Are Birthing Classes Worth It & Necessary?

Last updated: December 17, 2025

A question that is often asked is whether birthing classes are worth it. There are many things that one needs to consider when it comes to pregnancy, and that includes if you should take a birthing class.

As a mom of 3 myself, including twins, in this article I am sharing my thoughts on Lamaze classes and explaining what these classes are all about. After reading this article you should have all the information you need in order to make an informed choice on whether to sign up for a birthing class.

Please note, there are affiliate links in this post. Read my privacy & disclosure policy at the bottom of this page to learn more.

What Are Birthing & Lamaze Classes?

Did you know that there are actually differences between birthing and Lamaze classes? However, these differences are very subtle. Let’s review how they differ.

Lamaze classes provide you more confidence in coping and working through labor. They teach techniques to deal with pain management during labor and how to have a calmer birthing experience.

There are also classes that are referred to commonly as birthing classes. These types of courses give a more in-depth overview of the entire labor and delivery process, plus will explore your postpartum experience.

At the end of the day both birthing classes and Lamaze classes are there to assist you and guide you through labor and birthing. But with birthing classes you will receive more information for surviving the end of the third trimester and also for postpartum care.

Are Birthing Classes Really Worth It?

The answer to this question is YES. In my opinion, birthing classes are 100% worth it. However, at the end of the day they are not technically necessary.

If you have the option and opportunity to take a birthing class, then I absolutely recommend that you do. You can learn from my mistakes and my own difficult twin birth story that taking a birthing class can be extremely helpful in getting you through labor and delivery as smoothly as possible.

To catch you up, I took a twins class thinking I would learn about labor and delivery. And, while it was covered, it wasn’t a true birthing class. In the aftermath, I wished I had also taken a birthing class to be fully prepared for labor and delivery.

Birthing classes are especially important for first time mothers and fathers. They can really help put your mind at ease and also answer a lot of questions which may be plaguing you. With that said, let’s take a look at the benefits of birthing classes in more detail.

Check this out: Want to jump into a class right now? I recommend this online Birthing Class, which is taught by a highly experienced labor and delivery nurse!

What Are the Benefits of a Birthing Class?

Now that we have established that attending birthing classes is worth it, especially when you are a new mom-to-be, let’s look at the benefits of birthing and Lamaze classes in a little more detail.

Get Answers

A birthing class will always be given by someone who is an expert in the field. This means you can get the answers you are looking for (and we all have questions when it comes to pregnancy and birthing). The answers you receive will be based on proper and current research, not what is trendy at the time.

Reassurance

A good birthing class leader will be able to give you the reassurance that you need as you progress through your pregnancy and head towards the big day. You will gain more confidence and be able to make the right decisions for you and your family.

Lower Risk of Medical Intervention

For a mom-to-be who is opting for a natural birth, attending birth classes can help lower the chances of a medical C-section being necessary. You will also be less likely to need pain killers or an epidural during a natural vaginal delivery because during birthing classes you will be taught ways to manage your pain.

Labor Positions

These help you and your baby align to facilitate an easier, more gentle birth.

Your Partner Will Learn Too

The birthing classes are not only for your sake. They can be very beneficial to your partner, which in turn can also be more beneficial for you during the birth process. Your partner will learn tips and techniques to help you during the first few hours of labor, so that you can be as calm and relaxed as possible.

Overcome Fear

If you are fearful of giving birth – and let’s face it, it is a very scary time – attending birthing classes can help you overcome fear and decrease your anxiety. Google is great for giving you answers to certain questions, but in this instance you probably want to be speaking to a trained individual.

Build Your Parenting Tribe Early

When you attend a birthing class you also meet other expectant parents who will have similar due dates to you. Building your parenting tribe early gives you a bunch of people to learn and grow with.

Connect With Your Body

A birthing class will give you that much needed time to connect with yourself, your body, and your partner.

Postpartum Matters

A good birthing class will teach you what you can expect after the birth. We often spend a lot of time and money on learning how to deal with the pregnancy and birthing, but we forget about learning how to cope postpartum.

Related: Get this Postpartum Checklist to help understand your needs after birth.

Stay In The Driver’s Seat

Child birth classes help you to stay in charge of your birthing experience. They teach you your rights and how to have control over the birth.

When Should You Take a Childbirth Class?

Now that you know the benefits of attending a childbirth class, when you should actually start taking the class? This will be a balance between giving yourself enough time to complete the class and also finishing it relatively close to when you give birth, so what you learned is fresh in your mind.

There is no exact right or wrong time to attend classes. I do recommend waiting until you are at least in your second trimester and at the same time making sure you complete your class before giving birth.

