Rachel demonstrating placenta at a Ready to Welcome childbirth and newborn care class in Birmingham, AL

Childbirth Classes — Birmingham, AL

Knowledge is power. Our childbirth classes enable you to approach your birth and parenthood with confidence.

A birth doula applies counter pressure, one of the comfort measures for labor taught in the Ready to Welcome childbirth class in Birmingham, AL

A childbirth class offering comprehensive understanding of both birth physiology and medical alternatives is the ultimate way to ensure every decision made during labor is made with total confidence and in alignment with your values.

As you eagerly prepare to welcome your little one, we know there are countless questions swirling in your mind. The journey to parenthood is as daunting as it is exciting, and we’re here to make sure you’re ready for every moment! Our childbirth classes go beyond the basics to give you the knowledge and confidence to handle labor, birth, postpartum recovery, newborn care, and infant feeding with ease.

Our classes offer unbiased information and the opportunity to explore your own philosophy around birth and parenting. As a result, you will build confidence and strengthen your relationship with your baby.

Rachel, an experienced doula and ProDoula-certified childbirth and infant feeding instructor teaches our classes. We provide time-honored wisdom and the latest evidence-based information in a nurturing learning environment where new parents can thrive.

Virtual Class –
Unmedicated Academy self-paced childbirth curriculum with virtual small-group classes + local in-person graduation party

A comprehensive online childbirth education program designed to prepare you for an unmedicated or low-intervention birth. Learn how birth naturally unfolds, your birth options and alternatives, and steps that you can take to prepare for the birth you want. Common interventions are also explained so that you can make empowered decisions at every step of the way. This course provides superb preparation, whether you are planning an unmedicated birth or want to make well-informed decisions about when to use medical interventions to support your birth experience.

This childbirth course combines the self-paced Unmedicated Academy curriculum with Birmingham-based, personalized guidance to help expecting moms and couples achieve an empowering birth experience. It will help you clarify your top priorities for birth so that you can make informed decisions that are best for YOU and your baby, and assemble your dream team for support. Unlike a standard hospital-based birth course, this course goes into depth to help you give birth on your terms, in alignment with your values and what you know to be best for you and your baby. You have access to all the information in the self-paced course videos, as well as a personal coach to take you through the material and break it down so it doesn’t become overwhelming.

You will receive:

  • Unlimited access to the complete self-paced Unmedicated Academy curriculum.
  • 4 live virtual classes with Rachel, integrated with the academy content.
  • Handouts for each class, for easy reference
  • Hospital packing or home birth preparation list
  • Pregnancy and postpartum nutrition guidelines and recipes
  • “Graduation” party – In-person meetup to enjoy mocktails, healthy snacks, and share birth stories with your class friends

Booking Now for October 2026-March 2027 due dates

Rachel demonstrating a fetus entering the pelvis

Unmedicated Academy virtual childbirth class

$350.00

When you purchase the class, you will receive access to the self-paced Unmedicated Academy curriculum within one week. The live classes will start August 18.

In-Person Class –
Ready to Welcome Childbirth and Newborn Care Classes in Birmingham, AL

(Please note: We are not currently booking for in person classes.)

Enjoy personalized instruction in our childbirth and newborn care classes. We meet in person in an emotionally safe, spiritually-grounded environment to provide hands-on practice with plenty of time for discussion. Your preparation doesn’t end on the day of birth. You will also be equipped for the early days of postpartum, infant feeding, and taking care of your newborn.

We limit enrollment to just six couples so you’ll receive guided, individual-level attention — allowing you to ask your questions, practice your comfort-measures, and build trust with your partner in a warm, sacred space.

Each family receives a beautifully organized folder at their first class session, filled with practical tools for your pregnancy, birth, and early postpartum weeks — including nutrition information, a hospital bag checklist, a guide to common labor interventions, labor positions & comfort-measures, a postpartum planning guide, infant-feeding guides, and newborn-care cheat sheets.

We are not currently booking for in-person classes. Please consider our virtual class offering or contact us to express an interest in in-person classes. We will consider starting the next series later in the year subject to demand, or Rachel can come to you individually if you want this instruction.

A group of expecting couples participating in the Ready to Welcome childbirth and newborn care class, with a smiling instructor in a classroom setting.

When In Pregnancy Should You Take A Childbirth Education Class?

It is never a bad time to register for a class, but for optimal results I recommend starting the class at least 8 weeks before your due date. Many families report feeling best prepared when they started childbirth education as early as the second trimester of pregnancy.

Going into birth unprepared often means fear expands the unknown — leading to a harder labor, more emotional exhaustion, and a less gentle start to your family’s journey.

Waiting to take a class until later in pregnancy can leave you scrambling when you’re more tired, more uncomfortable, and with less time to practice. Choosing to act now gives you space to grow confident before your baby arrives.


Pricing

Virtual Unmedicated Academy with local meet-up

  • Unlimited access to the complete self-paced Unmedicated Academy curriculum. ($347 value)
  • 4 live virtual classes with Rachel, integrated with the academy content. ($240 value)
  • Handouts for each class, for easy reference ($97 value)
  • Hospital packing or home birth preparation list ($15 value)
  • Pregnancy and postpartum nutrition guidelines and recipes ($40 value)
  • “Graduation” party – In-person meetup to enjoy mocktails, healthy snacks, and share birth stories with your class friends ($60 value)
  • Total value: $800
    Cost for all of the above: $350

In-person Ready to Welcome childbirth and newborn care classes

  • Individual class: $100 per family (2-hour session).
  • Full 6-week series: $500 per family — six classes for the price of five.
  • Partners welcome at no additional charge. Space is limited to 6 couples to ensure personal attention.

What Parents Say About This Class

Going to an in person class really helped us feel prepared and get on the same page for our natural hospital birth! It definitely gave my husband some confidence for support and using counter pressure which he did for every single contraction during active labor.

She very much listened and tailored the classes to your experiences and desires. She also knew a lot of specifics about our hospital and group so we knew tendencies and what to ask for. We left with a folder of helpful materials and recommended resources. I recommend these classes!

RH, comment in Trussville Moms Facebook group


My husband and I loved the birthing classes. We felt informed and more confident going into birth. I would recommend to anyone these classes as opposed to ones in hospital, though those can be good resources. Rachel is kind and presents information from an unbiased view, that’s evidence based and honest. I appreciate her approach so much!

KN, Google Review


Interested in more support?

Read about our birth and posptartum doula services, or click here to request a doula to contact you.

Not sure yet what your needs are? Let’s chat!

No matter where you are on your journey, you don’t have to do it alone. Eleison Doula Services supports families in Birmingham, AL, and nearby communities. 

We offer a free consultation for all of our support services. So Let’s connect and explore how we can assist you.


Request a free doula consultation