So many elements of our lives changed when the COVID-19 pandemic started and birth classes were no different. The question now is how will we move forward? The answer to “what is the best type of birth class” now includes a longer list of options. I am suggesting that there is a benefit to online birth classes that we should not forget.

When COVID hit we were inspired to find new ways to accomplish our goals, we used both our creativity and technology to come up with solutions to our challenges. We found out that we could accomplish more with less and what it means to be together while being apart. We also put new emphasis on certain aspects of our lives that had previously fallen by the wayside. Many began to place a higher value on short commutes or working from home and time spent with the ones we love. Many women (and men) made decisions to work less and stay home with children more. While others moved back in with parents after spending time living on their own.

Birth classes changed as well. I scrambled like many to put my classes online in March 2020 and found both many challenges and benefits in that process. The graph below from Coursera shows the incredible rise in online learning, and the learning online online only increased in 2021. As time went on , like many, I improved upon my virtual offerings. And now, in May 2022 I feel that we are at another transformation where we have to decide what our next steps will look like. Will we revert back to the way it had been before or will we take what we have learned and continue to grow? I make the argument below to learn and grow when it comes to birth classes. Below are my 7 reasons you should consider an online birth class and vs an in person offering.

Prefer to WATCH me talk about the benefits of online birth classes, in particular pre recorded online birth classes? Check out my Instagram Live Video at the above link. Follow me @sweetpeaprep for ongoing info and updates in the world of birth education.

Coursera reports a significant rise in online learners over the 2021 year

What I Know That Couples Don’t Know

Couples attending birth classes are doing everything for the first time. They are learning about a whole new world of birth and early parenting and navigating options in classes in a field of study that they previously had never given thought to. Long story short… this is not my first rodeo. I have educated likely hundreds if not thousands of couples over the years and in a variety of settings. I know the questions you will ask before you ask them. I know what media you are consuming and how it can stir up fear and doubt and I can relate to your quest for the best birth possible.

I also know that there are many people out there promising things, selling things, and there are more books to read than there is time. My recommendations for an online class vs in person is based in years of experience and in wanting what is best for the couples I encounter. I also selfishly want what is best for the obstetrics and gynecology community in totality… a group of providers (midwives, doctors, nurses, and nurse practitioners) that care deeply about their patients and respects both your body and the process of birth. So often, classes can create divisiveness and mistrust between the medical community and the delivering patients. Whether you are cared for by a midwife or doctor you are CARED for and the trust between you and your provider is essential for a great birth.

So lets jump in…..

With all of this in mind regarding what you know and what you don’t know as well as where the COVID pandemic has taken us as a community let’s talk about why you should still be taking your birth classes online.

7 Reasons Why An Online Class For Birth Prep Is Beneficial

Self paced:

Pre recorded online classes such as what Sweet Pea Prep offers allow you to stop and start your content whenever you want. I remember teaching full day classes to couples on Saturdays. They would wake up early and sit all day listening to me talk. And yes, we would break the content up…. but it was a long day. I can still see the partner who fell asleep, and the shifting in chairs of the uncomfortable pregnant person. At hope you can take breaks, stretch, get a snack or just do a little bit at a time. In person classes require you to decide between multiple sessions which is inconvenient and an all day session that is exhausting and limits your retention of knowledge.

2. Easily digestible sections:

You are a lot more likely to remember info when you have a chance to absorb it. Think of it like reading an entire textbook in one day vs reading a chapter and then taking a test on that information. When you are preparing for birth you are learning a totally new subject matter and then trying to understand how it applies to you and how you feel about it. This information is a vital part of you having the best birth possible.

3. Re-watch if you need to:

in person you just get what you get. Zoom sessions are often awkward - I think we can all agree on that. My pre recorded classes were a conscious choice. Many people don’t realize this but pre pandemic I was already researching online platforms for my classes. I knew that online pre recorded sessions were a more beneficial option for my patients. The pandemic simply pushed me to get it done. I want you to be able to watch and re-watch content and that is exactly what couples in my classes have told me that they have done. They report pausing the class, talking about a topic, and then restarting. I have also had couples report watching a session multiple times to better understand a concept.

4. Comfort of being home vs stuffy group class:

Being pregnant is uncomfortable and sitting in a classroom whether its in a chair, on the floor, even with cushions is challenging. I will never forget one patients negative review of my in person class. It stood out to me so strongly because it had NOTHING to do with my class and was ONLY about the discomfort she experienced in the chair she was sitting in. I dont want to discredit her complaint… because clearly she felt strong enough to write it up but REALLY?!?! I digress…. The point is that she could not even focus on the great content she was getting because her butt was sore. HAHA. Just stay home… on your couch…. in your jammies… with your loved one…. and your big water bottle and put those fee up while you learn your little heart out. : )

5. Consistent teacher and style as well as Consistent content:

Signing up for an in person class is kind of a risky move when you think about it. You may be sold on the website, the class description, the resources used, but who is the teacher showing up that day? Will she be engaging, knowledgeable and leave you feeling that your time and money was well spent? Maybe…. maybe not. Taking a pre- recorded class there is no risk of a substitute teacher or even your teacher having a bad day. I always did my best as a teacher but I taught classes not feeling my best at times, or immediately post the birth of my third child when I needed to pump and was exhausted. Its very possible that you are going to have a more comprehensive course and consistent course when pre recorded as your teacher (me) has been able to ensure every important nugget of info was included. There are also less time restrictions so I can make sure you get what you need and not just what fits into the time allotted.

6. Same access to your teacher for questions:

I have taught my class so many times to so many people that I often answer the questions before you ask them. When I taught in person I would get questions but the answer was always…. that is coming up in the new few slides. You can also always reach out with questions!

7. Class was never about community:

So many couples sign up for a birth class imagining that they will meet other couples having babies and honestly that is just not what it is about. You can join a support group, a baby and me exercise class, you can do a meet up in your neighborhood but your birth class is about learning how to safely and positively get your baby out of your body. When classes went virtual I would hear comments like “we would have liked to do it in person,” or “we really missed out on meeting other couples.” Guys…. you missed nothing. What you need to ensure before having a baby is that you have the knowledge and the support you need to make one of the most important transitions in your life. Community is important but learning how to breastfeed and community does not have to happen at the same time. I would argue that it should NOT happen at the same time. There is a lot to learn and most couples are woefully underprepared not even realizing the things they do not know.

In Conclusion:

A patient once gave me feedback saying “its not often that you learn something completely new as an adult, and your class taught me something totally new.” And I believe this brings up a great point that there is much to learn, and you will never know it all. So learn the facts as best you can and in the best way possible that gives you the opportunity to ask questions and build trust with your care providers.

Check out my free class: How To Choose A Birth Class

This class was designed as an introduction to online birth education.

As always please let me know if you have any questions.

Sincerely,

Lisa

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