Prenatal Classes and Childbirth Education

Pregnant woman having her belly examined at doctors appointment

Why choose Ochsner Health for prenatal classes/childbirth education?

When your baby is on the way, you probably have countless questions about everything from the stages of labor and the birthing process to life after delivery. At Ochsner Health, we’re here to provide the answers and guidance you need. Through our comprehensive prenatal classes and childbirth education, available to families across Louisiana and Mississippi — including New Orleans, West Bank, Kenner, Baton Rouge, Lafayette, Raceland, Shreveport and Meridian — we help you prepare with confidence.

Our classes cover a wide range of essential topics, including childbirth, breastfeeding and baby care, all delivered by knowledgeable educators who are deeply committed to helping you feel ready for your new role. Whether you’re a first-time parent, an experienced parent in need of a refresher or even a future grandparent wanting to stay informed, you can trust us to deliver clear, expert guidance tailored to your needs.

With a passion for sharing the latest insights in baby health and safety, our team ensures you’re equipped with reliable, evidence-based information, so you can focus on what matters most: welcoming your little one with confidence and joy.

Our classes serve a variety of people preparing to welcome babies into their lives, including:

First-time mothers and their support partners
Pregnant women with older children
Grandparents eager to learn about the latest techniques
Children who are about to have new siblings

Ochsner’s prenatal classes and childbirth education programs are thoughtfully designed to help you prepare for every step of your parenting journey. Our classes cover a wide range of topics, ensuring that you feel informed, confident, and ready for the big day. At our various locations, we provide expert guidance on:

The birth and delivery experience: From pregnancy and labor to delivery and recovery, learn what to expect at every stage.
Vaginal delivery: Understand the process and what you can anticipate during childbirth.
Pain relief options: Explore available pain management choices, including epidurals and nitrous oxide, to make the best decision for you.
Low-intervention childbirth: Discover techniques and tools to support a natural birth experience without medical interventions.
Cesarean section: Learn why a C-section might be necessary and what to expect during the procedure.
Breastfeeding: Gain practical advice on getting started, navigating common challenges, and balancing breastfeeding with work and daily life.
Newborn care: Receive tips on keeping your baby safe, healthy, and comfortable.
Car seat safety: Master the proper installation and use of car seats to protect your little one on the go.
Infant CPR: Understand the steps to perform this critical, life-saving skill for babies.
Sibling perspective: Prepare older siblings for the transition to life with a new baby and help foster a positive family dynamic.
Visitation policies: Get clear information on who can accompany and visit you during delivery and recovery at Ochsner facilities.

Each class is designed to address your questions and concerns while providing expert, evidence-based insights. Contact your nearest Ochsner location today to discover which classes are available to you, and take the first steps toward welcoming your newest family member with confidence and peace of mind.

Many Ochsner facilities provide expectant mothers with the opportunity to tour labor and birth rooms as part of our prenatal classes and childbirth education programs. These tours offer a firsthand look at the spaces where you’ll welcome your little one, helping you feel more prepared and at ease when the big day arrives.

Availability varies by location, so we encourage you to contact your local Ochsner facility to check if tours are offered and to confirm dates and times. Space is limited, so be sure to register early to secure your spot and take advantage of this valuable experience.

Ochsner Baptist Women’s Pavilion in New Orleans

View our 2025 childbirth and parenting class schedule at Ochsner Baptist.

Based on patient feedback, we are continuing our classes virtually via Zoom. Register for free classes online or email questions to jducoing@ochsner.org.

Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank

View our 2025 childbirth and parenting class schedule at Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank

For more information on Ochsner Medical Center - West Bank childbirth classes or to schedule a Labor and Delivery unit tour, email WBPNC@ochsner.org.

Ochsner Medical Center- Baton Rouge

Childbirth and parenting classes are held virtually via Zoom for you to enjoy from the comfort of your own home. You will receive instructions for accessing the virtual class via email prior to the scheduled class time. Register for online classes.

Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner

View our 2025 childbirth and parenting class schedule at Ochsner Medical Center - Kenner.

