Getting Started as a Childbirth Educator

Becoming an independent childbirth educator is exciting and rewarding, but not necessarily straightforward. It is easy to become overwhelmed with your options, or you may not know even where to begin. Becoming a childbirth educator is, in essence, starting your own business.

This article will give you a starting point on your journey to teaching childbirth classes, one of the most rewarding and important jobs you could choose.

First, consider some of the logistics of teaching:

Do I have time in my schedule to teach?

You will need to decide on a variety of time factors:

• How many classes you will include in a course (total hours of instruction per course)
• How long you will meet for each class
• Time spent planning, organizing, and preparing
• Time spent interacting with clients outside of class
• Non-teaching time spent on marketing, networking, record-keeping, etc.

If, for example, you teach a 6-week class with each class lasting two hours, you will likely spend 5 or more hours per week (and maybe much more for your first few courses).

Where will I teach?

One of the first practical decisions you will make as a childbirth educator is where you will teach. Your location affects the time involved for preparing and hosting a class, your expenses, and the overall experience of the families you teach.

Many new educators begin by teaching from their home. This can be a convenient and cost-effective option, but it requires thoughtful planning. Consider whether you have adequate space for group learning, where any family members will be during class time, and how much time you will need each week to clean, set up, and reset your space. Creating a calm, welcoming environment is essential, so factor that preparation into your schedule.

Some educators choose to teach one-on-one in a client’s home or meet in a neutral location such as a library room or shared workspace. This approach can feel more personalized and flexible for families, though it often requires additional travel time, coordination and expense.

Virtual classes have become an increasingly popular option. They allow you to reach families regardless of location, reduce overhead costs, and offer scheduling flexibility. However, they also require intentional engagement strategies to keep participants connected and involved.

Another strong option is partnering with a local business to use their space. This could include wellness centers, yoga studios, pediatric offices, or other family-focused businesses. Partnerships can be structured in different ways, such as exchanging teaching space for marketing exposure, paying an hourly rental fee, or sharing a percentage of your course revenue.

You can also explore community-based locations such as community centers, schools, daycares, or churches. These spaces are often designed for group learning and may already be familiar and accessible to your target audience. Before committing, be sure to research any facility requirements, insurance needs, or local regulations. Always factor in rental fees, setup time, the atmosphere and any logistical considerations when evaluating whether a space is a good fit.

Ultimately, the right teaching location is one that aligns with your goals, supports your teaching style, and creates a comfortable, professional experience for the families you serve.

How will I get the word out?

This may be the biggest challenge that a brand-new educator will face. If you become certified, your certifying body may have a directory on their website where you can be listed, but these are usually nation-wide and may or may not be helpful in getting you clients. These are a few ideas to spread the word:

• Word of mouth - ask friends, family or professional connections to share.
• Online directories for childbirth educators and doulas (as they often go hand-in-hand).
• Create a free or low-cost, simple website for yourself that lists information about your class content and schedule.
• Use social media (create business accounts).
• Create brochures, fliers and/or business cards for yourself to distribute locally.
• Consider taking your marketing materials to the offices of doctors, midwives, chiropractors, as well as places like preschools, YMCAs, and other locations that may be frequented by young couples and parents.

Can I afford the starting costs?

While it is possible to keep costs low, there will inevitably be some cost involved in getting started. This might include:

• Training and/or certification
• Travel expenses to get to and from training
• Teaching materials such as workbooks, handouts, a curriculum, visual aids, etc.
• Designing and printing marketing materials

You don't necessarily need to have everything right away, but some materials will be necessary. Plumtree Baby has created a Childbirth Starter Package that includes the most essential elements to get the ball rolling or you can start small and add supplies as you go.

How much will I make as an educator?

The answer to this question varies widely. Educators who are well established and offer a steady schedule of classes can make a decent part-time income, while others may find that for the first year or so, their classes are small and not profitable. Depending on the length of the class, the depth of information covered and your expertise, you may find you can charge anywhere from $40 to $400 for each couple. Look at other childbirth education classes in your area and compare fees. As you become more established, you may be able to raise your fees to reflect your experience.

Second, consider certification:

As you look into organizations that train and certify childbirth educators, it is important to understand that there is no universal governing body that regulates childbirth education, in the way that careers such as nurses or public school teachers are regulated. A “certified” childbirth educator has completed some sort of program, but these programs and certifying bodies vary widely.

If you are teaching independently, certification is not required. Anyone can write up lesson plans, make a schedule, and hold classes. However, there are benefits to the training you receive from an organization, as well as maintaining an ongoing membership with an organization. Certifying organizations provide you with a community of other educators, resources, and in some cases, very specific and detailed curriculum and materials.

Your certifying body may also help keep you motivated to continuously learn and improve, as continuing education credits are usually required every few years as part of your renewal requirements. If you work for another business, such as a hospital, they will likely have requirements for your certification and may only hire those who are certified through specific organizations.

The primary drawbacks to certification are the cost and time. In addition, some organizations restrict the materials and content their educators can use, which limits individuality and flexibility in your classes but maintains consistency within their program. Other organizations take a more flexible approach, allowing educators to create a course that best fits their clients’ needs using materials and formats of their choosing.

The table below summarizes many of the certifying organizations that are available in the United States.

*Note that independent work (reading, auditing, etc.) is required by almost every certifying organization in addition to training, and most require a minimum final exam score. Some organizations offer modified/accelerated programs or fewer requirements for individuals who are in the healthcare field, or who have experience or other certifications.

**These are estimates of the total cost of certification, reflecting the traditional path. This amount is based on information from each organization's website, which may change without notice. Many variables affect cost (in person/online, traditional/accelerated, early bird discounts, required materials, fees for exam, certification, etc.). Some offer payment plans. Many organizations have an annual membership fee in addition to the one-time cost of training and certification.

In order to make the best decision for yourself and your goals, it is wise to contact and speak in person with a representative of the organization before committing to one, as well as talking with other educators who have gone through the process of training and certification. Philosophies, approaches and regulations vary widely.

The Bottom Line

It may take time to sort through all the decisions involved in getting started, but that investment will pay off as you begin your journey as a childbirth educator. As we often tell our clients, education and information lead to empowerment and clearer direction. The time you spend researching, planning, and reflecting will help you feel more confident in your choices, understand how and where to market your services, and prepare you to welcome families into your first class.

When you are ready to start teaching, explore Plumtree Baby’s curriculums, PowerPoints, and parent guidebooks to support you every step of the way.

Childbirth Starter Package

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Everything you need to plan, teach, and support families with confidence. The Childbirth Starter Package is a complete, ready-to-use teaching toolkit designed to save you time and simplify your prep. Built around our Plan → Teach → Support framework, it… read more

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Last updated February 2026

Disclaimer: All content provided is for educational and informational purposes only, and should not be construed as medical advice. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease and no alterations in exercise should be taken solely on the contents of this website. Consult your physician on any topics regarding your health and fitness. Plumtree Baby, LLC does not assume any liability for the information contained herein, be it direct, indirect, consequential, special, exemplary or other damages.

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