Are you preparing for baby and wondering WHAT exactly you should be focusing on while you wait?
Usually the obvious tips come to mind when you’re pregnant for the first time: sleep while you can; make some freezer meals, and buy all.the.stuff.
(Seriously, you don’t need all the stuff but everyone will tell you that you do!)
But some of the big stuff – the dedicated work of learning all you can before a tiny, wailing human is placed into your care 24/7?
Well, sometimes it’s easy to forget that the educational side of getting ready for baby is just as important as having your heart and home prepared.
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At the Pregnancy Center where I’ve worked for the last several years, we provide tools that teach women everything from how to prepare for labor, to practical steps needed in preparation for parenting- i.e., “new mom classes”.
And one thing I’ve noticed over and over : the moms who have committed to this education are far less anxious during pregnancy and are more mentally and physically prepared for childbirth.
They’re also are more likely to have an easier transition into new-mom life than those who come to see us RIGHT before baby is born (at the last minute!).
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But what if you work a schedule that makes it difficult for you to attend childbirth and parenting classes?
What if you just don’t have time for a series of in-person classes?
(And I can assure you, ONE class is not enough.)
Fortunately in this day and age, there are some great alternatives for you.
You can receive a stellar pregnancy/parenting education with online baby care classes (including childbirth) that are designed by trusted professionals.
You can take advantage of these resources on your own time, in your PJ’s, on your lunch hour – whatever works best for you.
It’s quickly becoming one of the most popular ways for new moms to be prepared, in fact.
Prenatal and Online Baby Care Classes for New Moms
I’ve made some connections with three healthcare professionals who provide exactly the tools you need to answer those burning questions — while you’re pregnant and still have time to plan ahead!
I think this is a really important factor, because once baby arrives, it can be so overwhelming to try and learn new things.
You need to have time to absorb this information beforehand (and refer back to later).
You need someone to guide you step by step in the process of getting ready for baby (and everything that comes after) so that you’re not totally caught off guard.
And that’s the beauty of online infant care classes!
Every expecting mom should consider these three resources to make preparing for baby a much simpler process.
#1. Preparing for Delivery: The Online Prenatal Class for Couples
Hilary Erickson had an amazing idea in 2016, to create an online Prenatal / Childbirth class that both Mom AND Dad could participate in together, at their own pace and in the comfort of their own home.
With 17 years of experience – and counting – as a Labor & Delivery nurse, Hilary offers something unique to busy couples who are committed to learning how to prepare for a baby but can’t work around a rigid hospital birthing class schedule.
The Online Prenatal Class for Couples provides everything you need to know before the big day:
- How to know if you’re really in labor
- When to call your doctor
- Pain control (epidural or no?)
- Labor and delivery advice and how to prepare for childbirth
- Understanding vaginal delivery versus cesarean delivery
- Basic baby care after returning home from the hospital
Plus – her class is fun!
She makes the learning process enjoyable, and interjects humor into an often anxiety-riddled time in a couple’s life.
You will feel right at home learning what to expect throughout your pregnancy and childbirth experience, from a trusted source.
This online prenatal class comes in a few different versions which you can learn more about here.
#2. Preparing for Breastfeeding: Milkology Online Breastfeeding Class
When I was pregnant for the first time, the word “Breastfeeding Class” conjured up the most awful images in my mind!
I imagined a group of moms sitting around in a circle with their new babies, awkwardly learning how to breastfeed with a lactation consultant making the rounds and telling us what to do and what not to do.
That sounded HORRIBLE to me!
And while I’m pretty sure that’s not what most in-person lactation groups entail, when I heard about this online breastfeeding class from Stacey at Milkology, I thought – what an awesome idea!
Learn to breastfeed at home, BEFORE baby arrives, so that you’re less anxious and more able to do what your body needs it to do – when the time actually comes.
For most moms, breastfeeding is not easy (at least, not at first).
I read up as much as I could on the subject, but I still remember making those phone calls to the hospital lactation nurse after baby arrived, unsure if I was doing it right.
And truthfully, whether it’s your first or fourth baby – there are breastfeeding questions and different problems that can arise each time!
The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends exclusive breastfeeding for about the first six months, but current statistics from the CDC show that only about 25% of moms are meeting this mark.
Many factors can impact the breastfeeding relationship, but based on my experience (and those of our clients at the Center), it seems that better lactation education and support could be the missing link for many busy moms.
Now – some hospital lactation departments are better than others, truly.
But a step-by-step course designed to cover EVERYTHING you need to know is priceless.
And taking a breastfeeding class online? Yes, please!
Practical information like this makes for the best online newborn care classes, in my opinion.
If this course had been available with my first child, I would’ve taken it in a heartbeat.
The Milkology breastfeeding class online (and video-based), will teach you everything from lactation basics, to how to know if your baby is getting enough milk, as well as pumping tips.
