Childbirth Class Videos

women with glasses and text “Video Series hosted by Linda Murray”

Welcome to BabyCenter's online childbirth class: Learn the signs and stages of labor, explore ways to manage your pain, discover the keys to a positive birth, and much more. Let's get started!

Chapter 1: Labor basics

You'll need 23 minutes to watch all of the episodes in this chapter.

Decide where you want to give birth and who you want there guiding you. Also learn how to recognize that labor has started and what it might feel like.

title card for chapter 1: labor basics
go to video page
What is labor really like? (ep. 1)
Online birth class: Learn more about the basics of labor, how long it typically lasts, and the most common ways to give birth.
title card for chapter 1: labor basics
go to video page
Should I choose a doctor or a midwife? (ep. 2)
Online birth class: A doctor, a midwife, or both can provide prenatal care and deliver your baby. Choose the right caregiver for you.
title card for chapter 1: labor basics
go to video page
Where do most women give birth? (ep. 3)
Online birth class: Explore the benefits and drawbacks of giving birth in a hospital, at a birth center, or at home.
title card for chapter 1: labor basics
go to video page
Using a doula as a labor coach (ep. 4)
Online birth class: Learn how a labor coach, called a doula, can help you during labor.
title card for chapter 1: labor basics
go to video page
5 signs that you're in labor (ep. 5)
Online birth class: Find out how your body lets you know when you're really going into labor.
title card for chapter 1: labor basics
go to video page
What do contractions feel like? (ep. 6)
Online birth class: Moms who have been through it describe what contractions feel like.
title card for chapter 1: labor basics
go to video page
How to time contractions (ep. 7)
Online birth class: Learn how to accurately time contractions when you're in labor.
title card for chapter 1: labor basics
go to video page
In labor? When to call the doctor or midwife (ep. 8)
Online birth class: Once labor starts, here's how you know when to call to your doctor or midwife.
Advertisement | page continues below

Chapter 2: Stages of labor

You'll need 19 minutes to watch all of the episodes in this chapter.

Follow along with what happens to your body during labor, as you progress from contractions to pushing and welcoming your baby to the world.

title card for chapter 2: stages of labor
go to video page
What happens to my body during labor? (ep. 9)
Online birth class: During labor, your body is moving your baby down and out. Your cervix also changes to prepare for birth.
title card for chapter 2: stages of labor
go to video page
First stage of labor: Early labor, active labor and transition (ep. 10)
Online birth class: Early contractions kick off the first and longest stage of labor, which lasts until it's time to push.
title card for chapter 2: stages of labor
go to video page
Second stage of labor: Pushing and giving birth (ep. 11)
Online birth class: You push during the second stage of labor - and your baby enters the world.
title card for chapter 2: stages of labor
go to video page
Third stage of labor: Delivery of the placenta (ep. 12)
Online birth class: After your baby is born, you'll deliver the placenta. This is the shortest and last stage of labor.
title card for chapter 2: stages of labor
go to video page
What happens after delivery (ep. 13)
Online birth class: Learn what you and your baby can expect after birth.
title card for chapter 2: stages of labor
go to video page
7 labor myths (ep. 14)
Online birth class: Here are the facts to debunk seven myths about labor.
Advertisement | page continues below

Chapter 3: Managing labor pain

You'll need 23 minutes to watch all of the episodes in this chapter.

You can manage labor pain with natural approaches, medical options, or a combination. It’s good to know about your options, even ones you don’t plan to use. You might change your mind when you’re actually in labor. Lots of women do.

title card for chapter 3: managing labor pain
go to video page
Can I make labor less painful? (ep. 15)
Online birth class: You can use natural approaches, medical options, or a combination to manage pain during labor and delivery.
title card for chapter 3: managing labor pain
go to video page
Pain medication during labor: How common is it? (ep. 16)
Online birth class: More than 4 out of 5 women use pain medication during childbirth. Whether or not you plan to use medication, it's good to know your options.
title card for chapter 3: managing labor pain
go to video page
Natural pain relief: Breathing techniques (ep. 17)
Online birth class: Breathing is a simple but effective natural way to help manage labor pain, by helping you relax or distracting you.
title card for chapter 3: managing labor pain
go to video page
Natural pain relief: Walking and changing positions (ep. 18)
Online birth class: Moving around and trying different positions are natural ways to ease labor pain.
title card for chapter 3: managing labor pain
go to video page
Natural pain relief: Massage techniques (ep. 19)
Online birth class: Massage is a natural way to ease labor pain. Learn techniques such as the "double hip squeeze" and back counterpressure.
title card for chapter 3: managing labor pain
go to video page
Natural pain relief: Water (ep. 20)
Online birth class: Whether a soak in a tub or a shower, water is a natural way to ease labor pain.
title card for chapter 3: managing labor pain
go to video page
Medical pain relief: Systemic medications (ep. 21)
Online birth class: Learn how systemic medication can ease labor pain.
title card for chapter 3: managing labor pain
go to video page
Medical pain relief: Epidural (ep. 22)
Online birth class: Learn what happens when you have an epidural to block labor pain.
title card for chapter 3: managing labor pain
go to video page
Medical pain relief: Spinal block (ep. 23)
Online birth class: Learn what happens when you have a spinal block to block labor pain.
Advertisement | page continues below

Chapter 4: Medical procedures during labor and delivery

You'll need 16 minutes to watch all of the episodes in this chapter.

Medical interventions may be necessary when you give birth. Learning about them ahead of time can help ease your anxiety if they happen.

title card for chapter 4: medical procedures during labor and delivery
go to video page
Monitoring your baby during labor (ep. 24)
Online birth class: Fetal monitoring keeps tabs on your baby's heart rate to make sure the pattern is normal.
title card for chapter 4: medical procedures during labor and delivery
go to video page
How and why labor is induced (ep. 25)
Online birth class: Sometimes medication or other techniques are used to kick-start labor. Learn what happens and why.
title card for chapter 4: medical procedures during labor and delivery
go to video page
Having a c-section (ep. 26)
Online birth class: A c-section may be planned or unexpected. Here's how this surgical intervention works.
title card for chapter 4: medical procedures during labor and delivery
go to video page
Episiotomy or perineal tearing (ep. 27)
Online birth class: Learn about surgical and natural tearing during labor and what's involved with healing.
title card for chapter 4: medical procedures during labor and delivery
go to video page
Assisted delivery: Vacuum or forceps (ep. 28)
Online birth class: In an assisted delivery, your caregiver uses a vacuum or forceps to help pull your baby out.
title card for chapter 4: medical procedures during labor and delivery
go to video page
Avoiding unnecessary interventions during labor (ep. 29)
Online birth class: Knowing what questions to ask can help you avoid unnecessary medical interventions.

Chapter 5: Decisions to make about your newborn

You'll need 15 minutes to watch all of the episodes in this chapter.

Explore choices you need to make before your baby is born and get ready for what will happen right after delivery.

title card for chapter 5: decisions to make about your newborn
go to video page
Screening tests and treatments for newborns (ep. 30)
Online birth class: After birth, your baby will have a health check that includes routine and optional tests and treatments.
title card for chapter 5: decisions to make about your newborn
go to video page
Feeding your newborn: Breast milk or formula (ep. 31)
Online birth class: Babies can be breastfed or have formula. Learn about both feeding options.
title card for chapter 5: decisions to make about your newborn
go to video page
Breastfeeding for the first time (ep. 32)
Online birth class: Even if breastfeeding is natural, it can still be tricky. Here's how to get off to a good start nursing your baby.
title card for chapter 5: decisions to make about your newborn
go to video page
Rooming in with your newborn (ep. 33)
Online birth class: Hear about the benefits of having your newborn stay with you in your room instead of the nursery.
title card for chapter 5: decisions to make about your newborn
go to video page
Banking your baby's cord blood (ep. 34)
Online birth class: Cord blood is collected after your baby's umbilical cord is cut. It can be privately banked, donated to a public bank, or discarded.
title card for chapter 5: decisions to make about your newborn
go to video page
Cutting your baby's umbilical cord (ep. 36)
Online birth class: In some birth settings, your partner can cut the umbilical cord. Here's what to expect if you choose this option.
title card for chapter 5: decisions to make about your newborn
go to video page
Deciding whether to circumcise (ep. 37)
Online birth class: Learn about the risks and benefits of circumcising your son.

