Childbirth Class Videos

IN THIS TOPIC

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. You can watch the 51 videos in our birth class whenever you like and at your own pace. View some now and save some for later, watch at home or on the go, and share them with your partner. You'll come away with the information and guidance you need to feel less anxious about your baby's birth – and you'll feel more empowered and confident about the incredible experience ahead of you.

Start the class

Chapter 1: Labor basics
Chapter 2: Stages of labor
Chapter 3: Managing labor pain
Chapter 4: Medical procedures during labor and delivery
Chapter 5: Decisions to make about your newborn
Chapter 6: Pre-delivery checklist
Chapter 7: Birth stories

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.

Episode 1: What is labor really like?

Learn more about the basics of labor, how long it typically lasts, and the most common ways to give birth. (3 minutes)

Episode 2: Should I choose a doctor or a midwife?

A doctor, a midwife, or both can provide prenatal care and deliver your baby. Get the information you need to confidently choose the right caregiver for you. (5 minutes)

Episode 3: Where do most women give birth?

Explore the benefits and drawbacks of giving birth in a hospital, at a birth center, or at home. (3 minutes)

Episode 4: Using a doula as a labor coach

Learn how a labor coach can help you during labor. A doula does not deliver your baby. She's there to give you and your partner personalized support. (4 minutes)

Episode 5: 5 signs that you're in labor

Find out how your body lets you know when you're really going into labor. (3 minutes)

Episode 6: What do contractions feel like?

Moms who have been through it describe what contractions feel like. (1 minute)

Episode 7: How to time contractions

It's important to accurately time your contractions when you're in labor. Here's how. (2 minutes)

Episode 8: In labor? When to call the doctor or midwife

Once labor starts, here's how you know when to call to your doctor or midwife. (2 minutes)

See all in Chapter 1: Labor basics

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.

Episode 9: What happens to my body during labor?

During labor, your body is moving your baby down and out. Your cervix also changes to prepare for birth. (1 minute)

Episode 10: First stage of labor: Early labor, active labor and transition

Early contractions kick off the first and longest stage of labor, which lasts until it's time to push. (5 minutes)

Episode 11: Second stage of labor: Pushing and giving birth

You push during the second stage of labor – and your baby enters the world. (2 minutes)

Episode 12: Third stage of labor: Delivery of the placenta

After your baby is born, you'll deliver the placenta. This is the shortest and last stage of labor. (1 minute)

Episode 13: What happens after delivery

Learn what you and your baby can expect after birth. (4 minutes)

Episode 14: 7 labor myths

Here are the facts to debunk seven myths about labor. (6 minutes)

See all in Chapter 2: Stages of labor

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.

Episode 15: Can I make labor less painful?

During labor, your body is moving your baby down and out. Your cervix also changes to prepare for birth. (3 minutes)

Episode 16: Pain medication during labor: How common is it?

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. (3 minutes)

Episode 17: Natural pain relief: Breathing techniques

Breathing is a simple but effective natural way to help manage labor pain, by helping you relax or distracting you. (3 minutes)

Episode 18: Natural pain relief: Walking and changing positions

Moving around and trying different positions are natural ways to ease labor pain. (2 minutes)

Episode 19: Natural pain relief: Massage techniques

Massage is a natural way to ease labor pain. Learn techniques such as the "double hip squeeze" and back counterpressure. (6 minutes)

Episode 20: Natural pain relief: Water

Whether a soak in a tub or a shower, water is a natural way to ease labor pain. (1 minute)

Episode 21: Medical pain relief: Systemic medications

Learn about the pros and cons of using systemic medication to ease labor pain. (2 minutes)

Episode 22: Medical pain relief: Epidural

Learn what happens when you have an epidural to block labor pain. (2 minutes)

Episode 23: Medical pain relief: Spinal block

Learn what happens when you have a spinal block to block labor pain. (1 minute)

See all in Chapter 3: Managing labor pain

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.

Episode 24: Monitoring your baby during labor

Fetal monitoring keeps tabs on your baby’s heart rate to make sure the pattern is normal. (3 minutes)

Episode 25: How and why labor is induced

Sometimes medication or other techniques are used to kick-start labor. Learn what happens and why. (4 minutes)

Episode 26: Having a c-section

A c-section may be planned or unexpected. Here's how this surgical intervention works. (3 minutes)

Episode 27: Episiotomy or perineal tearing

Learn about surgical and natural tearing during labor and what's involved with healing. (3 minutes)

Episode 28: Assisted delivery: Vacuum or forceps

In an assisted delivery, your caregiver uses a vacuum or forceps to help pull your baby out. (2 minutes)

Episode 29: Avoiding unnecessary interventions during labor

Knowing what questions to ask can help you avoid unnecessary medical interventions. (1 minute)

See all in Chapter 4: Medical procedures during labor and delivery

Chapter 5: Decisions to make about your newborn

You'll need 19 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.

Episode 30: Screening tests and treatments for newborns

After birth, your baby will have a health check that includes routine and optional tests and treatments. (2 minutes)

Episode 31: Feeding your newborn: Breast milk or formula

Babies can be breastfed or have formula. Learn about both feeding options. (4 minutes)

Episode 32: Breastfeeding for the first time

Even if breastfeeding is natural, it can still be tricky. Here's how to get off to a good start nursing your baby. (3 minutes)

Episode 33: Rooming in with your newborn

Hear about the benefits of having your newborn stay with you in your room instead of the nursery. (1 minute)

Episode 34: Banking your baby's cord blood

Cord blood is collected after your baby's umbilical cord is cut. It can be privately banked, donated to a public bank, or discarded. (2 minutes)

Episode 35: What is delayed cord clamping?

Learn about the technique of waiting to clamp the umbilical cord and why you might want to consider this option. (4 minutes)

Episode 36: Cutting your baby's umbilical cord

In some birth settings, your partner can cut the umbilical cord. Here's what to expect if you choose this option. (1 minute)

Episode 37: Deciding whether to circumcise

Learn about the risks and benefits of circumcising your son. (2 minutes)

See all in Chapter 5: Decisions to make about your newborn

Chapter 6: Pre-delivery checklist

You'll need 10 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.

Episode 38: Consider your birth preferences

A birth plan spells out your preferences. Should you write one? (3 minutes)

Episode 39: Review your insurance coverage for birth and baby

Avoid surprises by finding out in advance what your insurance will and won’t cover for you and your newborn. (1 minute)

Episode 40: Tour the hospital or birth center

Tour the place where you're going to give birth. (1 minute)

Episode 41: Prepare for your trip to the hospital or birth center

Things to check off your pre-delivery checklist include packing your bag, planning your route, and installing a carseat. (3 minutes)

Episode 42: Things to do before you're due

Hear why it's a good time to line up help, practice breathing, and spend quality time with loved ones or alone. (2 minutes)

See all in Chapter 6: Pre-delivery checklist

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.