What to Expect in a Prenatal Class (and How to Choose the Right One)
When you’re expecting a baby, it feels like there’s so much to learn. Between advice from friends, late-night Google searches, and endless books, it can be hard to know where to turn. That’s where prenatal classes come in.
A good prenatal class gives you more than information — it helps you feel confident, prepared, and supported as you move toward birth and parenthood. But not all classes are the same, and it’s important to find one that fits your values and needs.
What Prenatal Classes Usually Cover
Most prenatal or childbirth education classes will touch on these key topics:
Stages of labour → what’s happening in your body and how to recognize it
Comfort measures → breathing, movement, massage, and positions for coping
Pain relief options → from natural approaches to medical options like epidurals
Birth partner’s role → practical ways partners can support during labour
Postpartum recovery → what those first weeks after birth really look like
Newborn care basics → feeding, sleep, and soothing strategies
Different Types of Prenatal Classes
Choosing the right class depends on what you want to get out of it. A few common options include:
Hospital classes → Often taught by nurses, these may focus on hospital policies, pain relief options, and what to expect in that specific setting.
Doula-led classes → Usually smaller, more interactive, and tailored to your questions. They often include hands-on practice and a deeper focus on comfort measures and postpartum planning.
Online classes → Convenient and flexible, but may not provide the same interactive, hands-on learning as in-person options.
Specialty classes → Some focus on things like natural birth, cesarean preparation, or breastfeeding.
How to Choose the Right Class for You
Ask yourself these questions before signing up:
What’s my learning style? Do I learn best by reading, listening, or practicing hands-on skills?
What’s most important to me? Do I want a broad overview, or more focus on things like comfort measures, partner involvement, or postpartum recovery?
Who’s teaching it? Look at the instructor’s background — are they a nurse, midwife, or doula? Each brings a different perspective.
How big is the class? Smaller classes often allow for more discussion and personalized attention.
Does the timing fit? Ideally, start your class in the second or early third trimester so you have time to absorb and practice the information.
Final Thoughts
A prenatal class isn’t about memorizing every detail — it’s about gaining the tools, confidence, and support you need for one of the biggest transitions of your life.
If you’re in the Lloydminster area, I’d love to welcome you to one of my upcoming childbirth education courses. My classes are small, hands-on, and partner-friendly, with a focus on preparing not just for birth, but also for those important postpartum weeks.