Care Practices
What to expect in childbirth education
By Parental Editorial · Published 2026-08-01 · Updated 2026-08-04
Childbirth education teaches expecting parents what labor and birth typically involve, comfort techniques, decision-making skills, and how to work with a support team. Classes may be in-person or online and are educational. Classes are not a substitute for clinical prenatal care.
What childbirth education usually covers
Most childbirth education programs explain the stages of labor, common medical procedures, comfort measures such as breathing and positioning, and the roles of partners and birth attendants, such as doulas. Some classes also introduce postpartum recovery and early newborn care at a high level.
Quality courses emphasize informed decision-making: understanding options, asking questions, and communicating preferences with your care team. Courses may include discussion of potential childbirth settings, birthing preparation, and potential labor and delivery complications.
Doulas, when discussed in class, are typically described as trained professionals who provide continuous physical, emotional, and informational support around birth. According to DONA International, that support is non-clinical and does not replace nursing or medical care. Doulas often focus on education and labor support, and may also offer postpartum support and early newborn care.
Who benefits from a childbirth class
First-time parents often use childbirth education to reduce uncertainty. Experienced parents may take a refresher, especially if they are planning for a different approach to birth or to update their knowledge on evidence-based care.
Partners and expecting grandparents benefit from learning how to advocate and provide practical comfort during labor and in postpartum. Continuous labor support from a trained, professional birth companion (such as a doula) is associated with better labor experiences in research summarized by DONA International and referenced by obstetric professional organizations.
How online childbirth courses fit in
On-demand courses, like those hosted on Parental, let you learn at your own pace and revisit topics as your pregnancy progresses. They can also help "bridge the gap" for expecting parents in areas lacking in-person childbirth education classes. On our Educators search page, you can find educators local to you and educators with areas of expertise relevant to your educational interests. Note: our policies underscore that all content on Parental, including courses, is educational and not personalized medical advice.
Your coursework can help spark helpful and informed questions ahead of prenatal appointments and visits with your care team.
Frequently asked questions
- Is childbirth education the same as prenatal care?
- No. Prenatal care is clinical care from a licensed provider. Childbirth education is learning that helps you prepare for labor, birth, and early parenting alongside that care.
- When should I start a childbirth class?
- Many families start in the second or early third trimester so there is time to practice skills, though online courses can be started whenever they are useful to you. We recommend including postpartum topics and newborn care in your educational plan prior to birth as families often find that they lack the time to learn these skills after birth.
Sources
These links are references only and do not replace advice from your care team.
- What is a Doula? · DONA International
- Benefits of a Doula (including continuous support research summary) · DONA International