What to know about childbirth classes

Written by the Progyny Editorial Team. Reviewed by the Progyny Clinical Team – August 2026.

As your due date gets closer, you may be thinking about how to prepare for labor and birth. Many healthcare providers recommend taking a childbirth class during the third trimester to give yourself time to practice and ask questions.

Whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth, using pain medicine, or having a scheduled C-section, childbirth classes can help you understand what to expect and prepare for birth and recovery.

Why take a childbirth class?

Childbirth classes can help you:

• Learn what to expect during labor, birth, and recovery
• Practice breathing, relaxation, and movement techniques
• Help your partner or support person learn how to support you during labor
• Build confidence as you prepare for birth
• Understand pain management options, including comfort techniques and medicines
• Meet other expectant parents who may have similar questions and experiences

Some hospital-based classes also include a tour of the birthing unit. This gives you a chance to become familiar with the environment and ask questions about your hospital’s policies and routines.

Types of childbirth classes

Many hospitals and clinics offer classes that provide teaching and information specific to your hospital and community. However, there are many different types of childbirth classes.

Below is a list of some of the most common and popular childbirth education programs.

Lamaze technique

Lamaze is one of the most widely known childbirth education programs in the United States. It views childbirth as a natural, healthy process. And it encourages informed decision-making rather than promoting or discouraging specific medical interventions.

These classes typically cover:

• The stages of labor and birth
• Comfort measures, including breathing, movement, massage, and relaxation
• Labor positions that may improve comfort
• Ways your support person can help during labor
• Common medical procedures and pain relief options
• Breastfeeding and early postpartum care
• Healthy lifestyle habits during pregnancy

Lamaze also encourages practices that can support healthy birth. This includes allowing labor to begin on its own and avoiding unnecessary interventions. It can also include keeping parents and babies together after birth, when possible.

The Bradley Method

This method focuses on preparing for an unmedicated birth with the active support of a partner or birth coach. The course usually meets over 12 weeks, which allows time to practice skills throughout pregnancy.

Topics often include:

• Nutrition and exercise during pregnancy
• Deep relaxation and breathing techniques
• Practice sessions for labor
• Understanding factors that may increase the chance of a C-section
• Breastfeeding and postpartum recovery
• Coaching techniques for your partner or support person
• How to prepare for an unexpected situation, such as a C-section if it becomes medically necessary

HypnoBirthing

Also called The Mongan Method, this approach teaches deep relaxation and self-hypnosis techniques to help reduce fear and tension during labor.

Classes generally include:

• Relaxation and visualization exercises
• Breathing techniques
• Education about the labor process
• Preparing mentally and emotionally for birth
• Partner support during labor

Alexander technique

This approach is different from traditional childbirth classes. It teaches body awareness (awareness of how you move and hold your body) and healthy movement patterns. These can improve comfort throughout pregnancy and after birth.

This technique may help you:

• Improve posture and balance
• Move with greater ease and flexibility
• Reduce physical discomfort during pregnancy
• Push more effectively during labor
• Recover more comfortably after birth
• Find more comfortable positions for feeding your baby

Birthing from Within

Birthing from Within takes a flexible, personalized approach to childbirth education. It doesn’t focus on achieving one specific type of birth. This can help parents to prepare for whatever birth experience unfolds.

Classes often explore:

• Emotional preparation for labor and parenting
• Mindfulness and self-awareness
• Coping skills and confidence during pregnancy, birth, and postpartum

How to choose the right class

No single childbirth class is right for everyone. Think about your goals, your birth preferences, and how you learn best.

Many hospitals, birthing centers, and community organizations offer classes in person or online. This can make it easier to find options that fit your schedule.

Before signing up, you may want to ask:

• What certification does the instructor hold?
• What topics are covered?
• What is the instructor’s approach to labor and birth?
• Will my partner or support person learn ways to help during labor?
• How many people are in each class?
• How long is the course?
• What is the cost?

The bottom line

Childbirth classes can help you prepare for labor, birth, and the move into parenthood. No matter what approach you choose, the goal is the same: to help you feel informed, supported, and confident as you welcome your baby.

Remember that birth doesn’t always go exactly as planned. Learning about different possibilities and understanding your options can help you make informed decisions and feel more prepared.

If you have questions, Progyny is here for you. Please contact your Progyny Care Advocate for support.

Disclaimer: The information provided by Progyny is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider for medical guidance.

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