Top 10 Best Childbirth Classes

We connect expecting parents with trusted providers of childbirth classes designed to educate and empower. Covering essential topics like labor techniques, pain management, and newborn care, these classes are led by experienced instructors with strong participant feedback.

Mother-Baby Health - El Camino Health

Hospital Drive, San Jose, California
4.0 (1242 reviews)

Mother-Baby Health (Women's Hospital) offers a safe and nurturing environment for the birth of your baby. Specialized care and comprehensive services More Detail

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UCSD Labor And Delivery

West Arbor Drive, San Diego, California
3.8 (459 reviews)

When it comes to your health care, quality matters. So when U.S. News & World Report ranked UC San Diego Health as among the nation's best in 11 medic More Detail

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Frequently Asked Questions

Childbirth classes prepare expecting parents for labor, delivery, and postpartum recovery. They provide education, hands-on training, and emotional support to help you feel more confident and informed before giving birth. You’ll learn about pain management techniques, breathing exercises, medical interventions, and newborn care, so you can make informed decisions during labor.

Most people start between the 28th and 32nd week of pregnancy. This gives you enough time to complete the course and practice what you’ve learned before labor begins. If you’re expecting twins or a high-risk pregnancy, you may want to start a little earlier.

There are different childbirth education methods, each with a unique approach:

  • Lamaze focuses on breathing and relaxation techniques to manage labor pain.
  • Bradley Method emphasizes natural childbirth with partner coaching.
  • Hypnobirthing teaches self-hypnosis techniques for a calmer birth.
  • Hospital-based classes cover medical interventions like epidurals and cesarean sections.

Choosing the right class depends on your birthing preferences and comfort level.

Yes! Most childbirth classes encourage partners, family members, or doulas to participate. Support persons learn how to comfort and assist the birthing person during labor, making them more involved and confident in the process.

Prices range from $50 to $300, depending on whether they’re online, in-person, or private sessions. Some hospitals offer free or discounted classes, and certain insurance plans may partially cover the cost—especially if the class is medically recommended.