Which class format is right for me?
Monday, April 27, 2026
Ok! You're interested in taking a Birthsmarter Childbirth Education course, but you're not sure which format is going to be best for you. This PDF might help too. Hopefully this helps — and if you have more questions, just reach out.
Should you take a class On-Demand, Virtual, or In-Person?
The answer will depend on where you live, what you do during the day, and your personal learning style.
The On-Demand option is ideal for self-motivated learners who want to move at their own pace, on their own time, from anywhere in the world. It's also a great option for those with scheduling conflicts who still want to prepare with Birthsmarter. On-demand courses are engaging (no PowerPoint voice-overs) and as comprehensive, if not more so, than live classes since we're able to cover every important topic without interruptions.
Virtual classes are great for expectant parents who want live instruction, accountability, and the opportunity to ask questions and participate in discussion from anywhere in the world.
In-Person classes are perfect for people who value accountability, community building, and the ability to learn through discussion. We also know that folks who work from home and spend a lot of time on their computers often appreciate stepping into a physical space for this kind of learning. Please note: in-person classes sell out sooner than virtual, so if you're interested in IRL learning, we recommend registering as soon as possible to save your spot. And as much as we strive for movement and interaction, it can be hard on some bodies to sit for extended periods of time, so please take this into consideration when choosing a format.
Now, the different formats of Childbirth Education:
We promise they're all good. We offer different formats to make sure there are options that work with different schedules — both yours and our educators'.
The One-Day Class is Birthsmarter's most popular offering, and for good reason. It's everything you need to know, distilled into one day to accommodate most people's schedules. We balance lecture-based learning with hands-on practice, and we supplement the experience with on-demand video lessons that allow us to go deeper on topics like labor induction and cesarean birth that benefit from more time. If you're looking for a comprehensive, efficient way to feel genuinely prepared, this is it.
The Weekend Class covers the same curriculum as the One-Day but unfolds across a Saturday and Sunday afternoon, which means more time for discussion — particularly around labor induction and cesarean birth — more time for hands-on comfort and coping practice, and more space for community building with other expectant parents. The weekend format is especially well-suited for VBACs.
The 3-Class Series sections the same curriculum into three separate classes, offered on Zoom and occasionally in-person. This format works well for folks who need evening scheduling and can't do weekends, or for anyone who wants a topic-based specialty or refresher. (That said, our One-Day makes an excellent refresher on its own, and the Weekend is our top recommendation for VBACs.)
Private Classes
If you'd prefer to learn in the comfort of your own home, we offer private classes for exactly that. Our educators will come to you — or meet you virtually, one-on-one — and cover the full curriculum at a pace and in a setting that works for your specific situation. Private classes are a wonderful option for those with mobility considerations, complex medical histories, or who simply prefer a more personalized experience.
Find live, virtual & on-demand classes and support groups near you: