The BirthRoot Online Childbirth Preparation Course provides the resources, information, and support you need to have a safe, satisfying, and empowering birth experience.
This 8-module course allows you the flexibility and freedom to experience comprehensive childbirth preparation in the comfort of your own home and at your own pace. In addition, the online learning platform allows you to follow social-distancing safety precautions while accessing high-quality childbirth education designed and curated by a certified nurse midwife.
Course Curriculum
- Anatomy Overview and Optimal Pregnancy Nutrition (20:01)
- Posture, Exercise, Rest and Relaxation, and Sex/Sexuality (12:32)
- Essential Yoga for Pregnancy (22:25)
- Using Herbs Safely (16:38)
- Home Remedies for Common Discomforts (13:25)
- Complimentary Therapies (16:30)
- 3 Pregnancy Complications, Monitoring Your Well-Being, and Special Situations (18:09)
- Activities and Assignments
- Downloads
- Links and Resources
- Module 1 Quiz
- Hormonal Physiology and Role of Pain in Labor (22:49)
- Prelabor Changes and Onset of Labor (25:02)
- Overview of Stages of Labor and First Stage of Labor (34:02)
- Second Stage of Labor (32:27)
- Waterbirth (6:05)
- Third and Fourth Stages of Labor (22:42)
- Enzo's Birth (3:39)
- Activities and Assignments
- Downloads
- Links and Resources
- Module 3 Quiz
- Pain vs. Suffering, Breathing, and Pain Coping Techniques (10:54)
- Relaxation, Visualization, and Massage Techniques (12:25)
- Hydrotherapy, Aromatherapy, and Hot and Cold Treatments (8:54)
- Positions and Movements to Encourage Progress and Increase Comfort (23:14)
- Rebozo Techniques (5:36)
- Techniques for Slow, Stalled, or Back Labor (16:06)
- Tips for Partners, Packing Your Bag, and Homebirth Transfer (6:56)
- Activities and Assignments
- Downloads
- Links and Resources
- Module 4 Quiz
- Decision Making and Creating an Effective Birth Plan (9:23)
- Labor Induction (25:04)
- Natural Methods of Stimulating Labor and Medical Labor Induction (14:49)
- First Stage Interventions - Part 1 (23:50)
- First Stage Interventions - Part 2 (23:17)
- Second Stage Interventions (22:31)
- Third Stage Interventions (9:42)
- Activities and Assignments
- Downloads
- Links and Resources
- Module 5 Quiz
- Cesarean Epidemic (23:42)
- Planned, Unplanned, and Emergency Cesarean Birth (21:06)
- Breech Presentation (8:48)
- Benefits and Risks of Cesarean Birth and How to Reduce Your Chance of Having a Cesarean (15:48)
- What to Expect Before, During, and After Cesarean Birth (39:22)
- Vaginal Birth After Cesarean (VBAC) (7:11)
- Activities and Assignments
- Downloads
- Links and Resources
- Module 6 Quiz
- Options for Keeping or Consuming Your Placenta (11:26)
- Physical Changes After Birth (36:43)
- Emotional Changes After Birth (12:34)
- Lifestyle Changes After Birth (9:48)
- Postpartum Nutrition & Exercise (10:31)
- Postpartum Warning Signs (8:07)
- Infant Feeding Part 1 (25:10)
- Infant Feeding Part 2 and Parting Thoughts (23:15)
- Activities and Assignments
- Downloads
- Links and Resources
- Module 8 Quiz
Introduction & Orientation
Learn how to navigate the website and access all of the resources available to you. Several important concepts will be introduced, such as birthing in awareness, evidence-based practice, common misconceptions about labor and birth, the cascade of interventions, and the importance of self-care.
Healthy Pregnancy
A healthy pregnancy is the foundation for a healthy birth. You can ensure that you feel rested and strong heading into labor by committing to excellent nutrition, daily exercise, and plenty of sleep during pregnancy. In this module, you will learn about various ways to create and maintain comfort and health in the weeks leading up to birth.
