Inova offers a wide array of childbirth and parenting education classes for every schedule and budget. We encourage you to schedule early and complete classes by your 32nd week of pregnancy. View our class catalogue
Have any questions? Visit our Frequently Asked Questions for Childbirth Education for more information.
Consider our self-led eClasses. Learners get access to an interactive WebApp that can be used at your own pace and is available in the following languages: English, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Arabic, Japanese, and Chinese.
Childbirth Express provides the birthing person and their support person with essential information and support as they prepare for labor and delivery. Topics covered in class include pregnancy basics, understanding labor and birth, medication and anesthesia, the basics of Cesarean birth, and the early post-partum period. A 30-minute lunch break will be given for 1-day classes.
Class fee includes registrant and 1 support person.
Childbirth Preparation provides the birthing person and their support person with essential information and support as they prepare for labor and delivery. Topics covered in class include pregnancy basics, understanding labor and birth, medication and anesthesia, the basics of Cesarean birth, and the early post-partum period. Material is covered at a more leisurely pace and class includes time for relaxation and labor practice exercises.
Class fee includes registrant and 1 support person.
Expecting Multiples is designed for the unique needs of parents expecting twins, triplets or more. Topics covered include maintaining a healthy pregnancy, identifying preterm labor, discussion of both vaginal and Cesarean birth with multiples, information about the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) services, basic care and breastfeeding of multiples, and discussion of the unique post-birth challenges and rewards of parenting multiples.
Class fee includes registrant and 1 support person.
Hypnobirthing® is a comprehensive childbirth class that goes through each step of labor and birth and provides the training and tools to have a more comfortable birthing experience. Class participants receive a hard copy of the book Hypnobirthing® - the Mongan Method, professionally written relaxation scripts for home practice, downloadable audio tracks, and handouts for writing birth preferences.
Participants will learn signs of labor and how to time contractions, fear release exercise, deep relaxation techniques, calm breathing methods, how the baby moves through the pelvis and optimal birth positions, labor and birth rehearsal, preparation for the birth partner to provide support to the birthing mother, natural means of induction, discussion of medical interventions, and information about golden hour and bonding with the baby.
Class fee includes registrant and 1 support person.
From Bump to Baby is a seminar consisting of the express versions of our 3 most popular classes: Childbirth Express, Newborn Care, and Breastfeeding. Topics covered include: general overview of labor, birth and early postpartum (this class does not include hands-on comfort measures or breathing practice), baby basics with hands-on practice, and an overview of how to get started with breastfeeding. A 30-minute lunch break will be given for 1-day classes.
Class fee includes registrant and 1 support person.
Comfort Measures for Birth and Beyond focuses on non-medicated pain management options for comfort during labor. Topics covered in class include: why comfort measures; methods of relaxation; labor positions; comfort for pushing; postpartum comfort; and labor review.
Class fee includes registrant and 1 support person.
This is NOT a stand-alone childbirth class. Couples are expected to understand stages of labor and the birth process prior to attending. We recommend this course as a supplement to our Understanding Birth eClass or Childbirth Express. Also a great "refresher" course for couples expecting their second or subsequent child.
This 3-hour Dancing For Birth™ class, Moving Through Labor, offers birthing persons a unique opportunity to practice movements that will assist in progressing through each phase and stage of labor. Designed to help you prepare for labor so that moving feels intuitive, this class emphasizes the use of gravity, movement, and instinct to facilitate a smoother labor experience.
In a supportive and nurturing environment, you will learn how to utilize various movements that open the pelvis, create space for the baby, and encourage optimal fetal positioning. With a focus on body-based learning, this class will empower you to connect deeply with your body and your baby, building the muscle memory and confidence needed for labor. You’ll also gain strategies to continue practicing these movements throughout the remainder of your pregnancy, helping you feel more prepared and in tune with your body’s needs.
Guided by evidence-based childbirth education, this class will not only teach you about labor but allow you to embody it. You’ll explore different labor positions, learn how to work with gravity to progress labor, and develop the confidence to let your body guide you through the birth process.”
Pregnant participants attend solo without their support person.
This is NOT a stand-alone childbirth class. Couples are expected to understand stages of labor and the birth process prior to attending. We recommend this course as a supplement to our Understanding Birth eClass or Childbirth Express.
In this body-based childbirth class, the birthing person and their supporter will learn how to work together while using gravity, movement, and instinct to promote an easier labor and birth experience. Research has shown that movement may shorten the labor process, reduce pain, and decrease the use of medical interventions. Dancing For Birth™ partner classes offers you an opportunity to practice moving for birth! We birth in our bodies, so we need to learn about birth with our bodies. Muscle memory helps so much during labor!
Together, birthers and supporters learn how to tune-into the birthing body and your baby, how to create space in your pelvis for an easier birth, how to get baby into the optimal fetal position, and how to avoid back labor. Your instructor will provide evidence-based childbirth and parenting education as you come to understand how to nurture the process of labor. Connecting helps to eliminate fears and builds confidence in your ability to give birth together. This 90-minute class allows participants to move, relax, and learn in a nurturing safe space where sharing and practicing labor positions are encouraged.
Class fee includes registrant and 1 support person.
This is NOT a stand-alone childbirth class. Couples are expected to understand stages of labor and the birth process prior to attending. We recommend this course as a supplement to our Understanding Birth eClass or Childbirth Express.
This interactive self-paced online class covers essential information on the baby’s development, helpful tips for a healthy pregnancy, and includes partner tips throughout. Chapters covered are fetal development, medical care, nutrition, exercise, discomforts, hazards, and emotions.
This interactive self-paced online class will help the learner understand pregnancy, learn about labor, see how the stages of labor unfold, and discover helpful comfort techniques.
This interactive self-paced online course covers essential information about preparing for, having, and recovering from Cesarean surgery. Chapters covered are Cesarean overview, signs of labor, preparing for surgery, anesthesia, surgical procedure, recovery in the hospital, and recovery at home.
Breastfeeding class prepares the learner for a successful and rewarding breastfeeding experience. Topics covered include latching, how to hold your baby, how often and how long to feed, and how to avoid common problems.
Class fee includes registrant and 1 support person.
Join a nurturing circle of mothers for a restorative blend of gentle movement, mindful conversation, maternal and child health education, and community connection. This class welcomes mothers with babies in arms, carriers, or nearby who are ready to rebuild strength, release tension, and reconnect with their bodies through rhythmic movement and functional exercises. Whether you’re nurturing the baby in your arms or preparing to welcome your baby earthside, this Dancing For Birth™ class series will guide you in tuning into your body’s wisdom, finding your flow, and embracing the season of life you are in. Each session offers space to move, breathe, share, and celebrate the power of motherhood physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
Evidence-based education related to the maternal journey, newborn, and childhood development is woven into every class, helping mothers deepen their understanding of their babies, bodies, movement, and emotional well-being throughout their maternal journey. No dance experience needed. Babies welcome. Bellies welcome. Every stage of motherhood celebrated!
Pregnant participants attend solo without their support person. Non-mobile infants in arms or baby carriers are welcome.
Newborn Care introduces newborn care basics. Topics covered include what to expect from your new infant, holding and swaddling demonstrations, feeding, bathing and diapering demonstrations, and sleeping and safety.
Class fee includes registrant and 1 support person.
This class explores older infant and toddler development and how parents can support their child’s academic and emotional success in these early years. Topics include nutrition, developmental milestones, sleep, discipline and understanding your child’s temperament. The class can be taken before or after baby’s arrival, as the course material covers the age range 6 months – 3 years.
Class fee includes registrant and 1 support person.
This interactive self-paced online course covers the essentials of breastfeeding. Chapters covered include how breastfeeding works, how to breastfeed, when to feed your baby, getting enough milk, breast care, and the breastfeeding lifestyle.
This interactive self-paced online course covers essential information for the first six weeks and beyond. Chapters covered are: newborn traits; newborn behaviors; crying and comforting; feeding; diapering; bathing and dressing; newborn health, and newborn safety.
An interactive class for children ages 3 to 6 who are expecting a new brother or sister. This class touches on what it means to be a big brother or sister. Storytime and craft are completed during class.
Class fee includes one child and two parents or caregivers.
Grandparenting class helps new grandparents refresh their memory on infant care, learn about important parenting updates and safety practices, and discuss ways to support the new family, even from a distance.
Class fee is per participant.
This interactive self-paced online course focuses on the importance of expectant dads being involved right from the start. Learn how to support your partner through pregnancy and birth, as well as survival tips for those first few sleep-deprived months with a newborn.
Sponsored by the Fatherhood Foundation of Virginia, this 'Vegas' style virtual conversation is for new dads, by real dads. It allows men to ask all the questions they have without judgment. What is asked here, stays here. Use coupon code InovaDad for FREE Registration.
What we talk about:
Men bring their own strengths and creativity to caring for children. Children benefit when both parents are involved. For dates, registration or more information, visit VaDad.org or call 804-609-DADS. Note that this class does not cover clinical newborn care topics.
Meet other new moms and develop your network of support in our free, weekly groups.
Massage can help reduce stress and anxiety, provide pain relief, improve circulation, decrease symptoms of depression, improve sleep and, in new mothers, help regulate hormones and reduce swelling.
Our yoga classes can help alleviate physical discomforts of pregnancy and allow new mothers to regain flexibility in a peaceful, supportive environment.
This American Heart Association course teaches infant CPR skills and prepares caregivers to take action in a situation where a baby may choke.
