🧭 Where to Begin?
When I had my first baby nearly 19 years ago, I had no idea what to look for in birthing classes. What I did know was that I wanted to know what I didn’t know. I had zero clue what to expect toward the end of my pregnancy and wanted all the answers. What do I do if my water breaks while I’m at work? What if I start having strong contractions while I’m driving down 494? Do I want pain medication and if I decide to go forward with it, what effects will it have on the baby?
I wasn’t much of an internet sleuth back then, but also, the internet was nothing like it is today either. I chose to go to the class offered through my hospital. I delivered all three of my babies at North Memorial Health in Robbinsdale. Why? Because it was the closest hospital to my house & I was afraid that if I went anywhere else, I would deliver in the car. I had a great experience with all three (thankfully, because I did zero research)!
If I had the luxury of the internet as it is today, I likely would have looked into these six programs for birthing classes. They offer classes is my area, which for me, is super important. I didn’t want to be rushing to eat dinner after work and then get off to birthing class all the way across town. You need to decide what is most important to you. Do you have an odd schedule and need a virtual option? Do you want something quick and easy? Check out these options below if you are in the West Metro of Minneapolis & see if any of them resonate with your needs. The most important thing is that you feel comfortable with program, believe in their methods & they are able to answer all of your questions.
Blooma Minneapolis
• Offers the “Blooma Birth Class” in a small-group format—4‑week or 7‑hour express courses.
• Emphasis on movement, comfort measures, emotional support, prenatal yoga, and doula-led training.
AMMA PARENTING CENTER
- Provides prenatal classes including childbirth prep, breastfeeding, infant care, CPR.
- In‑person at Edina (west side) and virtual options.
North Memorial Health (Maple Grove & Robbinsdale)
- Offers multi‑night or weekend childbirth courses covering labor process, interventions, newborn care, with family birth center tours included.
Everyday Miracles (via Mother Baby Center Minneapolis)
- Partnered with Allina Health.
- Offers Lamaze series, two-day crash courses, prenatal yoga, and breastfeeding classes—often at reduced cost or free for Medicaid holders.
Hypnobabies Twin Cities
- Focused classes in childbirth hypnosis (Lamaze, Madriella, Hypnobabies®), led by CPM-certified instructors; also doubling as doula support HypnobabiesTwinCities.
- Deeply Personalized, Mindful & Holistic Approach
- More than just birthing classes – birth & postpartum doula services. prenatal & postnatal yoga & more.
- I met Lisa just last week (to photograph headshots for her), owner of Seven Gates Birth. She is so calming, genuine & knowledgable in her craft.
How to Choose
| Factor | Recommended Option |
|---|---|
| Small-group, holistic focus | Seven Gates Birth, Blooma |
| Virtual/in-person flexibility | Amma Parenting |
| Hospital-based with center tour | North Memorial |
| Low-cost/Lamaze focus | Everyday Miracles |
| Hypnosis/doula-style prep | Hypnobabies |
Next Steps
- Check schedules & booking – Spots often fill up by ~30 weeks.
- Cost & insurance – Amma, Seven Gates Birth & Blooma are private-pay; North Memorial & Everyday Miracles may offer sliding scales or insurance coverage.
- Tour preferences – North Memorial includes a walk-through of the birthing center.
- Class style – Choose based on teaching approach (evidence-based, Lamaze, hypnosis), class size, and delivery setting comfort level.
Julie Ann Photography • MINNEAPOLIS PHOTOGRAPHER 