Best Pregnancy Classes To Take: What’s Worth It?

Pregnancy stages, registry must-haves, labor and delivery advice, breastfeeding tips, newborn care techniques, and postpartum life. Phew! A lot goes into feeling prepared for pregnancy, birth, and life with a newborn. As a first-time mom, I spent a lot of my pregnancy reading blogs and books, talking to other mamas, and attending classes to help me feel more prepared for life with a baby.

When I started researching pregnancy classes, I quickly realized there wasn’t a clear answer. Some parents swore classes were essential, while others said they learned everything they needed along the way.

After talking with other moms, asking my doctor, and taking several classes myself, I discovered that the best pregnancy classes aren’t necessarily the same for everyone. The right choice depends on your goals, comfort level, and how prepared you’d like to feel before baby arrives.

If you’re wondering which classes are actually worth your time, here’s what I learned from taking them.

Childbirth classes can help you feel more confident and prepared for labor.
Breastfeeding classes provide practical guidance before baby arrives.
Newborn care classes answer common questions about caring for a new baby.
Partners often benefit from these classes as much as expectant parents.
The best class for you depends on your goals, learning style, and comfort level.

The Best Classes To Take During Pregnancy

From childbirth to newborn care, these three pregnancy classes offer practical tools, guidance, and confidence as you prepare for life with your baby.

Newborn Care Class

As first-time parents, this class answered all of our “I feel too dumb to ask” questions. From “How do you swaddle a baby?” and “Should I change their diaper before or after they eat?” to “What’s the best way to hold a baby?”, “What if I drop the baby?” and “Are you sure we won’t break the baby?”—they covered it all. We took this class in person at the hospital where we planned to deliver, so it was a hands-on, small-group setting.

What I Liked About It

We could try the techniques such as swaddling baby dolls, holding them, and changing their diapers.
The in-person class allowed us to ask questions along the way.
My husband and I walked out of the class on the same page about how we would care for the baby.

Who Would Benefit Most

If you or your partner does not feel fully confident around new babies.
If you or your partner has not been around babies in the last few years.
Anyone who needs a refresher on newborn care.

Breastfeeding Basics Class

The breastfeeding basics class I attended in person with my husband covered everything we needed to know for the first few weeks at home, from breastfeeding positions and latching to breast care. I left the class wishing they had covered even more, like tips for bottle-feeding breastmilk, pumping, and returning to work. However, after two and a half hours, we certainly learned a lot.

If you’re considering breastfeeding, I found it helpful to learn the basics before delivery rather than trying to absorb everything during those busy first days postpartum.

What I Liked About It

Breastfeeding a baby involves a lot, so hearing the details, challenges, and best practices was very helpful in understanding this feeding option.
My husband learned how to support the baby and me while breastfeeding.
The in-person setting allowed for questions and practicing with a baby doll.

Who Would Benefit Most

Anyone who has decided to breastfeed or is considering it. While you may be provided a lactation specialist following delivery, many details can be lost or forgotten on that busy day.
Partners of those who plan to breastfeed or are considering it.

Childbirth Class

Labor and delivery is the one area that this over-researched mama-to-be intentionally hasn’t spent too much time reading about. There are so many scary stories out there, and I didn’t want to fill my head with fear about things that may never happen.

Childbirth classes can cover everything from labor stages and comfort measures to partner support and postpartum recovery. The goal isn’t to memorize every possible scenario. It’s to feel informed, confident, and prepared for whatever your birth experience may look like.

I wanted something that felt calm, practical, and encouraging, and that’s when I found the SOAR Pregnancy and Birth Prep Challenge.

Although it’s an 8-week program, it never felt overwhelming because the daily lessons are short and easy to fit into a busy schedule. What stood out to me was that it went beyond simply explaining labor and common procedures. It focused on practical things I could do during pregnancy to feel more confident and physically prepared for birth.

The daily lessons cover topics like breathing through contractions, comfort measures, partner support, and ways to mentally prepare for labor and delivery.

It even includes prenatal workouts, guided meditation, trimester-specific recipes, tips for partner support, birth plan guidance, and postpartum recovery tools. I appreciated that it covered parts of pregnancy and recovery that I hadn’t really thought much about before.

What I Liked About It

Having it in their app meant I could go through the daily content at my own pace, anytime, anywhere (even on busy days).
It gave me real tools to use during labor, not just theories or slides.
My husband felt involved, knowledgeable, and prepared to help.
Because it was online, I could move through the content at my own pace and skip topics that weren’t relevant to me.
I have a really good understanding of what the delivery day could look like and exactly what I prefer, no matter what comes up during labor.
The community aspect made the experience feel less overwhelming, and I liked having the opportunity to ask questions along the way.

Who Would Benefit Most

Mamas who want a structured plan and ongoing guidance throughout pregnancy.
Partners who want to be helpful during labor and birth but do not know what to expect with this big life event.
Anyone who prefers flexible, at-home education with expert guidance.

There are many options for birth classes, and I strongly suggest educating yourself and your partner before labor. You can take a hospital class, various online courses, a Bradley class, or a Hypnobabies. There’s something for everyone! But if you’re looking for something that goes beyond a traditional childbirth class and provides ongoing support throughout pregnancy, the SOAR Pregnancy and Birth Prep Challenge may be worth considering.

Related: Different Childbirth Classes and What They Offer

Pregnancy Classes FAQs

Are pregnancy classes worth it?

For many parents, yes. Pregnancy classes can help you feel more informed, confident, and prepared for birth, newborn care, breastfeeding, and life with a baby. The best classes for you will depend on your goals, comfort level, and the areas where you’d like extra support.

When should you take childbirth classes during pregnancy?

Many parents take childbirth classes during the second or third trimester. This gives you time to learn the material, practice techniques, and think through your birth preferences before labor begins.

Do first-time parents need newborn care classes?

Not necessarily, but many first-time parents find them incredibly helpful. Newborn care classes can answer common questions about feeding, diapering, swaddling, sleep, and other everyday newborn care tasks.

Can partners attend pregnancy classes?

Absolutely. In fact, many classes are designed for both parents. Attending together can help partners feel more confident and prepared to support mom and baby during pregnancy, birth, and the postpartum period.

Whether you take one class or all three, investing time in learning before your baby arrives can help you feel more confident and prepared for what’s ahead. Trust your instincts, choose the resources that fit your family’s needs, and remember that there is no single “right” way to prepare for parenthood.