As a bonus to the course, two e-books are included AND a troubleshooting guide for common breastfeeding issues.
The Ultimate Breastfeeding class by Milkology is, in my opinion, an excellent value for expecting moms (or new moms) at only $27.
And if you’ve looked at any Milkology reviews, you might notice that the feedback is overwhelmingly positive surrounding this course.
By the way – you get lifetime access once you purchase the course, so you can use it with future children too!
P.S., If you’re a working mom, you’ll also want to check out the new Back to Work Pumping class that is also available from Milkology.
#3. Preparing to SLEEP: Baby Sleep Made Simple
Sleep, sweet elusive sleep. Last year, I wrote an entire post (in jest, really) about how none of my babies slept through the night – or even more than a few hours at a time – until age one.
That first year, times 4, was SO difficult for me especially as a working mom.
I dreaded night time; there was no rest for the weary!
Little did I know, there are resources like the Baby Sleep Made Simple program to SOLVE this problem!
Jilly Blankenship, a pediatric nurse and lactation consultant (IBCLC), began providing in-home sleep consulting services for babies and toddlers in 2009.
She has a long list of qualifications – but most importantly, she’s a mom who knows exactly how it feels to be dog-tired and bleary-eyed. 🙂
With Baby Sleep Made Simple program: 21 Days to Peace and Quiet, parents have a range of options to choose from, to suit your particular parenting style and preferences.
The benefits included in this program:
- A simple step-by-step guide that’s based on your child’s age, development, unique temperament & is in tune with your beliefs. Each step includes short videos and visual guides.
- Get all your questions answered along the way (by message & live call.)
- Optional support from a private Facebook group of moms you can relate to
- One year access to all videos, guides and resources
- SLEEP for mom and dad!
The personalized support is what sets this program apart from ANY amount of reading you could do online. Trust me, I’ve probably read all the free resources out there!
You can check out the 21 Days to Peace and Quiet program from Baby Made Simple for more information.
And be sure to read my interview with Jilly here: Expert Baby Sleep Tips I Wish I Had Found Much Sooner.
#4. Preparing for Change: Baby Proof Your Relationship
One last resource I’d like to highlight focuses on something we often overlook when preparing for a new baby: our relationship with our spouse.
I can say that I was 100 percent UNprepared for how much having a baby would impact my marriage. It just didn’t enter my mind as I was mostly focused on baby care courses.
While we learned to navigate our new roles as time went on, I think every expecting couple would be wise to consider how your relationship will be different after your baby arrives.
Ruth Skutezky, a clinical counselor and a mom, knows full well how difficult this transition can be, and she created Baby Proof Your Relationship for this very reason.
When Ruth reached out to me to review her class, I thought the concept was brilliant.
After going through the course, I can say with confidence that every new parent would benefit from this course.
It consists of several video modules and a workbook with reflection questions and exercises to get you and your partner talking and understanding each other better.
Truly, these lessons would be helpful for any couple at any stage in their relationship!
Online counseling has become more common in recent years.
But having access to information that is tailored specifically to the needs of new parents and the unique challenges they face is especially invaluable.
New parents have enough demands on their time and energy, and this course could not be more convenient; you can work through the lessons on your own schedule.
*Coupon code alert: Ruth is offering 20% off Baby Proof Your Relationship for my readers with code: PREPAREONLINE.
In my experience as a mom, and with the new parents I see at the Pregnancy Center, I believe we vastly underestimate the impact our relationship with our partner has on our children.
So, when you’re looking at all the different baby classes for new parents, add this one to your short list.
We would do well to invest in tools that make our relationship stronger, for ourselves and for the sake of our kids.
In Summary
Online newborn care classes weren’t even a thing when I started having kids a few (ok..14!) years ago, but I’m so thankful these exist today, to make things just a little easier for new moms.
Because after you’ve housed another human for 9 months, you deserve an easy button, trust me!
Just remember: Preparing for baby and welcoming your new addition into your home can be exciting, stressful, and exhausting all at once; but you don’t have to go it alone.
These four fantastic resources can provide the help you need to simplify your parenting journey before it even begins — so that you can enjoy your mom life that much more.
Additional Resources:
Mutu System: Learn how to strengthen your core and heal separated muscles after pregnancy (even years later!). I’m still working through this program but have seen great results from it so far.
You might also like:
Baby Sleep Tips from the Pros (I only wish I’d had sooner)
Adjusting to Newborn Life: Practical advice for New Moms
I’m Pregnant! (What to do first)
Postpartum Advice from a Mom of Four (How to Feel Human Sooner than Later)
Helping Siblings Prepare for the New Baby
Originally posted 4/24/18, last updated 12/24/22.
I think I have the first two down pat, but that third one…yes, please!! None of my babies have been good sleepers. I’m going to check it out! 🙂
Same here Sabrina! The sleep course alone is worth GOLD for exhausted parents!