Learn about the Family Birthing Center at Ochsner Kenner.

Ochsner St. Anne in Raceland

View our 2025 childbirth and parenting class schedule at Ochsner St. Anne.

Breastfeeding, Baby Care and Birthing and Beyond classes are offered both virtual and/or in-person at Ochsner St. Anne Hospital. To schedule for classes, please call 985-537-8291.

Ochsner Lafayette General

View our 2025 childbirth and parenting class schedule at Ochsner Lafayette General.

Ochsner Lafayette general offers several classes to help prepare you for your baby's arrival. Register for prenatal and childbirth classes at Ochsner Lafayette General. For questions, please reach out to olg-prenatalclass@ochsner.org

Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport - St. Mary Medical Center

View our 2025 childbirth and parenting class schedule at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport - St. Mary Medical Center.

At Ochsner LSU Health a variety of prenatal classes are available. Classes are taught by our maternity nurses and our breastfeeding class is led by certified lactation consultants. There is no cost associated with the classes, though registration is required.

Please email us for more information and complete the form located on the Ochsner LSU Health site to register.

To schedule a Labor and Delivery unit tour, call 318-626-1526.

Learn more about the Women's and Children Center at Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport - St. Mary Medical Center.

Ochsner Rush in Meridian

View our 2025 childbirth and parenting class schedule at Ochsner Rush Health.

Ochsner Rush offers in-person childbirth and newborn care classes. To register for a class, visit the Ochsner Rush website.

To make it easy to access our prenatal classes/childbirth education, Ochsner offers many courses virtually. This offering allows you to get the knowledge you need from the convenience of your home or office. View available online classes.

During live virtual classes, you learn the same information as an in-person class. If you have questions, you can type them into the chat feature. The facilitator will then answer your questions at the end of the class or in real time.

You can learn about breastfeeding, labor and delivery, and other topics expecting parents are curious about. Online education offerings vary by facility. Check with your local Ochsner location to find out what you can learn from the comfort of your home.

To start learning now, download our A to Z Guide to Pregnancy.

At Ochsner, our prenatal class and childbirth education instructors are seasoned experts who are deeply dedicated to supporting you through every step of your parenting journey. With years of experience caring for expectant mothers and newborns, they bring a wealth of knowledge and compassion to each class.

Our educators include highly qualified healthcare professionals, such as registered nurses, board-certified pediatricians and lactation consultants. Many of them have also undergone advanced training in specialized areas like maternal-newborn care and car seat safety, ensuring they can provide guidance backed by expertise.

From addressing your questions to helping you build confidence, our team is committed to equipping you with the tools and knowledge you need to feel prepared and empowered as you welcome your baby into the world.

FAQs

The ideal childbirth class timing depends on your personal needs and schedule. At Ochsner, we recommend beginning your childbirth education around pregnancy week 30, as it allows plenty of time to prepare for labor and delivery. Starting at this point ensures you're well-informed while still comfortable enough to participate actively in learning. However, we understand every pregnancy is unique, and our classes are designed to accommodate a flexible schedule. You are welcome to join at any point during your pregnancy and complete the sessions in an order that works best for you.

When it comes to health insurance coverage for childbirth classes, there's no need to worry at Ochsner. We proudly offer these valuable learning opportunities completely free of charge. By removing the burden of childbirth classes cost, we ensure every expecting parent at Ochsner has access to the information and support they need without concerns about insurance payments. Whether you're preparing for labor, delivery or life as a new parent, our free childbirth and parenting classes make it easy to gain the confidence and knowledge to feel ready for your baby's arrival.

Ochsner’s prenatal classes are designed to be inclusive and supportive for every expecting parent, no matter their birth plan. Whether you're considering a medicated delivery, a C-section, or are preparing for natural childbirth, our inclusive childbirth education ensures you’re equipped with the knowledge and skills to make informed decisions. For those specifically interested in natural birth, we offer a dedicated class, “The ABC’s of Low Intervention Childbirth”, which focuses on preparing for a low-intervention delivery. No matter your preferences, our classes provide guidance and support tailored to your unique journey.