Lamaze International

The Lamaze name is practically synonymous with childbirth prep, and now parents-to-be can learn all about the technique from the comfort of home. Online classes are available on demand for a year and can be purchased as single classes ($30-$35 each) or in a bundle ($85). The 60–75-minute classes cover topics like labor pain management, breastfeeding, parenting, and more. Got questions? Some courses include access to an instructor for asking questions. Intro class is FREE.

Pampers

If you're looking for trustworthy, straightforward information to prepare you for labor and delivery, Pampers has you covered. This FREE nine-part series of recorded childbirth education classes is taught by two clinical childbirth experts and feels like you're sitting in on a small-group childbirth class with other expecting parents. Learn about what to expect before, during, and after labor as well as some tips for helpful birthing positions.

Photo courtesy of Kopa Birth

Kopa Birth

Planning for a childbirth with as few medical interventions as possible? This set of eight recorded online classes ($155-195) is intended those who want to have a natural childbirth in the hospital. The course includes breathing techniques, labor positions, a mock labor experience, and even downloadable meditations and imagery for labor audio to help you through the big day. The "Plus" course includes meal ideas, fitness plans, partner guides, and more. Be sure to have plenty of time for this course, though. It takes about 12 hours to complete.

Birth it Up!

Designed by a labor and delivery nurse, this highly affordable birthing course has two options: the natural course and the epidural course. For about $40, you'll have lifetime access to 30+ bite-sized videos covering hospital tips, breathing techniques, pushing, pain control, and more. That equates to about 3 hours for the epidural and 5-6 hours for the natural course. Add on the Newborn Basics series or Let's Sleep series for an additional cost.

NYU

NYU Langone’s Center for Perinatal Education and Lactation has a bunch of great affordable parent education classes ($25-60) and support groups for getting you through pregnancy and bringing baby home. Explore classes like Babywearing, Dogs & Storks, Cesarean Birth, Infant Car Seats, Breastfeeding, Siblings, Dad Bootcamp, Starting Solids, and more. Some classes are taught as one-time webinars followed by a live Q&A session, others comprise several recorded modules, and still others are live streamed during your specific class time. Private virtual lactation support sessions are available. 

Supporting Her

Calling all partners and support persons! This one's for you. Billed as a "childbirth class for the other half," this two-hour course ($49) provides tips and skills need to be a supportive partner during labor such as how to communicate with hospital staff and how to provide physical and verbal support during labor. You'll also be able to access a bunch of cheat sheets to help with packing for the hospital and remembering support techniques for labor. Looking for a couple experience? Supporting Her also offers live interactive video classes as well as recorded courses for couples.

Tinyhood

Created by parents and certified experts, the Baby 101 course ($49) promises to be a crash course in everything baby: breastfeeding, sleep, safety, and newborn care. The nine recorded classes can be completed at your convenience. Tinyhood has lots of other options, too, like meal planning for parents, introducing solids, toddler nutrition, newborn sleep, and more. Explore online courses, recorded talks, one-on-one consultations, and moderated communities.

Photo courtesy of Birth Boot Camp

Birth Boot Camp

These childbirth classes promise to be interesting, entertaining, and educational while mimicking live classes as much as possible. The popular Childbirth Education class series ($175) is pretty extensive (25 hours!) and is typically taught over a 10-week period. Other options include Home Birth, Hospital Birth, Homecoming, Food & Fitness, Comfort Measures, Breastfeeding, and more. These classes run 5-6 sessions each and are a great option for couples that need a shorter series. You can also take workshops such as Comfort Measures, Life with a New Recruit (which is all about the baby), Food & Fitness, and Breastfeeding: The Ultimate MRE. Once purchased, you will have a year of access to the content. 

Mama Natural

Interesting in a nonmedicated birth? Mama Natural is a self-paced on-demand series ($198) taught by a certified nurse midwife and includes access to private forums moderated by a doula as well as bonus practice videos, inspiration cards, audio recordings, and more. The course takes about 12 hours to complete and is split up into eight classes.

Photo courtesy of Hypnobubs

Hyponobubs

This comprehensive hypnobirthing childbirth education course is designed to help parents-to-be achieve a calmer and more comfortable birthing experience without the fear. You will learn techniques for deep relaxation, visualization, and self-hypnosis plus tools to help with the intensity of childbirth and learning ways that your partner can assist. The Basic Package ($149) provides access to 10 recorded sessions totaling six hours of instruction. You can leave comments and ask questions throughout the course, and can upgrade to a private one-on-one session with a Certified Practitioner. Some courses are designed for women who will have have Caesarian births.