Should You Teach Childbirth Classes In-Person, Online, or Both?
One of the first questions new childbirth educators face is: How should I teach my classes?
Do you gather families in a cozy community space for hands-on learning? Or do you open your laptop and teach via Zoom, reaching parents miles away? Or maybe you do both?
There’s no one right answer. Each format has strengths and challenges. The best choice depends on your goals, your teaching style, and the families you want to serve. In this guide, we’ll explore the pros and cons of in-person, online, and hybrid childbirth classes — so you can decide what works best for you.
Why Class Format Matters
Your class format shapes everything about your business:
Your reach — how many families you can serve.
Your income — how you price and package classes.
Your style — what teaching feels natural to you.
Choosing the right format early helps you build a business that fits your life instead of draining it.
Option 1: In-Person Childbirth Classes
Pros:
Hands-on practice is easier (comfort measures, positions, newborn care).
Parents build community with each other.
Easier to read the room and adjust your teaching style.
Great for referral networks (doulas, hospitals, midwives).
Cons:
Requires a physical space (rented or provided).
Travel time and logistics for you and your students.
Limited to families in your geographic area.
Vulnerable to cancellations due to weather, illness, or childcare issues.
👉 In-person works best if you value group energy, live demonstrations, and community-building.
Read next: 5 Must-Have Visual Aids for Childbirth Educators
Option 2: Online Childbirth Classes
Pros:
Families can attend from anywhere — expands your reach.
Lower overhead (no space rental).
Flexible scheduling, including evenings or weekends.
Easy to record sessions for review.
Cons:
Harder to demonstrate hands-on skills (partners may struggle without guidance).
“Zoom fatigue” can make attention harder to hold.
Tech issues (audio, video, internet) can disrupt flow.
Less organic group bonding.
👉 Online works best if you want flexibility, a broader audience, or if your local area has limited demand.
Read next: How to Find Your Teaching Style as a Childbirth Educator
Option 3: Hybrid Model (Both)
Some educators combine formats — teaching in-person locally while offering online classes for a wider reach.
Pros:
Best of both worlds: hands-on practice and accessibility.
Diversified income streams.
More resilient to unexpected disruptions (pandemics, weather, etc.).
Cons:
Requires managing two formats (different prep, marketing, and pricing).
Can stretch your energy thin if not balanced well.
👉 Hybrid works best once you’ve gained confidence in one format and are ready to expand.
How to Decide What’s Best for You
Ask yourself:
What fits my lifestyle? Do I want to be home in the evenings, or do I love gathering people in a local space?
What’s available locally? If your community already has many in-person educators, an online class may fill a gap.
What’s my teaching style? If you thrive on interactivity and physical demonstrations, in-person might be best. If you’re comfortable with tech and love flexibility, online could be your match.
👉 There’s no wrong answer. Start with what feels doable now — you can always expand later.
Pricing Considerations
In-person classes often cost more because of overhead and group interaction.
Online classes can be priced slightly lower, but you may reach more families.
Hybrid models may use tiered pricing: a lower-cost online option plus a premium in-person series.
Read next: Pricing Your Childbirth Education Classes: What to Charge and Why
Making Your Choice Look Professional
Regardless of format, presentation matters. Whether you’re showing slides in person or screen-sharing online, parents notice the quality of your materials. That’s where BirthPro Market can help.
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Designed specifically for birth professionals (no awkward stock photos).
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Final Thoughts
Choosing between in-person, online, or hybrid childbirth classes doesn’t have to be complicated. The best format is the one that aligns with your lifestyle, your teaching style, and the needs of your community.
Start where you are, refine as you go, and remember: you can always shift your format as your business grows.
👉 Bookmark this blog for your planning.
👉 Read our full guide: How to Start a Childbirth Education Business.
👉 Explore Building a Professional Presence as a Childbirth Educator
👉 Join the course “Launch Your Childbirth Education Business”
👉 Don’t forget your 50% off BirthPro Market membership.
