7 Best Birthing Classes in OKC

Pregnancy is so full of ups and downs, questions, learning. As an expecting mama you get to learn and experience all sorts of things. (the precious little kicks but then there’s also the unpleasant things like reflex or shortness of breath whenever you move it seems!) 

And then comes childbirth (Because baby will appear at some point in time. Yes I know it feels like it’s taking forever but I promise baby does come!) 

Choosing to take a childbirth class is such an empowering and informational experience for both you and your partner. Mamas, our bodies were created to do amazing things and having your partner learning to be able to support you is so important! 

I’m going to give just a few quick benefits of why you should take a take a childbirth class then share some of the top birthing classes in OKC so you can check them out! Or you can click on these to scroll quickly to the section: Traditional Birthing Classes in OKC – Hypnobirthing Classes in OKC.

Benefits of taking a birthing class

• Learning what to expect for both birth and postpartum
• Be educated on your birthing options and rights
• Learn strategies for pain management,  
• In person group classes provide the community of connecting with other parents
• Become aware of local resources (referrals to lactation counselors, baby stores, therapy options, other therapists and such that might be needed in making a succeful nursing journey)
• Doing it with your partner allows you to be on the same team for your birthing experience

Related Read: 7 top doulas in OKC

Why should you do an in person birth class? 

“In-person classes offer the benefit of hands-on interaction, immediate response to in the minute questions,  and an overall sense of community,” states Jennifer Miller an OKC hypno birthing instructor.

Most of the places listed below offer both group and individual classes to open up a variety of options. (A few places also offer breastfeeding classes which is an excellent way to prep for that part of your mothering journey if that’s something you wish to do!)

Educators:

Miranda and Cacey

Services:

Group birthing classes, Private one-on-one classes, Breastfeeding classes.

Website

simplebirtheducation.com

Miranda, an OKC area Doula and the Co-teacher of Simple Birth Classes shares the following:

“Simple Birth offers childbirth education for expecting parents in central Oklahoma. Our class is called Coping with Labor Pains. It focuses on practical and hands on techniques for understanding the labor process, making labor more effective and efficient and easing discomforts.”

Simple Birth offers group classes at Hackney Chiropractic in Edmond and Living Roots Chiropractic in Moore. Their classes run 4 hours long. Due to the practical, hand-on nature of their classes, they only offer in person classes.

When asked about why doing them in person, Miranda stated, “The benefit of group classes is that couples get to interact with each other and learn from each others thoughts and experiences. Those who attend group classes also tend to get a wider range of information on birth options in Oklahoma such as learning about different birthing locations. This can help parents with choosing the right birth team for them!”

They do also offer private classes for couples who need a more flexible schedule. These classes are in students homes and on their schedule. Private classes are the same 4 hour Coping with Labor Pains class that is taught in group settings. Miranda also teaches breastfeeding classes.

About the Instructor:

Aria is an Oklahoma City-Area Birth Doula, Childbirth Educator and mother of two with a deep passion for supporting women throughout pregnancy, birth, and postpartum

Website

redeemingbirth.com

Aria offers birth classes in the OKC area held in her home in the Crown Heights area of Oklahoma City. Topics covered include comfort techniques, labor position, anatomy of birth, positive birth stories, and the transition to parenthood/adding a sibling to the family. Because of limited class sizes, each session is somewhat tailored to the group, enabling your curiosities / desired birth experience to influence the curriculum

Classes are three weeks long, and we spend 2 hours in each session. This gives families time to digest the information we talk about, come back with any questions, and build community with the other families attending! Each week, there is optional “support work” for parents that want to dive a little deeper.

Are your classes only in person? Yes! 

Tell me some of the benefits of an in group birth class?

We are designed for community in all seasons of our lives, but especially this one! This is one of the biggest transitions we make, and one that we hear of leaving us feeling isolated so often. Group classes are more enjoyable, but beyond that it’s a first step into walking with others in the same season of life as you! 

Services:

Bradley Birthing Classes – Group and Individual Classes

Website

Kaitlyn Lee – Bradley Instructor

Where do you teach your birthing classes in OKC?

I teach classes from my home in Edmond near 15th and Bryant. When my husband and I took Bradley classes, I loved that we were in our instructor’s house and got tiny glimpses into the family life that we were so excited to have. I decided to teach that way, too, in hopes that my students would also appreciate being in a home environment. I have been teaching Bradley and loving it since 2016. 

What to expect from Bradley Birthing Classes?

Each class is 2.5 hours, and we meet once weekly for the 12 weeks that comprise a Bradley series. One of the things that I appreciate the most about The Bradley Method is the commitment to thorough education. The series is comprehensive, and the weekly exposure to the material greatly aids in retention of the information, which in turn builds confidence in the knowledge of how to apply the learned information and techniques during labor. The course provides instruction in  daily pregnancy nutrition, exercises, and relaxation techniques, as well as general birth knowledge, and these are often changes in routine or new habits for a lot of couples. It typically takes a few months to really assimilate new routines and habits, so the other big benefit of The Bradley Method is the built-in accountability that helps couples actually stick with these impactful changes that prepare the body and mind for labor. 

My classes are held in-person. I have had couples that needed to join virtually, and that can work well, too, when needed. Attending classes in-person can aid in comfortability with the material, connection with me and with the other expecting couples in your series, and allow for more interaction and feedback concerning the hands-on activities. That said, Bradley classes can be attended virtually and be a great experience, as well. 

What are benefits of taking a Bradley Birthing Classes?

Some of the benefits of a Bradley series include becoming informed about labor, birth, and postpartum; learning exercises and techniques that prepare the body for labor as well as support the body through labor; a comprehensive curriculum spread out over many weeks to help the information become second nature; and more. Being as informed as possible will help you to make more confident decisions prior to and during labor. Exercises, positions, and techniques are best learned through practice with an experienced teacher.  The results of several experiments surrounding how much we retain when we learn, especially audibly, help explain the layout of class. Generally, the average person remembers about half of what they heard immediately after listening to someone speak.  Repetition is crucial to a good grasp. A 12-week series makes a big impact on overall understanding and mindset. Teaching a series of weekly classes aids retention and habit-forming, as well.

One more benefit I’d like to mention is simply having a couple other families in the class with you. They may ask questions you hadn’t thought of before, and you get the camaraderie of being with like-minded families. It is encouraging to have people in the same life stage as you that you can relate to and share tips with. If any of this sounds like what you are looking for, always feel free to reach out to me about the class.

I am able to offer private series to those that may not fit well into the timeline of a scheduled group class. I provide classes year-round, so most of the time I have a series scheduled that would be appropriate for an inquiring couple. Occasionally, we decide a one-on-one would be a better fit and go that route. 

Birth Boot Camp offers the most current evidence-based pregnancy, labor, delivery, and postpartum education to ensure you are well-prepared and empowered to have an AMAZING birth!

Services:

Group birthing classes, Private one-on-one classes, Breastfeeding classes

Doula Services (Birth, Postpartum & Night doulas), Massage Therapy,

Prenatal Massage

Website

beautifullyconnected.com

Beautifully Connected serves families in the OKC area through a variety of services. Their services range from prenatal massage to birth classes and doula services. They also provide night doula services and body work for babies that have tongue ties. Another feature of their site is several local resources including ob and midwife finders.

Educators:

Kaitlyn Burton

Services:

Group birthing classes, Private one-on-one classes, Doula

Website

blossombirthservices.com

Kaitlyn is a birth educator and labor & delivery doula serving families all over the OKC metro area. She provides in person and virtual birth classes (and can tailor to the birth setting whether it’s at home or in the hospital.) A core service she provides is doula services including virtual doula services.

Best Hypnobirthing Classes in OKC

Now let’s talk about Hypnobirth – another type of childbirth classes that parents can take to provide effect strategies for managing pain in labor.

What is Hypnobirthing?

Hypnobirthing is one way of managing pain and anxiety in labor and delivery by using methods of self-hypnosis, relaxation, breathing techniques and visualization. These practices can help provide a calm and relaxed environment for mama and baby where they can work together to bring baby into the world. By encouraging Mom to lean into her body and allowing the natural process to take place it can open a peaceful birthing experience for both. There are several classes and apps available for guiding you through this.

Educator:

Jennifer Miller (Doula and Teacher)

Services:

Hypnobirth Classes (in-person and online), Doula, Birth planning consultation, Mother Blessings, Rebirth Ceremonies, & Belly Casting

Website

millerbirthservices.com

Why are birthing classes valuable?

“I really believe that all birthing families benefit from childbirth education.  It isn’t about the final outcome, medicated vs. unmedicated, vaginal vs. cesarean. It’s about knowing what your options are and feeling empowered to ask the hard questions and truly be an integral part of your care and birth.” 

Jennifer does offer classes virtually as well in order to teach those that may not have access otherwise or whose schedules will not work with a traditional class schedule.  HypnoBirthing is a 5 week/5 session course so the virtual option allows for more flexibility.

Educator: Jessica Cheatwood

Jessica Cheatwood teaches hypnobirthing and breastfeeding classes at Thrive Mama Collective.

Best Online Birth Classes

If a local birthing class in Oklahoma City is not an option for you then here are a few online options to check out. (Though don’t forget many of the local places do offer a virtual option if that interest you!)

Mama Natural Birthing Class is an online course you can do from your home. (Her birthing plan template is awesome!) She has lots of good info but I do think getting to do a live classes so you can ask all your questions is still one of the best options. 

Another online option is birth classes and the support group from Trish Ware of Labor Nurse Mama (an RN with years of labor and delivery experience as well as being a mama!) She also a specific belly birth birthing classes for c section mamas if you are needing that support.

And mama as you head into the final stretches of pregnancy, you’ve got this! Soon your little one will be in your arms and beautiful journey started!