Chapter 6: Pre-delivery checklist

You'll need 8 minutes to watch all of the episodes in this chapter.

Being ready to walk out the door and being familiar with where you’re going to give birth can ease anxiety when the big day arrives. Don’t forget to also take some time for yourself beforehand.

title card for chapter 6: pre-delivery checklist
go to video page
Consider your birth preferences (ep. 38)
Online birth class: A birth plan spells out your preferences. Should you write one?
title card for chapter 6: pre-delivery checklist
go to video page
Review your insurance coverage for birth and baby (ep. 39)
Online birth class: Avoid surprises by finding out in advance what your insurance will and won't cover for you and your newborn.
title card for chapter 6: pre-delivery checklist
go to video page
Tour the hospital or birth center (ep. 40)
Online birth class: Tour the place where you're going to give birth.
title card for chapter 6: pre-delivery checklist
go to video page
Prepare for your trip to the hospital or birth center (ep. 41)
Online birth class: Things to check off your pre-delivery checklist include packing your hospital bag, planning your route, and installing a car seat.
title card for chapter 6: pre-delivery checklist
go to video page
Things to do before you're due (ep. 42)
Online birth class: Hear why it's a good time to line up help, practice breathing, and spend quality time with loved ones or alone.

Chapter 7: Birth stories

You'll need 22 minutes to watch all of the episodes in this chapter.

Parents look back and talk about what happened during labor and delivery and what they might have done differently.

title card for chapter 7: birth stories
go to video page
Jackie's birth story: Stalled labor leads to a c-section (ep. 43)
Online birth class: Real birth stories from real parents. In this episode, stalled labor leads to a c-section.
title card for chapter 7: birth stories
go to video page
Purvi's birth story: Giving birth before the baby shower (ep. 44)
Online birth class: Real birth stories from real parents. In this episode, giving birth before the baby shower.
title card for chapter 7: birth stories
go to video page
Colleen's birth story: An epidural offers major relief (ep. 45)
Online birth class: Real birth stories from real parents. In this episode, an epidural offers major relief.
title card for chapter 7: birth stories
go to video page
Melylah's birth story: Drug-free birth and a surprise daughter (ep. 46)
Online birth class: Real birth stories from real parents. In this episode, a drug-free birth and a surprise daughter.
title card for chapter 7: birth stories
go to video page
Leslie's birth story: Induced labor and a long recovery (ep. 47)
Online birth class: Real birth stories from real parents. In this episode, induced labor and a long recovery.
title card for chapter 7: birth stories
go to video page
Breanna's birth story: Switching from natural birth to an epidural (ep. 48)
Online birth class: Real birth stories from real parents. In this episode, switching from a natural birth to an epidural.
title card for chapter 7: birth stories
go to video page
Scott's birth story: A dad's view of a c-section (ep. 49)
Online birth class: Real birth stories from real parents. In this episode, a dad's view of a c-section.
title card for chapter 7: birth stories
go to video page
Shino's birth story: A big baby and a painful tear (ep. 50)
Online birth class: Real birth stories from real parents. In this episode, a big baby and a painful tear.
title card for chapter 7: birth stories
go to video page
Kelly's birth story: Speedy birth in the family car (ep. 51)
Online birth class: Real birth stories from real parents. In this episode, a speedy birth in the family car.

