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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.

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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.
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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
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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.
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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
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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.
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What do contractions feel like? (ep. 6)
Online birth class: Moms who have been through it describe what contractions feel like.
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How to time contractions (ep. 7)
Online birth class: Learn how to accurately time contractions when you're in labor.
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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.
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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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What happens after delivery (ep. 13)
Online birth class: Learn what you and your baby can expect after birth.
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7 labor myths (ep. 14)
Online birth class: Here are the facts to debunk seven myths about labor.
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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Medical pain relief: Systemic medications (ep. 21)
Online birth class: Learn how systemic medication can ease labor pain.
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Medical pain relief: Epidural (ep. 22)
Online birth class: Learn what happens when you have an epidural to block labor pain.
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Medical pain relief: Spinal block (ep. 23)
Online birth class: Learn what happens when you have a spinal block to block labor pain.
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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.

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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.
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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.
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Having a c-section (ep. 26)
Online birth class: A c-section may be planned or unexpected. Here's how this surgical intervention works.
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Episiotomy or perineal tearing (ep. 27)
Online birth class: Learn about surgical and natural tearing during labor and what's involved with healing.
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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.
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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.

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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.
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Feeding your newborn: Breast milk or formula (ep. 31)
Online birth class: Babies can be breastfed or have formula. Learn about both feeding options.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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.

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Consider your birth preferences (ep. 38)
Online birth class: A birth plan spells out your preferences. Should you write one?
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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.
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Tour the hospital or birth center (ep. 40)
Online birth class: Tour the place where you're going to give birth.
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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.
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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.

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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
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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

  • Online Childbirth/ Breastfeeding Classes
    By Devon36 in December 2018 Birth Club
    I’d love to take some online childbirth or breastfeeding courses. Can anyone recommend good classes they’ve taken or videos to watch??
      08-07-18
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    • Natural Childbirth Advice
      By Brittbay08 in January 2018 Birth Club
      I want to have a natural unmedicated childbirth. I have not been able to make it to any childbirth classes due to scheduling and living too far away to make the times they have the classes. There are also no doulas available in my area. Aside from those 2 downsides, what Can I do to prepare for natu
        02-25-23 by CelinaMillanes22
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      • Lamaze Crash Course
        By mrsmoss4ever in April 2014 First Time Moms
        For anyone (like me) who isn't taking any childbirth classes, this video was pretty cool and I got DH to learn a thing or two. http://youtu.be/F8IBjnmAH74
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