Call me crazy, but I think a child’s name should be meaningful. It should represent more than a passing fad or whim.

For my firstborn, I searched endlessly for unique baby names  with beautiful meanings. How about you, Mama? Have you been searching endlessly for “the one”? If so, I hope you find it here. Below are a few of my favorite unique baby names with a meaning. 

When you’re done, feel free to check out some of the other pregnancy-related posts we have to offer! Here are just a couple of our most popular posts:

17 Legit Pregnancy Freebies You Need to Grab

8 Sneaky Ways to Relieve Pregnancy Back Pain

30 Autumn Baby Names You’ll Fall in Love With

 

60+ Unique Baby Names with Fantastic Meanings

Averett

This classic, old English name translates to “brave” or “hearty”.

 

Ayla

A beautiful, feminine name, Ayla has both Aramaic and Hebrew origins. Its variations mean “halo”, “moonlight”, or “shining”.

 

Bjorn

Who doesn’t love a foreign, strong name. Bjorn means “Bear” in Germanic languages.

 

Bea

A special name for the baby that “brings joy”.

 

Colson

French in origin, Colson is perfect your “coal-black” haired boy.

 

Cala

This name can have several meanings, depending on how you choose to spell it. “Cala” means “castle” in Arabic, but spelled “Calla”, it is also a representation of the beautiful Calla lily.

 

Daegan

Another regal, Norse name for your black-haired boy.

 

Dariela

Originally the female version of Darius, Dariela is now French for, “gift” or “beloved”.

 

Emery

While vintage is very popular right now, Emery can still be considered an unique baby boy name with a powerful meaning. In fact, that’s exactly what Emery means, “Brave” or “Powerful”.

 

Eiva

A variant of the Hebrew name, Eve, Eiva is rich in history. The name’s progenitor, Eve, the earth’s first woman, means “the living one”. Later, according to Celtic legend, Eva was the most powerful woman-warrior in the world.

 

Fallon

Another Irish name, Fallon translates as “leader” or “in charge”. This name can also be used for girls as “Fallyn”.

 

Freida

Unique and exquisite, Freida is a German name meaning, “peaceful ruler”.

 

Related Post: The KOPA PREPARED Online Childbirth Class Review

 

Grayson

Literally meaning “gray”, Grayson is the perfect name for fall babies, when skies are overcast.

 

Gisele

Gisele has many variations, but most fall into the German translation of “pledge”.

 

Holden

An old English name for “deep valley”, this name also attracts readers of the classic, Catcher in the Rye.

 

Hattie

Watch out if you choose this name. Hattie means, “ruler of the home” in Old English.

 

Joel

Although popular in the 80s-90s, the Hebrew name Joel is a unique baby boy name, meaning Jehovah is God.

 

Jalissa

Jalissa is a variant of the Germanic name, Alyssa, meaning “kind” or “noble”.

 

Liliana

Sweet and feminine, Liliana is a unique baby girl name meaning, “lily” or “innocent”.

 

Lex

A shortened version of the Greek name, Alexander.

 

Killian

Killian is an old Irish, religious name meaning “associated with the church” or “of the small church”.

Mila

Mila is a sweet Bulgarian name meaning “dear one” or “pleasant”

 

Related Post: The Online Prenatal Class for Couples Review

Nico

Depending on its preferred origin, Nico can either mean “smiling” in Japanese or “victorious” in Greek (nike).

 

Nilsa

Nilsa or Nilsine is a very unique baby girl name, but it comes with a powerful meaning: “champion”.

 

Oryn

A variant of Orrin, this Gaelic name actually means, “pale”.

 

Oakley

While the actual translation is “oak clearing”, it can represent the strength and charisma of the Wild West sharpshooter, Annie Oakley.

Patton

If you suspect that you’re carrying a rough-housing baby boy, Patton is the perfect name. It’s English for “warrior or fighter’s town”.

 

Priscilla

Latin for “ancient”, Priscilla was one of the first Roman Christians.

 

Quill

Although this Irish name is a little on the nose, it’s perfect for the child of literature enthusiasts.

Quinlin

Stemming from the Celtic name, Quinn, Quinlin means, “graceful and strong”.

 

Rhett

Rhett is a handsome English name once made popular from the America novel, “Gone with the Wind”. It means “wise counsel” or “advice”.

 

Roux

A perfect fall baby name, Roux means “reddish-brown”.

 

Skylar

This name has been one of my favorites for years and I hope you like it too. It’s Old English for “strength” and “eternal love”. Definitely appropriate for our little blessing, yes?

 

Stella

A true classic, Stella is a latin name that means, “star.”

 

Titus

Greek in origin, this biblical name means “title of honor” or “to honor”.

 

Talia

Hebrew in origin, this beautiful name means “by water” or “dew from God.” Perfect for those much prayed for baby girls.

 

Ulrich

Ulrich is a strong Germanic name, meaning “strong” or “powerful.”

 

Uma

Nigerian for “second daughter”, it’s the perfect name for the newest addition of the family.

