The Best Online Pregnancy Classes for Expecting Moms

Thanks to AdventHealth for Women for sponsoring today’s post. All stated opinions are my honest thoughts. I value your trust and only partner with brands that I truly love!

As a soon-to-be mom of three, I can tell you from personal experience that pregnancy, labor and delivery, and motherhood are all beautiful experiences, but they can each be confusing and overwhelming in their own unique way. That’s why it’s so important to get the right help and support for every step of your journey into parenthood. There are three easy steps that I think all new moms should take when they find out they’re pregnant: find a great OB/GYN and midwife practice for prenatal care, take a tour of the hospital where they’ll be delivering, and sign up for pregnancy and parent education classes.

I made the mistake of skipping pregnancy classes when I was pregnant with my first daughter, Summer, and it was a huge mistake. I went into labor and delivery completely unaware of my options or what may happen, and I had an extreme amount of stress trying to learn how to take care of a newborn on-the-go while also recovering from a c-section. I felt overwhelmed and insecure, and while I was able to find my footing with motherhood along the way, I knew that I wouldn’t make the same mistake with future pregnancies.

When I got pregnant with my second daughter, Luna, and took a tour of AdventHealth for Women Orlando (the hospital where I delivered her and where I’ll also be delivering baby #3), my birth experience coordinator highly recommended the classes at Baby Place Academy to learn more about pregnancy, labor and delivery, and newborn care. I immediately signed up for a few affordable classes – all conveniently available to take online – and downloaded the free Baby Place Academy app.

Today I’m sharing the best online pregnancy and parent education classes I’ve taken during this pregnancy at Baby Place Academy and sharing an amazing free app for expecting moms! Each and every class I’m recommending is affordable, highly informative, and available to access online from the comfort of your own home.

Best Online Pregnancy Classes for Expecting Moms

I’ve taken pregnancy, labor and delivery, and parent education classes at AdventHealth for Women‘s Baby Place Academy during my second and third pregnancies, and I have had an amazing experience both times. Their classes are affordable, informative, and easy to access. The instructors for all of the classes are highly-trained labor and delivery nurses from AdventHealth for Women hospitals, and I have learned so much from each and every class I’ve taken – even as a mom who already has two children!

Right now, they’re offering all of their classes in a convenient online format, and I couldn’t be more grateful. With two toddlers at home, it’s hard for me to find childcare for weekly classes. The online format allowed me to learn at home without disrupting my children’s evening routine or having to find childcare.

Click here to see all of the online classes Baby Place Academy offers.

What classes should you take while you’re pregnant?

I personally believe that every new mom should learn about the process of labor, your options for laboring and comfort measures available, and what the actual delivery process may look like in various scenarios (vaginal vs c-section, epidural vs. non-medicated birth, etc). I also think it’s incredibly important to be fully informed about postpartum care, newborn baby care, and breastfeeding techniques.

Going into labor knowing all of these basics will help you go into your delivery with confidence and help you prepare for everything that is about to happen. Plus, you’ll be able to go home with your little one knowing that you have the tools to keep them safe and healthy.

Is it worth taking online pregnancy classes if you’ve already had a baby before?

YES. I’m already a mom of two girls, and even after going through the process of labor and delivery and breastfeeding twice in the past, I’ve still learned SO much from the online pregnancy and parent education classes I’ve taken during this pregnancy.

Every pregnancy is different, and every labor and delivery experience will be different. It never hurts to be prepared for new and different scenarios. Plus, there may have been medical advances, changes in hospital procedures and offerings, and updated newborn care guidelines since you had your last child. My oldest daughter isn’t even four yet, and there are already so many new things going into baby #3’s delivery that just weren’t common or available four years ago.

You also want to keep in mind that YOU will also change as a person from baby to baby. I’m not the same woman or the same mother I was four years ago when I had my first baby or even two years ago when I had my second baby. Being able to take online parent education classes through the lens of a third-time mom has been incredibly informative, and I’ve been able to learn new and more-detailed information I never would’ve thought to ask during my previous pregnancies. There may be things regarding your labor, delivery, breastfeeding, or newborn care that you’ve changed your mind about since having your previous babies, and taking classes allows you to get new information and expert guidance.