Latest in childbirth class videos

title card for chapter 5: decisions to make about your newborn
go to video page
Cutting your baby's umbilical cord (ep. 36)
Reviewed by Frances Verter, Ph.D., cord blood expert
title card for chapter 5: decisions to make about your newborn
go to video page
Banking your baby's cord blood (ep. 34)
Reviewed by Frances Verter, Ph.D., cord blood expert
title card for chapter 1: labor basics
go to video page
5 signs that you're in labor (ep. 5)
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
title card for chapter 1: labor basics
go to video page
What do contractions feel like? (ep. 6)
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
title card for chapter 1: labor basics
go to video page
How to time contractions (ep. 7)
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
title card for chapter 1: labor basics
go to video page
In labor? When to call the doctor or midwife (ep. 8)
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
title card for chapter 1: labor basics
go to video page
What is labor really like? (ep. 1)
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife
title card for chapter 1: labor basics
go to video page
Should I choose a doctor or a midwife? (ep. 2)
Reviewed by Sally Urang, MS, RN, CNM, midwife

Community

  • November 2023 Birth Club
    childbirth anxiety FTM
    By egnav
    the closer we get to november, the more anxious i get about childbirth 😩 i just signed up for a birth class at the end of september. i’m sure that will help but just wanted to ask here to see if there’s any resources (books, podcasts, classes, videos, etc) that has helped ease some of your anxiety!
    01-22-25 by KatW9
    Number of comments15
    replied with hug
    2
  • June 2024 Birth Club
    Anyone hire a doula?
    By fruitrollup05
    It crossed my mind previously but I wasn’t set on it and didn’t pursue it. But I recently met a woman who offers prenatal yoga classes, something I may be interested in - and is also a doula and it sparked the idea for me again. I’m a FTM, I’m planning on an unmedicated birth without epidural (if
    09-05-24 by ForeverYoung01
    Number of comments12
    no reactions
    0
Go to Community
Track your pregnancy, prep for what's next, and get expert support – all for free
phone with BabyCenter app
My pregnancy week by week
2
weeks pregnant
Fertilization illustration
3
weeks pregnant
Implantation illustration
4
weeks pregnant
poppy seed illustration
5
weeks pregnant
sesame seed illustration
6
weeks pregnant
lentil illustration
7
weeks pregnant
blueberry illustration
8
weeks pregnant
raspberry illustration
9
weeks pregnant
grape illustration
10
weeks pregnant
strawberry illustration
11
weeks pregnant
fig illustration
12
weeks pregnant
lime illustration
13
weeks pregnant
plum illustration
14
weeks pregnant
lemon illustration
15
weeks pregnant
apple illustration
16
weeks pregnant
avocado illustration
17
weeks pregnant
turnip illustration
18
weeks pregnant
bell pepper illustration
19
weeks pregnant
pomegranate illustration
20
weeks pregnant
banana illustration
21
weeks pregnant
mango illustration
22
weeks pregnant
sweet potato illustration
23
weeks pregnant
grapefruit illustration
24
weeks pregnant
ear of corn illustration
25
weeks pregnant
acorn squash illustration
26
weeks pregnant
spaghetti squash illustration
27
weeks pregnant
head of cauliflower illustration
28
weeks pregnant
large eggplant illustration
29
weeks pregnant
butternut squash illustration
30
weeks pregnant
large cabbage illustration
31
weeks pregnant
coconut illustration
32
weeks pregnant
papaya illustration
33
weeks pregnant
pineapple illustration
34
weeks pregnant
cantaloupe illustration
35
weeks pregnant
honeydew melon illustration
36
weeks pregnant
head of romaine lettuce illustration
37
weeks pregnant
bunch of swiss chard illustration
38
weeks pregnant
mini watermelon illustration
39
weeks pregnant
pumpkin illustration
40
weeks pregnant
watermelon illustration
41
weeks pregnant
Baby icon illustration
Advertisement
Advertisement