Preparing for Birth & Parenting
In module two, you will learn about holistic preparation for childbirth and parenting. Topics include physical activity, intellectual research, emotional connection with your birth partner and baby, and spirituality/intentionality/awareness. We will discuss how to set up a supportive and encouraging birth team, your options for birth locations, and how to create an empowering birth ambience.
Labor & Birth
You will learn about the stages and phases of labor so that you understand terms such as first stage, second stage, and third stage. Additional topics include the hormonal physiology of labor and birth, signs that labor is near, when to call your care provider, how your body and baby work together during childbirth, emotional and physical changes you may experience, waterbirth, pushing, and the benefits of immediate skin-to-skin contact with your baby after birth.
Comfort Techniques
We will discuss the many strategies that you and your support team can use to enhance the labor process and help you manage pain. These techniques include conscious breathing, pain coping techniques, relaxation and visualization, massage, hydrotherapy and aromatherapy, positions and movements, and measures to address back labor and slow or stalled labor. Specific tips and suggestions for partners are included.
Procedures & Interventions
In module five, we discuss common medical interventions that are used during labor. The focus is on providing evidence-based information so that you can make decisions that are right for you. You will learn about the benefits and risks of common procedures and interventions (including pain relief options), how to create your own unique birth plan, when induction of labor might become necessary, and much more.
Cesarean Birth
Currently, more than 30% of pregnant people in the U.S. experience cesarean birth despite the World Health Organization (WHO) recommendation that the cesarean rate should be about 10%. In this module, you will learn why this extreme dichotomy exists and ways to reduce your risk of having a cesarean. You will also learn about what to expect before, during, and after surgery if you need to have a cesarean. Finally, you will learn about ways to increase your chances of a successful VBAC in this pregnancy or a subsequent one.
Newborns
Learn all about your amazing baby! Topics include newborn procedures, such as vitamin K, antibiotic eye ointment, metabolic screening, and circumcision. You will learn about common characteristics and appearance of newborns, the basics of newborn care, the latest research on newborn sleep, warning signs of possible problems, and questions to ask when choosing your baby’s healthcare provider.
Postpartum & Infant Feeding
In module eight of the online prenatal class, you will learn about how you may feel during the first few weeks after birth, including options for your placenta, how your body heals after birth, warning signs of possible problems, normal new parent feelings, signs of depression, and information about postpartum sexuality. In addition there is extensive information about nursing/breastfeeding/chestfeeding such as the basics of latching and positioning, common challenges, pumping and returning to work, and nutrition during lactation.
WHAT MAKES THIS COURSE GREAT?
Convenient: Learn about childbirth and parenting from the convenience of your own device—all you need is an internet connection. Fully functional on your desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or smart phone. Watch the videos or listen to the audio recordings while you’re in labor if you want!
Expert knowledge: Lex is a parent of two children and a licensed, certified nurse midwife with 20 years of real world experience working with childbearing families.
Access to a midwife: Ask questions and get support via email, phone, or video conference.
Queer inclusive . . . POC inclusive . . . Single parent inclusive: Language, materials, and images include and celebrate families from all walks of life.
YOUR REGISTRATION INCLUDES:
6 months access to all 8 evidence-based modules with videos, downloads, worksheets, resources, audio recordings, and links
Over 15 hours of video walking you through every step of preparing for childbirth and parenting
Email, phone, or video conference support with a certified nurse midwife for questions or problems
Language, materials, and images that include and celebrate families from all walks of life, including LGBTQIA, POC, disabled, and single parents
BENEFITS OF ONLINE
CHILDBIRTH PREPARATION:
Enjoy in the comfort and privacy of your own home while staying safe and practicing social distancing.
No need to worry about commutes or schedule conflicts.
Go at your own pace. Rest, stretch, and eat as often as you need to. Review the material at any time, including while you're in labor.
Watch with a birth partner, family member, friend, doula, older child(ren), or all of the above.
Engage with the content as if you were in a live class.
This course is designed to be both informative and engaging!
You will get out of this course what you put in. The more you participate, the more fun you will have and the more information you will retain!
