Thanks to all of the existing parents who insist on telling moms-to-be that, “You’re never as prepared as you think you are,” pregnancy has the potential to turn into a self-education frenzy. Instead of bulk ordering pregnancy books on Amazon, try taking a peek at these unique childbirth classes that are instructed by New Jersey’s most sought-after maternity experts at top modern facilities. With natural practices and community-minded topics, these aren’t your mother’s lamaze classes; from Prenatal Nutrition and Savvy Birth Workshops to Yoga During Pregnancy and Private Courses, these prenatal classes are in vogue, family-centered, and cater to today’s #NJMOM.

5 Unique Childbirth Classes to Know About in NJ:

1. Savvy Birth Workshops
{The Village Breastfeeding & Wellness in Haddonfield}

It’s no secret that couples face many challenges during the nine months of pregnancy, and any tips we can get about avoiding relationship strain and unnecessary disputes – we’ll take ’em! The Village’s Savvy Birth Workshops address the challenging decisions that most couples find themselves having to face. With the aim to relieve anxiety about the unknown of childbirth and raising your little one, this workshop is a three-hour experience that focuses on positivity in decision making, empowerment in the delivery room, and developing confidence together, as a couple. The journey doesn’t end at the end of these three hours; couples also will be given access to a free online component to practice at home.

Other Classes We Love at The Villages:

Path to Parenthood: Baby Basics & Postpartum
Labor of Love: A Couple’s Workshop
Free Mommy Sleep Workshop

2. Prenatal Yoga Class
{Midwives of New Jersey in Hackettstown}

When you find yourself stressing over doctor’s appointments, nursery decoration, to-do lists, and the endless tasks of prepping for your little one’s arrival – it may be time to take a moment for yourself. Prenatal Yoga with Midwives of New Jersey invites expecting moms to stretch, relax, breathe, meditate, and find your sense of peace. Instructed by Kathy McFarlane, this yoga class moves at a relaxed, slow pace, and is geared towards women who might not have a lot of experience practicing yoga. Another goal of this course that we love is its sense of community; practicing yoga together means you’ll be able to meet and connect with other new mothers in your area. Build your support system while building strength, and most importantly, enjoying a clear state of mind during your pregnancy.

Other Classes We Love at Midwives of New Jersey:

Mothers Group
Breastfeeding Class
Home Birth Class

3. Daddy Training Camp
{CarePoint Health Hoboken University Medical Center}

All daddies-to-be are welcome to this boot camp at CarePoint Health. Although the course is recommended to take during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy, new dads/ partners are also welcome to discuss, learn, and dive into topics that typically aren’t talked about in the clinical setting of any ordinary hospital. As a group, these new parents learn techniques and what it means to bond with your baby, what your role as a parent is while balancing career, how to maintain your relationship with your partner, and how to provide the best support to your baby’s new mom. This environment is a dad-focused safe space, allowing for open group discussion, sharing thoughts and concerns about any topic brought up; nothing is off limits! Knowing that dad isn’t the only new parent that might be feeling just a tad overwhelmed makes this course’s goal a valuable one: to remove some of the pressure of new fatherhood through education and sharing with other new dads.

Other Classes We Love at CarePoint Health:

Newborn Safety Class
Prenatal Nutrition
Infant CPR Class

4. Holistic Lamaze
{Montclair B.A.B.Y}

Supporting families who choose natural birthing options, Holistic Lamaze at Montclair B.A.B.Y is inspired by the book, Birthing from Within, which embodies a compassionate approach to lamaze practices in a setting outside the hospital. Together, couples will learn about the tried and true techniques that based on evidence, we know work for women during birth: labor and birth positions, pain coping, breath and imagery practice, attachment and bonding, and family-centered cesarean birth are all topics that are covered. This course is offered in different forms – a four-hour “Half Day” class, and a four-week or five-week series that meets for three hours weekly. The best part of this program is that it is presents a “mind-body-spirit” approach, rather than simply focusing on the outcome. This updated lamaze course is one to consider for couples that embody natural birth.

Other Classes We Love at Montclair B.A.B.Y.:

Becoming Us
American Heart Association CPR Certification/First Aid
Hypnobirthing

5. Private Preparation Classes
{Two Hands Birth Services in South & Central NJ}

Why not gain your education where you’ll be spending the most time with your baby, in the comfort of your own home? Two Hands Birth Services brings the class to you, which for a busy NJMOM, is a literal luxury. This very reasonably-priced private course is a three-week class series that meets for two hours each week. You’ll go over a variety of topics – nothing is off limits. From feelings, anxieties, and expectations to informed consent and understanding medical procedures, this course really does cover all bases. You’ll feel prepared going into labor and delivery after learning about the labor process, comfort techniques, and optimal positioning. Looking forward, you’ll even cover postpartum topics including breastfeeding and postpartum periods. This all-in-one course is personal, which means that it will apply to your pregnancy, experience, and feelings.

Other Classes We Love at Two Hands Birth Services: