Pregnancy stages, registry must-haves, labor and delivery advice, breastfeeding tips, newborn care techniques, 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 nine months of pregnancy attempting to understand pregnancy and baby prepping through reading blogs and books, talking to other mamas, and even attending a few classes.

So what did I find out? For starters, there are many effective ways to navigate the pregnancy and motherhood journey. Seriously. Some experts recommend one thing, while others recommend the opposite. However, they both had success and happy babies. So while things may not be so black and white, I found that taking the time to educate myself—and whether or not my husband wanted to know the information—helped us to feel prepared, increased my excitement for baby’s arrival, and set us all up for success.

I asked other moms and my doctor, “What are the best classes to take during pregnancy, if any?” Just like with everything else, I received mixed reviews, so I decided to take them all. Let me break down your options for which classes to take during pregnancy.

Helpful Pregnancy Classes to Take

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 — all of them. 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 baby?” and “Are you sure we won’t break the baby?”—they covered it all. We took this class in person and at the hospital we planned to deliver at, so it was in a hands-on, small-group setting.

Here’s 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 Find a Newborn Care Class Helpful:

• 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.

Here’s 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 me and the baby while breastfeeding.
• The in-person setting allowed for questions and practicing with a baby doll.

Who Would Find the Breastfeeding Basics Class Helpful:

• 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 has not read too much 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. I wanted something that felt calm, practical, and encouraging, and that’s when I found the SOAR Birth Prep Challenge inside the Baby Chick App.

Although it’s an 8-week program, it doesn’t feel long at all because it consists of bite-sized lessons for each day that can be easily completed quickly. I really love that it goes way beyond just what labor is and the procedures. It actually teaches you what you can do now to feel more confident and physically prepared. Each day includes short, digestible videos with expert guidance on how to breathe through contractions, use positions to manage pain, what your partner can do to best support you, and how to mentally prepare for the big day. It even includes prenatal workouts, guided medtiation, trimester-specific recipes, partner support tips, birth plan guidance, and postpartum recovery tools. Basically, everything I didn’t even know I needed.

Here’s 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 and actually knowledgeable and prepared for how to help.
• Watching online allowed me to skip topics if I desired.
• 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 in the app is so fantastic and having direct access to Nina to ask questions is super helpful.

Who Would Find This Class Helpful:

• Mamas who want more than just videos — they want a real guided plan.
• Partners who wish 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 Hypnobabies. There’s something for everyone! But if you’re looking for something modern, holistic, and truly empowering, the Baby Chick App’s SOAR Challenge is a must.

Whether you take one class or all three, preparing for your birth and life with baby can make a huge difference. Trust your instincts and take what works best for you and your family.