your parenting beliefs.

The course has four different pathways that you can follow, from super gentle/no cry to a more quick and efficient version.

**Note: This course is for babies between the ages of 5-24 months old.

What you will learn:

  • a 100% safe, caring and attentive approach to converting your new baby into a great sleeper
  • step-by-step nightly guides that tell you what to do, when and how
  • what you can do during the day to encourage better night sleep
  • what you are doing (unintentionally) to ruin your baby’s sleep
  • how to handle night feedings
  • how to keep your baby safe while sleeping
  • how to prevent travel from negatively affecting your baby’s sleep

What if you have questions? Jilly is probably the most involved course creator of any on this list. You can message her directly and she will answer right away. She also does Facebook Lives in her private Facebook group often so that you can get your questions answered live.

Lifetime access? You will have access to this course for one year.

30 Day Money Back Guarantee: Yes!

Price: $197

Learn More About 21 Days To Peace And Quiet

I hope this list of the best online classes for new parents helps you to give birth or parent with confidence. Good luck!

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