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Childbirth & Prenatal Education Options in DC

Whether it is your first of 4th birth, childbirth education can help birthing people and their partners feel confident going into birth. Here’s an always-in-progress guide to childbirth and prenatal education options in Washington, DC.

Nested Childbirth Education

Nested is known across the DC-area for high-quality, evidence-based childbirth education taught by experienced clinicians. Classes are designed to prepare parents and support partners for a positive and empowered birth experience with detailed instruction and practical tools.

👉 Visit nestedbaby.com for class schedules, formats (in-person & online), and pricing details.

Stork Childbirth Education

Stork offers flexible class formats that meet you where you are, including group classes, private session at home, or on Zoom. Their offerings include childbirth education, baby care basics, infant/child CPR, breastfeeding, and more.

  • Private & small group classes tailored to your schedule

  • Infant/Child CPR & Choking

  • Baby Care & Infant CPR combo

  • Travel fees may apply for in-home sessions in the DC metro area

👉 You can go straight to their class listings here.

DC Birth Doulas

DC Birth Doulas provides stand-alone childbirth prep classes that are typically 6 hours long, covering labor physiology, comfort techniques, medical options, and more.

  • Postpartum prep and class bundles are also available.

  • They host a monthly virtual “Meet the Doulas” info session if you want to learn more before booking.

👉 Check their full schedule and offerings HERE

DC Chapter of Lamaze International

Lamaze DC offers a range of childbirth education formats for different learning styles and schedules: live online series, in-person classes, hybrid setups, and on-demand options.

  • Express Childbirth Class - condensed essential class; about half day

  • Full Lamaze Prepared Childbirth Classes (4-week or weekend format)

  • Most options include both birthing person and partner

  • Topics include labor physiology, comfort techniques, pain management, partner roles, interventions, cesarean birth, and postpartum care.

    👉 Check their full schedule and register via lamaze-dc.org

Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington

The Breastfeeding Center for Greater Washington offers comprehensive, evidence-based childbirth education classes designed to help families feel confident and prepared for labor and delivery. Classes are offered in person and virtually, and partners are encouraged to attend. Financial assistance is available for those who need it.

Childbirth Class Options:

  • 2-Day Childbirth Express – A condensed weekend + weeknight series covering stages of labor, comfort techniques, medical interventions, and partner support.

  • Natural Childbirth Series – Focused on physiologic birth and hands-on coping strategies like breathing, movement, and positioning.

  • Comfort, Communication & Positions for Labor – A shorter workshop centered on practical labor tools and advocacy skills.

  • Meet the Doulas (Free Info Session) – A monthly session to connect with local doulas and explore additional birth support options. Free.

Updated class dates, times, and registration details are available on their website.

👉 Learn more and view the calendar at breastfeedingcenter.org/classcalendar

Mamatoto Village

Mamatoto Village is a DC-based nonprofit offering evidence-based childbirth and parenting classes designed to support and empower expectant families. Their classes focus on preparing you for labor, birth, and early postpartum with practical tools and culturally responsive care.

  • Full-day Childbirth Education Workshops

  • Newborn Care & Infant Feeding classes

  • Breastfeeding education and lactation support

  • Community-centered, inclusive programming

Classes are held in DC, with updated dates and registration available on their website.

👉 Learn more and register at mamatotovillage.org/childbirth-classes

UPMC Washington Prenatal & Childbirth Classes

UPMC’s birth center offers several supportive in-person prenatal classes (and some virtual options) that are great complements to childbirth education:

  • Prepared Childbirth Class: multi-week sessions focusing on labor, breathing, pain management strategies, and partner involvement
  • Baby Care Class: newborn care basics with clinician guidance

  • Breastfeeding Class: taught by a certified lactation consultant

  • Classes are typically held weekday evenings and include hospital tour components.

👉 Visit the UPMC Washington childbirth education page for dates, times, and registration.

Quick Tips for Choosing a Class

  • Get a recommendation: Your doula, Ob/Midwifery practice or the hospital where you plan to deliver may offer education and/or may have recommendations for you.

    • Start early: Many classes recommend enrolling by mid-pregnancy to get the most out of them.

    Look for options with your support partner included: Most classes include your labor partner in the fee or for a small additional cost.

    Mix & match: Some families take a structured series (like Lamaze or UPMC) plus a shorter skills class like infant CPR or baby care.

    Did we miss any? Have any feedback that would help other birthing people?

    LET US KNOW