The Best Online Labor and Birth Classes

Here’s a summary of my top-recommended online pregnancy classes. I’d also encourage you to download the free Baby Place Academy app. I’ll share a closer look at the app after we discuss the classes, but the app itself contains so many free tools and informative articles and videos for expecting and new moms – covering everything from pregnancy to labor to newborn care.

THE GIFT OF MOTHERHOOD CHILDBIRTH CLASS: This online class is my #1 recommendation for expecting moms. It was specifically created to help expectant parents learn all of the basics about pregnancy, labor and delivery, postpartum recovery, and newborn care while you’re at the hospital from the comfort of their own home. This course is a highly informative three-week series of classes, and I truly think it’s something that every first time mom should take.

In addition to going over all of the basics, the expert instructors (both instructors were labor and delivery RNs from AdventHealth) were available to answer all of our questions about pregnancy, labor, and newborn care. I learned quite a bit even as a third-time mom, so I know this class would be HIGHLY beneficial to first time moms!

I highly recommend taking this class with your support partner, so you can each go into every step of labor, childbirth, and newborn care confident and informed. I’d also highly encourage you to prepare for each class with a list of questions you have about anything related to pregnancy, birth, and newborn care. The instructors are truly experts, and they can give you amazing information to help you along your journey into motherhood, and they can also connect you with helpful AdventHealth for Women resources relevant to your specific situation.

Click here to learn more about The Gift of Motherhood Childbirth Class and enroll at Baby Place Academy.

COMFORT MEASURES FOR LABOR AND BIRTH: This online pregnancy class extensively covers relaxation techniques you and your partner can use during labor and childbirth. Some of the topics covered include breathing exercises, massage techniques, birthing balls tips and exercises, and many additional relaxation techniques. You’ll also learn about the different comfort measures available to you at the different AdventHealth for Women locations as well as learn all about your pain relief options.

I took this class in-person during my last pregnancy (read about my full experience here), and I love that they are now offering it online! You and your support partner will truly learn so much about techniques you can use during active labor that make a huge difference on your physical and mental state. This class was eye-opening for me in learning about all of the things I could do at home when labor first begins and then later at the hospital once you’re in the final stages of labor. I was also able to get an expert labor and delivery nurse’s thoughts on epidurals and learn the ins and outs of having an epidural vs. a non-medicated birth.

This one-session class helped me go into my second child’s delivery knowing what to do and what questions to ask along the way. Learning about all of my options helped me go into labor confident and well-informed, so that I could make informed decisions every step of the way. If you’re a first-time mom, I’d highly recommend taking The Gift of Motherhood Childbirth Class before this class.

Click here to learn more about the Comfort Measures for Labor and Childbirth Class and enroll at Baby Place Academy.

CHILDBIRTH REFRESHER COURSE: If you’re an experienced mom who’s already experienced labor and delivery in the past, this three-hour course is the perfect way to refresh your knowledge on the child birthing process and to stay up-to-date on anything that may have been changed since your previous children were born. It’s offered online in the evening, so you can easily learn from home with your children by your side or in another room with your partner.

Click here to learn more about the Childbirth Refresher Class and enroll at Baby Place Academy.

HEART OF FLORIDA CHILDBIRTH CLASS: If you’re planning to deliver your baby at the Heart of Florida location of AdventHealth for Women, this childbirth class is specifically designed to prepare you for labor and delivery at your chosen location.

Click here to learn more about the Heart of Florida Childbirth Class and enroll at Baby Place Academy.

The Best Online Breastfeeding Classes and Breastfeeding Support in Florida

BREASTFEEDING CLASS: I truly believe that every new mom interested in breastfeeding needs to take a breastfeeding class BEFORE baby arrives. I always say that breastfeeding is simultaneously the hardest and the most natural thing I’ve ever done, but it only became natural after months and months of practice and expert guidance and instruction. Breastfeeding is not intuitive, and you absolutely need to learn the basics from an informed and up-to-date professional. It will make a HUGE impact on your breastfeeding experience if you know the correct information before baby arrives.

AdventHealth for Women’s online breastfeeding class at Baby Place Academy is absolutely amazing. I have previously breastfed two infants for around 15 months each, and I STILL learned so many new things from this class. In fact, I’m going into my third breastfeeding journey with an entirely new game plan and arsenal of helpful tools and techniques to use when baby #3 arrives.

During this single-session online class, you’ll learn from an experienced International Board Certified Lactation Consultant® (IBCLC) who will cover everything you need to know to be set up for a successful breastfeeding experience. You’ll learn about the benefits of breastfeeding for the baby and mother, how to correctly latch the baby, how to stimulate milk production, and how and when to feed your baby. They’ll walk you through exactly what you need to do from the time baby is born, and they’ll also provide you with amazing breastfeeding resources and let you know when/how you should seek lactation support.

I walked away from this class feeling empowered and knowledgeable, and I genuinely recommend it for any mom who’s interested in breastfeeding their baby – whether you’re a first time mom or someone who’s nursed their children in the past.

Click here to learn more about the Online Breastfeeding Class and click here to enroll at Baby Place Academy.

VIRTUAL BREASTFEEDING CONSULTS: As I mentioned before, breastfeeding is not always intuitive, and it’s extremely common to have some hiccups when you’re just beginning. If you’re struggling with breastfeeding, please know that it’s totally normal! If you’re having any insecurities or issues with your breastfeeding experience, help is just a phone call away at AdventHealth for Women.

You can schedule a personal Breastfeeding Consultation by calling 407-303-7650. You’ll be able to speak to a breastfeeding expert and get advice, support, and access to resources to help you and baby. While this service is amazing for women who’ve just had their baby, it’s also an amazing resource for expecting moms! When I was pregnant with my second baby, I called to get a few tips before heading into the hospital. The lactation consultant gave me amazing and accurate information and helped me go into my second nursing experience with confidence.

Click here to learn more about Virtual Breastfeeding Consults.

THE BABY BUNCH: The Baby Bunch is a support group for new moms that gives you the opportunity to ask an IBCLC Lactation Consultant and a Birth Experience Coordinator all of your questions while connecting with other new moms in Florida. I love that it’s now offered virtually, so you can get access to peers going through the same situations and experts to help troubleshoot issues from the comfort of your own home.

Click here to learn more about The Baby Bunch and register at Baby Place Academy.

The Best Online Classes to Learn How to Take Care of A Newborn Baby

BABY CARE BASICS: There’s nothing quite like holding a newborn baby in your arms for the first time. The overwhelming feeling of love and responsibility is absolutely amazing, but it can be quite intimidating to take your little one home for the first time and be solely responsible for their health and safety.

The Baby Care Basics online class at Baby Place Academy is the perfect way for parents in central Florida to feel confident and empowered with their newborn’s care. It is the perfect way to learn about all of the essential parts of newborn baby care: choosing a pediatrician, diapering, feeding, bathing, and everything else you need to know about your little one’s arrival! In addition to going over basic baby care, you’ll also learn about what will happen at the hospital with your baby, so you’ll be fully prepped for every step of your little one’s introduction to the world.

I had a wonderful time taking the Baby Care Basics class, and I truly think it’s a class that EVERY new parent should take! It’s also a wonderful option for adoptive parents, grandparents, and anyone who may be a caregiver for your newborn baby. While members of your family may have raised children of their own, the recommended newborn care practices may have changed since their parenting days. This class is also a wonderful refresher on everything you need to know!

Click here to learn more about the online Baby Care Basics class and click here to register for the class at Baby Place Academy.

INFANT AND CHILD CPR: One of the first things our pediatrician told me was that accidents, emergencies, and illnesses always pop up when you least expect them – often times late at night or when you’re all alone. It’s always best to be prepared for emergency scenarios and taking an Infant and Child CPR class is an absolute must-do item for anyone who will be taking care of your child.

Baby Place Academy’s Infant and Child CPR class teaches you how to save your baby’s life if they stop breathing, go into cardiac arrest, or start choking. When one of these situations occurs, even a few extra seconds in the response time can make a huge difference. The classes are led by a certified instructor, and you’ll learn everything to do in emergency situations.

Even though my husband and I have previously taken infant and child CPR classes, we both definitely want to take this class as a refresher because CPR recommendations change all the time. I think it would also be an amazing class for grandparents, older siblings, and anyone in your family who might be a caretaker for your children.

Click here to learn more about Baby Place Academy’s Infant and Child CPR classes and click here to register.

The Best Online Pregnancy Exercise Classes

DANCING FOR BIRTH: Dancing for Birth is SUCH a great class! I had the pleasure of taking it during my last pregnancy (read about my full experience here), and I’m hoping to fit in a few classes during this pregnancy as well.