Hi there, I’m Lex Londino.
I’ve been working with families since 1999 as a doula, childbirth educator, registered nurse, certified nurse midwife, and nurse practitioner.
I am passionate about providing care that helps pregnant and birthing people and their families feel safe, respected, and included. I created this childbirth preparation class to be 100% inclusive of all types of parents -- queer, transgender, BIPOC, disabled, and single -- as a response to many clients asking for referrals to birthing classes that were inclusive of their identity and family. It was difficult to find this type of class in my community or online, so I decided to create it myself!
I identify as queer, transgender, non-binary, Latinx, able-bodied, and autistic. I use they/them/theirs pronouns.
100% evidence based and inclusive
If you are LGBTQIA, single, BIPOC, or disabled, you will find yourself represented, included, and celebrated in this online childbirth class.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below is a list of some questions that people have had about this course. If you have other questions, please feel free to contact me.
What is the format of the course?
The childbirth videos are online and self-paced, although it is recommended that you complete one module each week. There are 8 modules with supplementary downloads, worksheets, resources, audio recordings, and links. Please see the course curriculum and module descriptions above for more detailed information about the topics covered in each module.
What materials will I receive?
Once you register for the prenatal class, you will receive a welcome email with instructions for logging in to the class website. Each module contains instructional videos, your weekly activities and assignments, downloads, and a bonus area with extra resources and links to supplement your learning. The downloads include cheat sheets, printable guides, charts, articles, and much more.
How long will I have access to the online birth class?
You will have 6 months unlimited access to the class website. The downloads included in the modules are yours to keep.
What will I do each week?
In each module you will have videos to watch and some material to read. In addition, there are audio recordings, relaxation exercises, activities to help you clarify your feelings, and pain coping techniques. Videos feature the instructor, parents, various health practitioners, and others. The modules are designed to help you prepare your body for childbirth, learn ways to encourage progress and increase comfort during labor and birth, and help you prepare for parenting.
How much time will I need for the birthing classes?
You will most likely need 2-3 hours per week for each module to watch the videos, complete the readings and activities, and do your own research. You can set aside this time once a week or spread it out over several days—it’s up to you. This investment in yourself and your birth will be greatly worth it!
I just found out about online childbirth preparation classes in my third trimester. Is it too late to register?
Nope! It’s recommended that you complete one module each week, but you can certainly move through the course more quickly if you want or need to. The format is designed for you to move at your own pace.
How can I get the most out of online childbirth preparation classes?
My best advice is to treat this online course with the same commitment as you would a live, in-person class. Schedule a time each week for you and your birth partner or other companion to watch the videos, read the material, journal your thoughts and questions, practice the exercises, positions, and pain coping techniques, and explore the links and resources. Even if you are late to start, try not to cram all the modules into one or two days—space them out by at least a few days and work on the assignments in between.
Are childbirth preparation classes for birth partners too?
This course is designed for you to participate with a birth partner. This person may be a spouse, significant other, family member, friend, or doula. Information for birth partners includes: suggestions and tips for how they can support and care for you; the biology and physiology of the birth process itself; activities for releasing fear and dealing with anxiety; and general topics such as sexuality, baby care, and relationships. The terminology and content is not specific to spouses or significant others in recognition and support of varied family structures.
Can I share my log in information with friends or family?
If you have a life partner, friend, doula, or family member who will be attending your birth with you, you are welcome to log in with them, but please don’t share information for them to log in separately.
I’m planning to give birth in the hospital (or at home or a birth center). Is an online childbirth preparation course right for me?
Absolutely! There are many ways to prepare for birth. Other childbirth courses focus on methods or outcomes such as natural birth, pleasure, orgasmic birth, or pain-free birth. This birthing class is different. The focus here is on evidence-based, holistic information that will help you to prepare mind, body, and spirit for the process of birthing your baby. You won’t find judgements or opinions about where or how to birth your baby in this class! You will find information, tools, and resources to help you face whatever your labor brings you. What feels safe, satisfying, and empowering is different for every family. The BirthRoot Online Childbirth Preparation Course will help you identify and clarify your unique needs and desires.
