5 Must-Have Visual Aids for Childbirth Educators
When you picture yourself teaching a childbirth class, you might imagine standing in front of a group, talking about contractions, breathing techniques, and birth plans. But here’s the thing: parents don’t just want to hear about birth — they need to see it.
Visual aids transform abstract concepts into something parents can grasp, remember, and practice. And for you, they add professionalism, structure, and flow to your classes.
In this blog, we’ll cover the five must-have visual aids every childbirth educator should use, plus tips for making them look polished (without spending hours on Canva).
Why Visual Aids Matter in Childbirth Education
Visual learning is powerful. Studies show people remember about 80% of what they see compared to only 20% of what they hear. When you’re teaching big topics like dilation, fetal positioning, or newborn care, visuals make the information stick.
For parents, this means:
Less overwhelm — they don’t have to memorize every word you say.
More confidence — they understand what’s happening in their bodies and what to expect.
Better retention — they’ll recall visuals during labor, when it matters most.
For you, visual aids:
Keep your classes structured and on track.
Make your teaching look professional and prepared.
Create opportunities for engagement (hands-on practice, group discussion).
Visual Aid #1: Anatomy and Physiology Charts
You don’t need to turn your class into a biology lecture, but showing how the uterus, cervix, and pelvis work during labor helps parents feel less “in the dark.”
Ideas for use:
Diagrams of the pelvis to show how babies move through during birth.
Illustrations of cervical dilation (1 cm → 10 cm).
Hormonal charts to explain oxytocin, adrenaline, and endorphins.
Why it works:
Parents often hear the terms “transition” or “dilation” but can’t picture what that looks like. Visuals turn those words into concrete images.
👉 Pro tip: Use large, clear graphics instead of tiny, detailed medical charts. The goal is clarity, not confusion.
Read next: How to Create a Childbirth Class Curriculum That Parents Love
Visual Aid #2: Fetal Positioning Models
This one’s a game-changer. Parents love seeing exactly how a baby fits and moves during labor.
Ideas for use:
A doll + pelvis model to demonstrate fetal positions.
Showing how different maternal positions (hands-and-knees, side-lying, squatting) affect baby’s journey.
Explaining terms like “posterior,” “engaged,” or “breech.”
Why it works:
Parents finally see why position changes matter. It also reassures them that movement during labor isn’t random — it’s purposeful.
Visual Aid #3: Labor Progress Tools
These are the props that make the stages of labor tangible.
Ideas for use:
Cervical dilation charts or “cervical dilation balloons” (balloons blown up to different sizes).
Rope or stretchy fabric to demonstrate how the pelvis expands.
Contraction timing visuals to show spacing and intensity.
Why it works:
Labor progress can be abstract. When parents can physically see (or even feel) what 5 cm dilation looks like or how contractions intensify, it reduces fear and mystery.
Visual Aid #4: Comfort Measures Demonstrations
Talking about comfort measures is one thing — showing them is another.
Ideas for use:
Rebozo or scarf to demonstrate belly sifting or counter-pressure.
Peanut ball for showing positions in bed.
Photos or slides of different laboring positions.
Why it works:
Comfort strategies aren’t just “nice to know.” They give parents actionable tools. Demonstrations also engage partners, helping them feel confident in their support role.
👉 This is also where professional stock photos can help. A clear, authentic photo of a partner doing counter-pressure says more than a paragraph of explanation.
Read next: How to Find Your Teaching Style as a Childbirth Educator
Visual Aid #5: Postpartum and Newborn Care Graphics
Childbirth doesn’t end with birth. Parents want to know what happens afterward, and visuals here are just as powerful.
Ideas for use:
Infographics on postpartum healing stages.
Swaddling and diapering demonstrations (using a doll or photos).
Newborn feeding position illustrations.
Why it works:
The postpartum period is often overlooked, but when parents see what to expect, it reduces anxiety and sets realistic expectations.
Making Your Visuals Look Professional
You don’t have to design everything yourself. In fact, you shouldn’t — your time is better spent teaching. That’s why resources like BirthPro Market exist.
Our stock photo membership gives you access to authentic birth and newborn images (not the cringey, staged ones you find on free sites).
You can use them in slides, handouts, websites, or social posts.
With 50% off, it’s the simplest way to look professional and credible without hiring a designer.
👉 Get your 50% off membership here.
Final Thoughts
Visual aids aren’t just “nice extras” — they’re essential for effective childbirth education. They make abstract concepts concrete, help parents retain information, and elevate your teaching.
Start with these five must-haves — anatomy charts, fetal positioning models, labor progress tools, comfort measures, and postpartum/newborn visuals — and you’ll instantly upgrade your classes.
👉 Bookmark this blog for your teaching toolkit.
👉 Read our full guide: How to Start a Childbirth Education Business.
👉 Explore How to Create a Childbirth Class Curriculum That Parents Love.
👉 Join the course “Launch Your Childbirth Education Business”
👉 Don’t forget your 50% off BirthPro Market membership.
