Many couples are interested in taking online birth classes, but would first like to know a bit more about what to expect. After all, every new experience is easier to go into if you know a little about what to expect. Let’s take a look at the format of online birth classes and how they’re organized.
Estimated reading time: 6 minutes
Some online birth classes, like Kopa Birth®, are video-based and are presented by a childbirth educator. Viewing these classes is much like watching a movie. Kopa Birth wants you to feel like your childbirth educator is in the room with you, almost like a private class.
Other online childbirth classes function on an e-learning platform similar to what you’d expect with an independent study or online college class. One example of an e-learning online class is the Gift of Motherhood, offered by Novant Health. Participants interact with a computer program, reading the sections of subject material and then answering quiz questions.
Today we’re going to give you a sneak peek into the format of the of Kopa Birth Essentials online childbirth class. This will give you a good feel for what you can expect from video-based online birth classes. And, if you’re interested, you can view Essentials class #1 for free by registering at the bottom of this page!
First, log in in to your course dashboard, which brings you to your course home page. This page offers instructions about how to proceed with your course. It includes the option to download relaxation audio tracks and your course manual. You and your partner will use this 100+ page, full-color course manual to take notes as you participate in the classes. Then, using the course navigation bar, select that class that you’d like to view. To begin, you’re going click on Essentials Class #1 – A Foundation of Relaxation. This will direct you to the home page for Class #1.
This is where things start to get really easy and really fun! Now all you have to do is press play on the streaming class video, sit back, and start preparing for your natural birth! During your class, your instructor (who also happens to be pregnant!) will regularly direct you to participate alongside her as you practice deep relaxation, breathing techniques, labor positions, and a variety of other techniques. This type of interactive presentation helps to engage a wide range of learners and makes for an enjoyable class experience.
Watch the video to below to view a sample of the instruction you can expect to receive in your online birth classes!
Each of the 8 core classes is about an hour long. The one exception is the mock labor class, which lasts for just over 2 hours. After each class and before you can progress to the next class, you must complete a brief, 7-question quiz. The quiz will help you ensure that you’re understanding the course material. This gives you a way to gauge your own progress as you prepare for your natural birth.
Your childbirth educator will explain your weekly homework assignments, which are also described in your course manual. Practice helps to reinforce the tools and techniques you’ll be learning. For example, one of your regular assignments will be to practice relaxation for 20 minutes daily. With time, you will develop the muscle memory necessary to relax during labor. Other assignments include practicing patterned breathing techniques, creating positive affirmations for your birth, and a wide variety of other activities. Consistent practice will prepare your mind and body for a positive natural birth.
After you finish each class, flip through your course manual to the “Healthcare Provider Talk Points” included for that lesson. “Talk points” are lists of subjects and questions that you can discuss with your doctor or midwife and are derived from the topics covered in that day’s lesson. Asking the right questions will enable you to engage in meaningful conversations with your provider. You will learn how to share your plans for a natural birth and come to understand the care you can expect from your provider and hospital.
One benefit of online birth classes is that you can go back and review the material as often you need. Each of the classes is available to view in a subject-based format in which the full class is split up into short, subject-specific segments. Let’s say you don’t want to watch the whole hour-long class again–you’d just like to review how a pitocin induction is performed. In this case, open your class home page and click play on the segment that you’d like to watch again. Easy peasy.
Online birth classes can be a great option to help you prepare for a natural birth! As you research your class options, be sure to find an online format that suits your personality and learning style. The right class can help you enjoy the journey as you prepare for an amazing birth experience!
Kopa Birth’s online birthing classes allow you to prepare for natural childbirth in the comfort of your own home, 24/7. Enroll today in our free online childbirth class to learn more about preparing for natural childbirth.
Many couples are interested in taking online birth classes, but would first like to know a bit more about what to expect. After all, every new experience is easier to
