BirthRoot Online Childbirth Preparation Course

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.