The Birthing Class: A Comprehensive Resource for Expectant Parents
As any new parent knows, the journey through conception, pregnancy, childbirth, and the postpartum period can be both exciting and overwhelming. While there is no shortage of content and commerce geared toward supporting babies, there is a lack of accessible resources aimed at supporting birthing people themselves. Recognizing this need, Jacqui Kingswell and Natasha Oakley, founders of The Pilates Class, have launched a new venture called The Birthing Class.
The Birthing Class is a subscription platform that offers a wide range of virtual classes and video-based resources for expectant parents. For an annual fee of $189, users gain access to doula-led courses, advice from OB/GYNs and midwives, pre- and postnatal Pilates and yoga classes, a recipe library, a community, and more. Kingswell describes the platform as a one-stop resource for all things related to pregnancy and birth well-being.
The idea for The Birthing Class was born out of the founders’ recognition of two main pain points experienced by new mothers. Oakley noted the lack of affordable, credentialed care available to first-time birthing people, with services like those of doulas often only accessible to those who can afford their fees. Kingswell, on the other hand, found the existing resources for new moms to be disjointed and overwhelming, leading her to realize the need for a comprehensive and informative platform.
The platform addresses these needs by providing access to comprehensive doula support that guides birthing people through all stages of the journey into motherhood. Upon subscription, users are introduced to three doulas—Nina Phelan, Nikita Akilapa, and Anna-Maria Boelskov—and encouraged to choose the one that best speaks to them. Each doula covers topics ranging from conception to breastfeeding, with classes running between five and 20 minutes in length.
In addition to doula-led courses, The Birthing Class offers expert-led classes on demand, including pre- and postnatal Pilates and yoga classes, nutrition classes tailored to each trimester, and classes led by an in-house obstetrician and midwives. The platform also features mindfulness classes that incorporate movement to nurture the mind-body connection. All content is available to subscribers from day one and can be revisited as often as desired.
The founders made sure to include content designed to support the birthing parent’s partner, equipping them with the skills and confidence to provide effective support during pregnancy, labor, and postpartum. The platform does not include a shopping component but offers resources to help parents navigate the myriad offerings in the space.
Community is a key aspect of The Birthing Class, with a community Facebook Group where members can connect with each other and the brand. The platform aims to be inclusive and non-prescriptive, empowering birthing people with knowledge to make the best decisions for themselves and their babies.
Overall, The Birthing Class is a comprehensive resource for expectant parents, providing support, guidance, and education throughout the journey into parenthood. With a focus on accessibility, inclusivity, and community, the platform aims to empower birthing people to navigate this transformative experience with confidence and knowledge.