What Type of Prenatal Class Is Best For You? 4 Options To Consider
- Kimberley Fernandez
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
In this day and age there is a variety of ways to get informed about your pregnancy, pending birth, postpartum period and managing life with your newborn. Everything from the 1000 of books available, the millions of hits you will get from a Google search and various options for prenatal classes. But are the prenatal classes all great viable options. Not necessarily. Lets discuss the 4 options you have for the best prenatal class for you.
Free On-Line Classes
Pros: Free classes can be a definite options, especially if cost is an issue. These classes tend to be short, offer just the basics, stating facts to give you an idea of what to expect during your labour and birth. They will sometimes have information on breastfeeding and a short chat about newborn care.
Cons: The information given in these free classes are often given without much context or real world examples to make that info feel more real and possibly reduce anxiety. The classes are often taught by nurses without much training in how to teach and who didn't create the curriculum themselves but are merely reading a script or the slides they have been given by the cord banking company.
Yes, these classes tend to be free because they are being sponsored by a cord blood banking company. As a result you will often need to sit through a sales pitch on cord blood banking. These pitches tend to be a hard sell and can make you feel like not banking your baby's blood will put them at risk, which is blatantly untrue.
If you decided that a free class is best for you, I recommend you take notes and anything that sounds concerning or if you need clarification, bring a list of questions to your care provider. You can also google the information, but again, take it with a grain of salt, Google doesn't always give us the best most evidence based information.
Hospital Based In-Person Classes
Pros: These classes are often longer with more comprehensive information and you are able to connect with other parents, hear their questions and answers and ask your own questions in real time. They will cover a variety of topics and be taught by true educators and the info will be specific to the hospital you will be giving birth in.
Cons: As in-person hospital classes are a dying breed, they often fill up quickly and have long wait lists. They are usually more expensive ranging in price from $150 to $250. Scheduling may be an issue as these classes are held on certain days at certain times, that may not work with everyone's schedule.
Pros: These classes are often designed to discuss your specific needs around birth, postpartum, infant feeding and care. Your specific questions can be answered without worrying about any judgement from other participants. You and your educator get to know each other more personally and there will often be support available after the class has ended or even after baby is born. Especially if that educator is a doula, you may be able to add virtual early labour support and postpartum support for more continuity of care and education.
The classes can also be scheduled at a convenient time for both you, your partner and the educator.
Cons: These classes can be expensive, often ranging in price from $300 to $450+. You may not gel well with the educator but now are stuck because of the price. I encourage you to basically interview the person who will be teaching you so you feel comfortable with them.
Pros: Potentially a great middle ground between all of the above options. There can be a variety that are in the cheaper range and still be quite beneficial. You will be able to learn at your own pace, that will fit into your schedule. You may have access to these classes for a minimum of 6months to potentially forever. Many will have the ability to ask the educator questions or will have support groups after to connect with new parents and the educator. Great option for the introvert that feels uncomfortable in group settings.
Cons: Some can be quite expensive and perhaps not follow your own personal ideals of birth and beyond. It will be important to do some research on the class and the educator so you feel comfortable about investing your time and money into that class.
They may also feel less personal but if you are connecting with the educator before hand and they encourage questions and have support after, that may mitigate that feeling of learning in isolation.
Which ever prenatal class you take, I do encourage you take one. Simply going into birth and beyond with only google as your educator or info learned in Facebook groups could be a recipe for disaster. Plus, it's very important to be educated on what your options are so you can be an active participant in your birth and not feel like birth ran you over like a truck. Classes can help you create a birth that aligns with your vision and help you navigate changes to that vision, if they come up.
Feel free to check out my birth classes and do a little research on what's available in your area.
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