Are childbirth classes only for first time parents?

Alex Barr

Childbirth Educator, Full Spectrum Doula, & Creator of Dare to Birth
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Childbirth classes are for anyone who wants support and guidance in preparing for birth and the postpartum period—whether it’s your first baby or your fourth. While we teach many first-time parents who are just beginning their journey into parenthood, we also work with plenty of experienced parents who choose to return to class with each new pregnancy.

So, why do people who have “been there, done that” still take childbirth classes? Here are the most common reasons:

They’re Hoping for a Different Experience

Maybe their first birth was highly medicalized, or they went in with little knowledge or support. Maybe they felt like decisions were made for them instead of with them, and they want to reclaim their voice. Many returning parents come to class because they want to feel more prepared, more informed, and more empowered this time around. Their goals have shifted—and they want their support and education to reflect that.

They Understand That Postpartum Can Be a Whole New World

The postpartum period often surprises even experienced parents. The support systems, emotional needs, and recovery process can vary drastically from one child to the next. Many families take our classes not just for the birth itself, but to gain strategies for managing the early weeks at home—especially if they’re balancing a newborn with older siblings this time around.

They’re Ready to Refresh and Reconnect

Taking a class again doesn’t mean you didn’t do it “right” the first time. Education is not a one-and-done deal—it’s a tool you can return to again and again as your needs change. For some parents, revisiting childbirth education is a grounding ritual that helps them mentally and emotionally prepare for this specific birth and baby. It's a chance to re-center, reflect, and enter the experience with clarity and calm.

In the end, there’s no such thing as being “too prepared” for birth and postpartum. Whether this is your first baby or your fourth, there is always more to learn, process, and prepare for. Childbirth classes offer more than just information—they offer space to pause, ask questions, explore your options, and build confidence in your decisions.

You deserve support for every birth, not just your first.

Sign up for a class today to get yourself prepared for this birth!

Birth BRAVE and confident

Ready to start advocating for you, your body, and your baby? Explore fun, inclusive classes equipping you to know your options and feel confident making decisions in any moment.