Best Online Birthing Classes of 2025
We reviewed the top online birthing and childbirth preparation courses on content quality, instructor credentials, accessibility, and value to help you prepare with confidence.
5 items ranked · Last reviewed January 2025
Mama Natural Birth Course
The most-watched natural birth course online
The Mama Natural Birth Course is the most popular online childbirth education program for good reason: it's thorough, professionally produced, and covers everything from early labor through newborn care. It's the top pick for expectant parents who want an empowering, well-rounded prep experience.
PROS
- ✓Comprehensive 9-week curriculum covers every stage of labor, delivery, and immediate postpartum
- ✓Highly engaging video production with real birth footage and clear animations
- ✓Lifetime access lets you revisit lessons at any point before or after birth
CONS
- ✕Leans toward natural birth preferences — may not feel as balanced for those planning epidurals
- ✕No live sessions or real-time Q&A with instructors
Evidence Based Birth Childbirth Class
Research-backed education for informed decision-making
Evidence Based Birth is the most academically rigorous childbirth course available online. Led by researcher Rebecca Dekker, it equips parents to critically evaluate every intervention and make truly informed choices in any birth setting — hospital, birth center, or home.
PROS
- ✓Founded by a PhD-level researcher — every recommendation is tied to peer-reviewed evidence
- ✓Covers hospital interventions, rights, and how to advocate for yourself in any birth setting
- ✓Includes a live Q&A session with a certified childbirth educator
CONS
- ✕Highest price point in this roundup
- ✕Dense research-heavy content can feel slower-paced for some learners
Birthly Online Childbirth Class
Modern, concise, and built for busy parents
Birthly hits an impressive sweet spot between medical credibility and approachability. Its OB-GYN instructor and well-paced lesson format make it the easiest course to finish — and one of the most balanced — at a mid-range price.
PROS
- ✓Led by a board-certified OB-GYN, giving it strong medical credibility
- ✓Short, digestible video lessons designed to be completed during pregnancy without overwhelm
- ✓Balanced coverage of both medicated and unmedicated birth options
CONS
- ✕Newer platform means a smaller community and fewer user reviews to reference
- ✕Less depth on natural pain management techniques compared to top picks
Lamaze Online Childbirth Class
The gold-standard method, now available online
Lamaze's online offering brings its trusted methodology into a self-paced format. It's an excellent, affordable choice — especially for couples who want to include a partner in preparation — though the production quality lags behind newer competitors.
PROS
- ✓Backed by decades of research and a globally recognized childbirth education framework
- ✓Includes partner coaching techniques that are genuinely useful in the delivery room
- ✓Affordable price makes it accessible for families on tighter budgets
CONS
- ✕Video production quality feels dated compared to newer courses
- ✕Less content on postpartum recovery and newborn care than top-ranked alternatives
The Birth Hour Academy
Birth stories and education combined into one resource
The Birth Hour Academy is a story-first approach to childbirth education that resonates deeply with many expectant parents. At just $49, it delivers exceptional value, particularly for its emotional preparation content — though those wanting clinical depth should pair it with a more structured course.
PROS
- ✓Most affordable comprehensive birthing course in this roundup
- ✓Unique format weaving real birth stories into educational content builds genuine confidence
- ✓Includes a large library of diverse birth story podcast episodes
CONS
- ✕Less structured than traditional childbirth courses — not ideal for systematic learners
- ✕Instructor credentials are lighter than medically led alternatives