Becoming a parent for the first time is exciting, overwhelming, and a little unreal. There is a lot to learn, and we want to help you access the support you need - when you need it.
Below are the classes we recommend most for first time parents. They cover the basics, answer the questions you did not know you had yet, and help you feel more confident heading into birth and those early weeks at home.
We recommend Beautiful Birth Choices childbirth classes as a great first step for first-time parents. These in-person birthing classes help you understand how labor works, what to expect at each stage, and how to feel more confident going into birth. You will learn practical comfort tools, explore your options, and understand common interventions. Partners are included and supported, so you are learning together from the start.
WHEN: We recommend beginning a five-week series at the middle/end of your second trimester or the beginning of your third trimester.
Once you’ve got the basics down with your birthing classes, our Body Ready Method workshop is a great next step for first-time parents. The Body Ready Method helps you prep your body for the physical work of birth. You’ll learn simple movements and positions that create more space, support labor progress, and ease discomfort. It’s practical, hands on, and partner friendly. Think of it as training your body to do what it already knows how to do, just a little more smoothly.
WHEN TO TAKE: This is an ideal course to take early in your third trimester.
We recommend the Introduction to Breastfeeding class at Beautiful Birth Choices as your first step if you plan to breastfeed. It’s an in-person, 2.5-hour workshop that helps you feel ready before baby arrives. You’ll learn how to build and keep milk supply, latch and positioning tips, how to tell if your baby is getting enough milk, and when to seek help. The class also explains your partner’s role and where to find trusted lactation support, all based on up-to-date lactation science. Partners or support people are welcome so you can learn together.
WHEN TO TAKE: This is an ideal course to take early in your third trimester.
We recommend the Baby Basics class at Beautiful Birth Choices as a great option for new parents curious about life after baby arrives. In this in-person 1.5-hour workshop you get real, hands-on practice with key newborn care skills like comforting, feeding, bathing, diapering and dressing your baby. The goal is to boost your confidence and give you practical tools for those first months at home.
WHEN TO TAKE: Anytime in your second or third trimester.
We recommend Prenatal Yoga classes at Beautiful Birth Choices as a wonderful way to support strength, calm and connection while you’re pregnant. These in-person classes use gentle, pregnancy-safe movement, breath work and mindfulness to help you stay limber, ease common discomforts, and build stamina that can help with labor. You also meet other expectant parents and learn ways to relax your body and mind as your due date gets closer.
WHEN TO TAKE: As often as possible in your first, second and third trimester of pregnancy!
We recommend the Infant and Newborn First Aid & CPR class at Beautiful Birth Choices for all our first-time parents so they can learn basic safety skills before baby arrives. It’s a 1.5-hour in-person or live virtual class where you learn and practice how to respond to emergencies like infant CPR, choking, seizures, burns, head injuries, and poisoning, and when to get urgent care. You will leave feeling more confident handling common baby emergencies and knowing which actions matter most in the first minutes of a crisis.
WHEN TO TAKE: In your second and third trimester of pregnancy, or even after you've had your baby! This is important information for all expectant and new parents.
We recommend working with the birth and postpartum doulas at Beautiful Birth Choices as a great choice for first-time parents who want steady support before and after birth. Our Rochester Birth Doulas provide guidance, comfort, and advocacy during pregnancy and labor, helping you feel informed and supported in your choices. Our Postpartum Doulas step in once you are home, offering hands-on help with newborn care, feeding, and recovery, so you can rest, adjust, and settle into life with your baby.
WHEN TO HIRE: You should explore doulas & hire your birth or postpartum doula in your first, second, and third trimester of pregnancy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Beautiful Birth Choices is Rochester's leading home of pregnancy and postpartum support and education services since 2009. We are located at 681 Winton Rd N, Rochester, NY 14609.