Preparing for Labor and Delivery: How Our Course Gives You Tools for ‘The Moment’
When you’re expecting, few thoughts loom larger than “the moment” itself—labor and delivery day. Between the excitement, anticipation, and yes, some natural anxiety, preparing for childbirth can feel overwhelming. You want to feel confident, but with so much information available, where do you even start?
That’s exactly why we developed our comprehensive Pregnancy Course at Beginning.com: to transform uncertainty into empowerment through accessible, evidence-based preparation.
Beyond Traditional Childbirth Classes
Traditional in-person childbirth classes have been the standard for decades. While valuable, they come with limitations: rigid schedules that may not work with your busy life, one-size-fits-all approaches that might not address your specific concerns, limited time to practice techniques before you’re actually in labor, and higher costs and travel requirements.
Our Pregnancy Course takes a different approach. We’ve created a flexible, comprehensive program that adapts to your schedule and learning style while providing the essential tools you need for labor and delivery.
Practical Tools for “The Moment”
Breathing Techniques That Actually Work
Breathing isn’t just about “hee-hee-hoo” anymore. Our course teaches you scientifically-supported breathing patterns that activate your body’s natural relaxation response, help manage contraction intensity, provide a focusing tool during transition phases, and support pushing efficiency.
You’ll learn how to practice these techniques daily, building muscle memory that kicks in automatically when you need it most.
Effective Relaxation Methods
Tension is labor’s enemy. Our course guides you through progressive muscle relaxation for releasing physical tension, guided visualization techniques for mental calmness, partner-assisted relaxation strategies, and environmental adjustments that promote a sense of safety.
These aren’t just nice ideas—they’re practical tools based on how your body and mind work together during the birthing process.
Pain Management Beyond Medication
While medication has its place in birth plans, our course equips you with non-pharmacological pain management options that work with your body’s natural pain-relieving systems. These techniques can be used regardless of your birth setting, remain effective even if your birth plan changes, and empower you to actively participate in your labor.
The American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists (ACOG) recognizes that birth plans should be discussed well before your due date, emphasizing that while unexpected events may occur, having preparation tools gives you more options.
Flexibility That Fits Your Life
Our online format means you can access course materials anytime, anywhere.
You can review techniques repeatedly until you feel confident, learn at your own pace without pressure, include your partner whenever it works for both of you, and return to specific modules as your due date approaches.
This flexibility is particularly valuable as ACOG notes that prenatal care models are evolving to incorporate more individualized approaches and alternative care modalities, including digital resources.
Knowledge That Builds Confidence
Understanding what’s happening physiologically helps reduce fear. Our course explains how to recognize the true signs of labor, what happens during each stage of labor, when active labor actually begins (ACOG now considers 6cm dilation as the start of active labor, which is helpful knowledge), what your body is doing during contractions, and how to work with your healthcare providers.
When you understand the process, unexpected developments become less frightening and more manageable.
Support for Every Birth Journey
Whether you’re planning an unmedicated birth, considering an epidural, preparing for a scheduled cesarean, or keeping your options open, our course provides non-judgmental information about all birth approaches. You’ll gain tools that work in any birth setting, strategies for communicating effectively with your care team, and ways to maintain your sense of agency regardless of how your birth unfolds.
The Beginning.com Difference
What makes our Pregnancy Course unique is its integration with our holistic approach to women’s wellness. Beyond labor preparation, you’ll gain mindfulness techniques that serve you through pregnancy and beyond, community connection with other expectant mothers, expert-led masterclasses addressing common concerns, and personalized support through each trimester.
Your Birth, Your Way
Labor and delivery represent a profound transition in your life. While no one can predict exactly how your birth will unfold, preparation makes a difference.
The skills you learn through our Pregnancy Course aren’t just for “the moment”—they’re life skills that support your transition to motherhood and beyond.
Ready to transform preparation into empowerment? Join our Pregnancy Course today and discover how accessible, evidence-based tools can help you approach childbirth with confidence, knowledge, and inner strength.