Pregnancy is a time of pure joy, unparalleled excitement – and many, many questions. While everyone is familiar with the infamous Google search rabbit hole, it’s not always the most factual – or comforting – place to gather information when it comes to questions surrounding your pregnancy. Ideally, a one-stop shop for all things pregnancy, labor and postpartum would exist. A place where women could find advice, support, and credible information during pregnancy and beyond.
Fortunately, such a place does exist, and it is called The Birthing Class.
Jacqui Kingswell, who is also the co-founder of the popular Pilates platform The Pilates Class, created The Birthing Class to offer women an “online sanctuary” during this precious time. The Birthing Class offers expert advice from doulas, lactation consultants, nutritionists and beyond to support women while navigating their pregnancy journey. Created out of necessity and a desire to help other women consumed by an overwhelming amount of conflicting information, The Birthing Class is ultimately a platform of education and empowerment.
We sat down with Jacqui to discuss all things The Birthing Class, including how the platform can support your mental, physical and emotional needs with the power of community and expertise.
For those that are unfamiliar, can you explain what The Birthing Class is and how new and expecting mothers can best use it as a resource?
The Birthing Class is everything you need to know to prepare for pregnancy, birth and postpartum. It’s a comprehensive, all-in-one digital platform designed to support and empower expecting parents. It offers expert-led guidance on pregnancy, labor, and postpartum care through digital classes, prenatal and postnatal Pilates, meditations, and nutrition advice. Mothers can use it as a go-to resource throughout their journey – whether it’s preparing a birth plan, easing into postpartum recovery, or finding physical and emotional support. It’s flexible, nurturing, and tailored to meet you wherever you are.
What inspired you to create The Birthing Class?
When I fell pregnant, I was so excited but I also felt overwhelmed by the sheer amount of conflicting information out there. There seemed to be advice, but none of it felt cohesive or reliable. I desperately wanted a “one-stop shop” where I could find all the guidance I needed, but I couldn’t find it. So, I decided to create it! I knew other parents must feel the same, and I wanted to provide a resource that simplifies the journey, offering clarity, confidence, and calm.
Did you use a doula and/or lactation consultant during and after your pregnancy? If so, what was your experience with them?
Yes, I did, and it was truly transformative. My doula, Anna-Maria, was incredible – so much so that she’s now one of the head doulas on our platform! She provided unwavering support throughout my pregnancy helping me feel grounded and informed. Anna Maria instilled so much confidence within me. She wasn’t physically at the birth but I had all of the tools she taught me in the lead up and I had such a wonderful birth because of this. Postpartum, my lactation consultant was a lifesaver, guiding me through breastfeeding challenges with compassion and expertise. These experiences were so impactful that I wanted The Birthing Class to offer the same level of care and insight to others.
You have another successful platform, The Pilates Class, and have an extensive fitness background. What was movement like during your pregnancy? How does the pre- and postnatal Pilates portion of The Birthing Class benefit women?
Movement during pregnancy was all about preparation for me. I saw labor as one of the most intense physical transformations a woman can go through, and I wanted to feel physically and mentally ready. In many ways, I treated it as “training for labor” – focusing on building strength, improving mobility, and enhancing endurance to feel confident and capable when delivering my baby. That said, it wasn’t a straight line – pregnancy comes with ebbs and flows. Some days, I felt energized and eager to move, while on others, nausea or exhaustion meant rest was the priority. I designed the pre and postnatal Pilates programs in The Birthing Class with this balance in mind. The classes support women in preparing their bodies for labor, easing pregnancy discomforts, and recovering mindfully postpartum. It’s about meeting women exactly where they are and helping them feel strong, supported, and ready for the journey ahead.
What is the biggest misconception about moving your body – either during pregnancy or postpartum – that you would like to dispel?
The biggest misconception is that you should avoid exercise entirely during pregnancy. The truth is, movement can be incredibly beneficial when done mindfully and with proper guidance. It can reduce aches, improve circulation, and even help prepare your body for labor. The key is choosing exercises that are safe and tailored for each trimester, like those in our program. It’s about listening to your body and honoring what it needs.
Nutrition can be difficult to navigate during pregnancy, for many different reasons. How does The Birthing Class help women better understand their nutritional needs while pregnant?
Pregnancy nutrition can feel overwhelming, especially with morning sickness or cravings in the mix. The Birthing Class simplifies it all with expert advice and practical tips. From easy-to-make, nourishing recipes to addressing common challenges like food aversions, we make it approachable. In my first trimester I was eating pasta at 10am trying to reduce the nausea. There was a slight guilt for me at that stage as I wanted to fuel my body with nutrient dense foods like salads, but all I could manage was beige foods. Anna Maria assured me that it was okay and completely normal and we made sure I made up for what didn’t happen in the first trimester in the 2nd and 3rd! Our goal is to help mothers feel confident in nourishing themselves and their baby, without the stress of overcomplicating it or feeling guilty for not always having everything perfect, because that’s not the reality of motherhood and that’s okay!
What do you hope that pregnant and postpartum mothers will gain from utilizing the The Birthing Class platform?
Pregnancy and postpartum can be such a vulnerable time, and I want The Birthing Class to be a source of calm and confidence. My biggest hope is that mothers feel empowered, supported, and informed throughout their journey. Whether it’s learning about labor, moving your body mindfully, or finding a sense of community, I hope every mother walks away feeling nurtured and capable. It’s all about embracing this transformative experience with a little less stress and a lot more self-love.
Visit here for more on The Birthing Class and use code TISTHESEASON for 15% off 1 year of access to The Birthing Class!