 

Valen

Back in its day, Valen was the “Jason” or Brian” of Rome. Now a very unique baby boy name, it means, “strong” or “healthy”.

 

Vanna

This Russian name means “God’s gift.”

 

Wren

Is music a huge part of your life? Named after the songbird, Wren is a simple symbol of your dedication to music.

 

Wilhelmine

Wilhelmine, although this name is more common in Germany, it has a beautiful meaning: “protector”.

 

Xavier

Although this name is rising in popularity, it’s still definitely unique! Xavier means “splendid” or “bright”.

 

Ximena

Ximena, also spelled Jimena in Portuguese, is perfect for those unborn baby girls that seem to listen carefully for your voice. It means “listener” or “one who listeners”.

 

Yule

“Y” names aren’t that popular in the US but this one is unique and possibly quite perfect for your baby boy. It means, “born at Christmas time”. Say it a couple times and it actually sounds pretty cool.

 

Yara

You might have heard this one recently. Yara is a name made famous by Game of Thrones, appropriately meaning “water lady”.

 

Zayne

Zayne actually has three distinct meanings: “grace and beauty” in Arabic, “God is gracious” in Hebrew, and possibly “seventh”, also in Hebrew.

 

Zillah

And finally, Zillah, a sweet Hebrew name meaning shade.

 

That’s it, Mama! I hope you enjoyed my list of meaningful unique baby names. If you’d like to find more unique baby names, check out my post, 30 Autumn Baby Names You’ll Fall In love With.

In an age of medical interventions and epidurals, natural childbirth can seem like an impossible feat.

Like you, I desperately wanted to give birth without the assistance of an epidural. I wanted to feel my birth and have the reassurance that my baby would be born without any side-effects of an epidural. Most of all, I wanted to reduce my chances of a cesarean any way I could. Unfortunately, despite the hours of practicing breathing techniques and instructor-led prenatal courses, I still opted for an epidural after a long, painful labor.

That’s why I’m so excited to share this honest review of the  KOPA PREPARED PLUS Childbirth Course, a prenatal class developed to help women and their partners achieve the natural birth they dream of.

After taking this course, I feel confident that these techniques can genuinely help expectant mothers succeed with the natural birth they desire.  Having said that, the KOPA PREPARED class isn’t for everybody. Like my other prenatal course reviews, I’m going to share the positives and negatives of this class so you can decide if its the right prenatal class for you.

 

The KOPA PREPARED Plus Childbirth Class Review

 

What it Is The Kopa PREPARED Childbirth Class?

Just in case you’re entirely new to the concept, online prenatal courses allow couples to learn the essentials of childbirth from the comfort of their homes. Some online prenatal classes (especially the free ones) will not prepare you for the task you have ahead. They’ll go over the clinical terms of childbirth without actually diving into the techniques you need to prepare.

An excellent online prenatal course prepares you for childbirth without compromising quality or convenience.

The KOPA Birth team actually teaches prenatal class in-person and online. Your instructor is a registered nurse and certified Lamaze instructor, Katie Griffin. She developed the course primarily for expectant couples hoping to successfully have a medical-free child birth. Despite the focus on natural childbirth, the class also covers everything a regular prenatal class would (we’ll get to that in a minute).

 

The course is offered in two varieties:

The KOPA PREPARED Essentials Class, which includes:

• 3 Month Class Access
• 8 Video Classes with 12+ Hours of Footage
• Mock Labor Practice
• Hospital Birth Footage
• Course Manual
• Relaxation Audio Files

 

The KOPA PREPARED Plus Class, which includes all of the features of the KOPA Essentials Class and the following extra features:

• Prenatal Meal plans
• Relaxation Triggers Class
• Prenatal Fitness Program
• Newborn Babywearing Basics
• Partner Labor Guides
• Additional Audio Downloads

 

The KOPA PREPARED Online Prenatal Class is Intense

Structure of the Course

This course is not for the faint of heart. Katie recommends that you give yourself 4-8 weeks to complete it. That’s 1-2 video classes a week, plus all of the exercises, mock labor practice, and bonus material.

I would highly recommend giving yourself time to study, implement, and review the class again. 

Even with the video format, Katie is a very interactive instructor. You truly feel like you’re in the same room with her, like you can trust her to lead you to a natural childbirth. I also loved that Katie herself is in her third trimester. She can definitely emphasize with her students!

Each video class contains lectures on essential prenatal topics, as well as breathing and coping exercises for you and your husband, and periods of discussion to “debrief” and analyze the material you’ve just learned.

 

KOPA PREPARED Essentials and Plus Topic Highlights

There aren’t many online courses that I would recommend instead of a traditional, instructor-led setting, but I was so impressed by this course that I would in a heartbeat. It is, by far, the most in-depth prenatal class I’ve ever taken.

It covered all of the topics my own instructor-led prenatal class covered, and then some. And, with the ability to review the material over and over, I learned much more with this class than I ever did with my hospital-provided class.