Dancing for Birth is a gentle exercise class for pregnant and new moms that’s so much fun, but it’s informative at the same time. Your instructor will help you prepare for the birth of your baby with the feel-good Dancing for Birth fitness that’s perfect for pregnant and postpartum moms, but you’ll also get a chance to learn about pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum care from your instructor and the other moms in the class. Plus, the exercise routine doubles as something you can do while you’re in labor to move baby into the right position and ease painful contractions.

Click here to learn more about Dancing for Birth and then register for the online class at Baby Place Academy here.

PRENATAL YOGA: Prenatal yoga is a phenomenal way to exercise and relax your body throughout your pregnancy. AdventHealth for Women is now offering virtual Prenatal Yoga classes to help expecting moms increase their strength and flexibility and incorporate exercises that will help them to make pregnancy more comfortable.

Plus, you can easily use the relaxation and breathing techniques from this class throughout your labor to relax your body and mind. I definitely want to take a few of these online prenatal classes before baby arrives, so let me know if you’d like to join me!

Click here to learn more about prenatal yoga classes at Baby Place Academy and register for an online class.

The Best Online Postpartum Care Classes

THE 4TH TRIMESTER: While baby spends three trimesters inside your body, YOUR body still needs to recover for an additional period of time. The “fourth trimester” is an important postpartum stage where your body is healing, and you’re adjusting into your new life as a mother. In this online postpartum care class, you’ll learn about pelvic health, mental health, and all of the physical changes you can expect during your postpartum recovery. I love that this class is available online because it can be difficult to get out of the house when you’re caring for a newborn baby.

Click here to learn more about The 4th Trimester Class at Baby Place Academy and register for an online class.

The Best Online Newborn Baby Care Classes for the Entire Family

SIBLING CLASS: I’m so excited to take this class with Summer next month! Bringing a new baby into your home isn’t just an adjustment for the parents; it’s also a huge transition for the baby’s siblings. I love that AdventHealth for Women offers a single-session virtual class led by a certified childbirth educator or an experienced mother-baby nurse to teach your children all about babies.

The instructors cover what exactly babies can and can’t do, diaper changes, and even help your children discuss what a new baby means to them. This class is a parent-child experience, and I think it’s a great way for kids to get excited for their new role as an older sibling. I’ll update this post with our full experience next month!

Click here to learn more about the online Sibling Class and register for the virtual class at Baby Place Academy.

BABY MEETS FIDO: If you’re already a pet parent, this class is perfect for you. It will teach you how to introduce your pets to your newborn baby, and you’ll learn techniques to help maintain proper boundaries.

Click here to learn more about the Baby Meets Fido class and register for the online class at Baby Place Academy.

LITTLE MUSIC MAKERS: Once baby arrives, they can be incorporated in your classes too! Baby Place Academy hosts an online Virtual Little Music Makers class where you and your baby can sing, play, and enjoy music together. This class is a great way to introduce language, movement, and development milestones. It’s a fun way to play with your baby with an experienced instructor from the comfort of your own home!

Click here to learn more about Little Music Makers classes for infants of various ages and register for an online class at Baby Place Academy.

The Best Free App for Pregnant Moms

As you might have gathered, I’m a huge advocate of being fully-informed and confident going into each new stage of pregnancy, labor, birth, and motherhood. In addition to the amazing classes I’ve taken at Baby Place Academy, I highly recommend downloading the free Baby Place Academy app!

Inside the free Baby Place Academy app, you’ll get access to useful tools you can use during your pregnancy like a kick count tracker and contraction tracker, and you’ll also have tools like feeding and diaper logs for when baby arrives. You can also learn about how your baby and your body are changing and developing during each week of pregnancy.

The free Baby Place Academy app also includes a wide variety of informative articles and videos about pregnancy, labor and birth, postpartum recovery, newborn care, breastfeeding, and NICU care. There is SO much amazing and easy-to-digest information at your fingertips, and I love being able to scroll through the app whenever I have a few moments to spare.

Click here to download the FREE Baby Place Academy app!

No matter where you are in your journey of pregnancy and motherhood, AdventHealth for Women has amazing resources for families in Central Florida! You can find out more information about their maternity services here, and you can read all about my experiencing delivering my second baby at AdventHealth for Women Orlando here.