To give you a better timeline, I would sign up for class around 22 weeks of pregnancy and aim to complete the class by 30-32 weeks. Keep in mind, if you register for classes on the earlier side you will at least have some flexibility and not have to worry about classes filling up.

What Will I Learn In a Birthing Class?

Taking a birthing class can be a real eye-opener and it can also be very informative. There are so many things you will discover which you have not ever given thought to. Here are some of the very helpful things you will learn when you are part of a birthing class.

Signs Of Labor

It goes without saying that knowing the signs of labor is super important. It can differ from person to person, but for the most part, what the childbirth educator tells you about the subject can definitely prepare you.

You will learn how to distinguish between real labor pains and Braxton-Hicks contractions. They will also tell you when you should be looking at heading to the hospital.

Induction

What is induction and when should you consider it? Induction is defined as the stimulation of uterine contractions before labor starts in order to achieve a vaginal birth.

Your birthing educator will tell you when you should be considering induction. If a pregnant woman is well over her due date or her labor is delayed, she will often end up being induced.

What Will Happen At Delivery

Knowing what to expect at delivery can really help you through your anxiety as you approach that time. Although you may not be completely prepared, at least you will know what may occur.

Pain Management Options

There are many pain management options available to you. When you attend your birthing classes the facilitator will inform you of these.

Do not be afraid to ask for or accept pain killers or an epidural. The most important thing during your birthing experience is that you are as comfortable as possible and able to manage pain when bringing your little one into the world.

How To Push

Yes – there is a specific and safe way to push to facilitate an easier delivery of your baby. You will learn all about it in your birthing class.

C-Section Expectations

Although you may not be wanting a C-section, sometimes it is unavoidable. If you or your baby go into distress during your labor, the physician is most likely going to opt for a C-section.

This will only be done if there is no other alternative. But, if you are electing for a C-section or have been recommended to have one by your physician, your birthing class will also inform you of what to expect.

After Delivery & Postpartum Recovery

This might be the most important lesson to be learned. Even though knowing how to approach your labor pains and delivery of your baby in the best possible way is extremely beneficial, knowing what to do postpartum is even more critical.

You will learn how to care for yourself after the birthing process. Postpartum recovery is intense. Your birthing class facilitator will give you much needed guidance on the best practices to make your postpartum recovery as easy as possible.

How Much Do Birthing Classes Cost?

In person prices can vary greatly. Pricing will also depend on what classes you decide to take and how many classes you attend in a specific period of time.

The prices of classes also vary from hospital to hospital and by what state you reside in. To give you a general idea, I looked at my local hospital in Springfield, MA, and as of this writing their complete in-person childbirth class costs $175.

On the other hand, you might be considering an online class. In this scenario, I recommend the online class from Pulling Curls, which costs $89. It is worth every penny and you can do the class with your partner on your own time, from the comfort of your home.

Does Insurance Cover the Cost of Childbirth & Lamaze Classes?

The answer is no, not typically anyway. So, start saving if you wish to take childbirth and Lamaze classes (it will be worth it).

Should I Take an Online or In Person Birthing Course?

Lately everything has gone digital and gone online. Zoom is definitely a huge gift and is really great for those who do not wish to leave their homes or want to take a class on their own time.

Whether you take an online or in person birthing course is entirely up to you. An advantage of in-person course is meeting local expecting parents in your area. Plus, the course might have a more personal and intimate feeling.

However, if you sign up for online classes, you can take the class at your own pace and at the time that is convenient to you. And, although you will not meet local parents, you can connect with others in the private Facebook groups you are given access to.

Some Inexpensive Birthing Help

There are a few other things I want to share that will help you with birth. These options are either FREE or cost less than $5. First up, you can register for a FREE introduction online birthing class to see if you like it first.

Another way you can prepare for birth is by using checklists to create a birth plan. Check out the options below and select the one that works best for your needs.

• Birth Plan Checklist – birth preferences checklist + written birth plan template
• Labor Checklists Bundle – birth preferences checklist + hospital bag checklist

Should a Second Time Parent Take Birthing Classes?

In most cases probably not, especially if you took a class during your first pregnancy. But, what if things will be different this time around?

Maybe you are planning a natural birth or will have a C-section this time. In these cases, you might decide to take a class to brush up your knowledge.

What do you think? Are you going to take a birthing class?

Knowing what to expect at delivery and how to take control of your birthing experience is very empowering and builds confidence. When you are aware of what could happen during labor and how to manage it, your anxiety levels will decrease and your experience will be a lot more enjoyable.

At the end of the day I think birthing classes are worth it, do you agree? Share your thoughts in the comments.