Why Can’t I Find a Childbirth Prep Class for Intended Parents?

The Value of Birth & Newborn Prep Classes Designed Specifically for Intended Parents on the Surrogacy Journey

When my best friends became intended parents and were expecting their first child through surrogacy, they did what most parents do: they started searching for a childbirth preparation class. They looked everywhere, both locally and online, but couldn’t find a single class that truly fit their needs.

They wanted to learn in a space where they felt comfortable, ideally alongside other intended parents on a similar path to parenthood. They wanted to understand what to expect in the hospital, how to support their surrogate during labor, and how to confidently care for their newborn after birth. Yet every childbirth class they found was focused on preparing the birthing person, not the parents eagerly awaiting their baby’s arrival.

The truth is, as an intended parent, your learning needs are different. You are not the one giving birth, but you play an important role in the labor and delivery process. You deserve to feel like an integral part of the birthing team because you are.

A Different Perspective in the Delivery Room

Labor and delivery from the intended parent perspective comes with unique challenges and responsibilities. You will want to understand what is happening medically, how to advocate for your baby, and how to ensure your gestational carrier feels supported. You also need guidance on how to read the room, when to step forward and when to give space, while staying present and involved throughout the process.

It is equally important to know how to care for yourself during this emotional and transformative experience so you are ready to step confidently into parenthood when your baby arrives.

Asking Questions and Advocating with Confidence

Navigating the hospital environment can feel overwhelming, even for those familiar with it. Knowing how to ask the right questions, advocate for your baby’s health and safety, and understand your options during labor is empowering. Our classes guide intended parents on how to communicate effectively with hospital staff, understand decision-making options, and know what to do if you ever feel unheard. Learning how to advocate respectfully and effectively is one of the most valuable tools you can have in the hospital setting.

The Power of Birth Planning

Creating a birth plan is one of the best ways to set yourself up for a positive birth experience. Many surrogacy agencies assist with birth planning, often through the case manager. While agency staff bring meaningful experience, they may not have the same hospital-based knowledge that nurses do.

As registered nurses, we have supported countless families across the country through labor, birth, and postpartum recovery. We bring firsthand insight into what really happens in hospital birth settings, along with the most up-to-date evidence-based practices. This allows us to prepare intended parents for the wide range of experiences and scenarios they might encounter during their journey.

Preparing for Life with a Newborn

Once your baby arrives, life changes instantly. Newborn care brings incredible joy and love, but it also comes with a steep learning curve. Gaining practical newborn care skills before birth can make the transition much smoother and less stressful.

For many intended parents, there are unique logistical challenges to plan for. You may be staying in an Airbnb or hotel far from home, setting up a temporary nursery, and adjusting to life without your usual support system nearby. Traveling long distances with a newborn, whether by car or plane, can also feel intimidating. Learning how to prepare ahead of time can make these experiences far more manageable and help you feel confident every step of the way.

A Childbirth Class Created Just for Intended Parents

With all of this in mind, we created specialized childbirth classes designed specifically for intended parents on the surrogacy journey. Our birth preparation and newborn care workshops provide knowledge, confidence, and a sense of community. They help ease stress, answer important questions, and build excitement for the big day and the first months of parenthood.

At Childbirth Allies, we are passionate about helping new parents feel informed, supported, and ready to welcome their baby into the world. Every path to parenthood is unique, and every parent deserves a place to learn, prepare, and feel confident.

Because no matter how you become a parent, all parents deserve a place to prepare for the birth of their child.