I might need a cesarean. Will this online birth class still be helpful?
Yes. Module Six is devoted to cesarean birth. Here you will find information to help you avoid an unnecessary cesarean as well as help you have a satisfying, safe, and empowering cesarean if that is how your birth unfolds. Plus, information in other modules about exercise, nutrition, postpartum healing and sexuality, baby care, and lactation will still be useful and relevant.
I’m planning a VBAC. Is there specific information in this course about how best to achieve that?
Yes! There is information in Module Six about talking with your provider about VBAC, tips to increase your likelihood of a successful VBAC, and also information for planning a future VBAC if a cesarean for this birth becomes necessary.
This is my second (or third or fourth, etc.) baby. Why would I need childbirth education classes?
The BirthRoot Online Childbirth Preparation Course is designed for all parents-to-be. You will find useful and helpful information even if you’re having your eighth baby! If your previous birth(s) didn’t go as you planned or thought they would, this birth class will help you identify ways you can change the course of events this time around. If your previous birth(s) were wonderful and completely satisfying, this class can give you additional tools and insights, plus help you set aside time in your busy life to focus completely on this pregnancy without distractions from your other child(ren).
I think I want an epidural. Is this course right for me?
Of course! Even if you feel pretty decided about pain medication during childbirth, you still need to be informed about your options and the benefits and risks of all interventions. This class will help you make informed decisions for the care you want to receive and will encourage you to explore all your options.
What if I have technical difficulties accessing the course website or its materials?
If you run into any problems logging in, watching the videos, listening to audio recordings, downloading content, or with broken or outdated links, I am available via email. I try to handle these issues immediately.
I live outside the United States. Can I still take this online birth class?
Sure! As long as you understand English and can stream video and download/print materials you can take this online course. The information and techniques presented in this class will help you have a satisfying and empowering experience no matter where you live. The information provided is centered in a U.S. context because that is where I have the most experience, but may certainly apply to folks in other countries as well. I don’t charge any transaction fees for you to use a foreign credit card, but your bank or credit card holder may charge you additional fees.
What if I have other questions or need one-on-one support?
I am available to answer your questions—shoot me an email anytime! If I can't address your question over email, I would be happy to set up a phone or Zoom appointment. During your time as a participant in this course, I am your childbirth educator and will be happy to answer your questions just as if you were in a live, in-person class. lexlondino at gmail dot com
I’ve found several other online childbirth education classes. What makes this one different?
First of all, this course is taught by a certified and licensed healthcare provider. I bring over 20 years of knowledge, experience, and skills from working with families as a doula, childbirth educator, registered nurse, certified nurse midwife, and nurse practitioner to this online course. I am passionate and enthusiastic about pregnancy, birth, and postpartum care, as well as dedicated to evidence based, non-judgmental information.
Secondly, you won’t be pressured, coerced, or guilt-tripped into accepting any one particular way of giving birth in this course. There is no “right” way to give birth and no “right” way to parent. In this course, you will be gently guided through a process of self-discovery so you can find out for yourself what works best for you and your family.
Thirdly, much of the information available as downloads is unique content you won’t find anywhere else.
Finally, and most importantly, this online course is explicitly designed to be queer inclusive and welcoming to all types of parents and families. Gender-neutral and relationship-neutral language is used throughout the class to refer to birthing parents and their birth partners. I celebrate the diversity and beauty of your unique family! If you are LGBTQIA, a single parent, disabled, or a person of color you will find yourself represented, included, and welcomed here. Materials and content I created for this class are inclusive and celebratory of all types of parents and families, however there may be links, articles, or other resources from national or international organizations that have a straight, caucasian, cis-gender bias.
What is your refund policy?
I believe so strongly in the value of this course that I want to make it completely risk free for you. Give this online birth class a try for 30 days. If you don’t think it will help you become better prepared for childbirth and parenting, I’ll refund your money. No hassles, no hard feelings.