 

A few of the topics included in the course are:

Basic and advanced prenatal education- This includes the signs of labor, prenatal terms, possible complications, what to expect in the delivery room, medical interventions, and more.

The Stages of Labor and how to cope with each one effectively- During my own birthing horror story, I was in early labor for 19 hours before I caved and got an epidural. After reviewing this class, I see how I could have efficiently coped with each stage and why I suffered and weakened so quickly. This section of the course is so valuable for new moms!

Relaxation as a Coping Technique- Before I took this course, I knew that relaxation was important to a natural childbirth, but honestly, I didn’t have any clue why. The class explains what true relaxation looks like, how it can quicken your labor, and how to successfully achieve it.

Labor Positions- The handouts, tutorials, and exercises in this course thoroughly explain how to achieve these positions, when to use them, and why they are the best in your current situation.

Breathing techniques- Katie teaches you how to use breathing techniques efficiently (without hyperventilating or losing track of how many breaths you’ve taken) and  why they are so essential to labor.

Interventions, Medications, and More–  While the main focus on the course is natural childbirth, Katie explains these situations (including how she’s used interventions in her own labor) and why you might need to prepare for it.

Pin This Post to Your Pregnancy Board Now!

Pros and Cons of the KOPA PREPARED Childbirth Course

 

Pros of the KOPA PREPARED Childbirth Course

A Great Mix of Instruction and Application- The biggest disadvantage with a traditional prenatal course is that you’ll forget 60% of what you learned after a day or so. This course integrates several activities, homework assignments, and follow-up discussions that you can complete right up until your labor, allowing you to retain more information and apply it. 

The Mock Labor Practical- The guided mock labor is worth its weight in gold. Think of it as a rehearsal for your own labor. It simulates contractions (with audio cues) and the different stages of labor. Katie will throw different scenarios at you and your partner, allowing you to think through these situations and decide how to cope.  Going through the entire mock labor is quite the time commitment, but it can give you the confidence you need to take control of your own childbirth story.

Comprehensive- Honestly, I can’t think of a single topic that should have been addressed that wasn’t.

Realtistic Expectations- I think many natural childbirth classes become a little too self-involved. They don’t focus enough on what can go wrong and how to cope with negative situations.

The course prepares you for real world situations where pursuing a medical-free labor may not be the safest option for you or your baby, and also helps you through those complications that might arise that you can overcome without an epidural.

Professional Quality and Interactive- Many online, video-led courses are noticeably less professional than their instructor-led counterparts. This wasn’t the case at all for the KOPA PREPARED Childbirth Course.  

Interactive for Partners- Your partner is a valuable tool during childbirth. Unfortunately, many men feel completely helpless while they watch their loved one suffer. This type of scenario can make or break your labor. The course offers several assignments, tutorials, and a guide specifically created for your partner to help him feel comfortable with his role as your support.

 

Cons of the KOPA PREPARED Childbirth Course

 

Massive- Unfortunately, some women will not appreciate the comprehensive nature of the class. While all of the information found in this course is helpful, there may be parts where you or your partners eyes might begin to glaze over.

Then there is the sheer size of the course. KOPA recommends taking 2 months to go over the material of the course, but a minimum of 2 weeks. This might not be a great fit if you are due within a week and trying to cram everything in in the final hour.

If you’re finding that the size of the class isn’t going to work for you,  you might want to check out my review of the Online Prenatal Class for Couples.

Online Course- Some women just can’t do online courses. Before purchasing this course you really need to be honest with yourself. Will you actually look over all the material? Will you actually complete the exercises? If not, don’t buy it. Just don’t. You’re wasting precious money that is better used at an instructor-led course that you’ll actually go to.

Cost- I hesitated putting this as a con. I believe that the KOPA PREPARED class is priced well (a traditional hospital-based prenatal class is between $150-200), but when compared to other online prenatal classes, it is a little pricier. While I do think that the class is definitely worth the money, it is a major investment that you need to consider.

Limited Availability- It’s understandable why the course is only available for a limited window, however it would be nice if there was a “forever” version that was available for future births.

 

Is the KOPA PREPARED Childbirth Course Right For You?

 

As someone that has tried to go natural and failed, let me advise you not to leave your labor to luck. You might be one of those moms that will be able to relax naturally, with little difficulty. But, chances are, it’s going to hurt and you’re going to need some help getting through this.

Investing in a good prenatal class can help you overcome your fears give you the confidence (and skill) you need to give birth naturally.

If you’re looking for a quick course to go over the basics of childbirth, this isn’t it. The KOPA PREPARED class will PREPARE you for childbirth in every way. You need to really commit to viewing the lessons, completing the exercises, and practicing. If you really invest the time and energy as well as your money, I think you’ll find that this course was well worth it.

Related Post: Online Prenatal Class for Couples Review

I want the class but which version should I choose?

For my KOPA PREPARED Childbirth Course Review, I completed the KOPA PREPARED Plus. I loved the meal plans, additional audio files, and bonus classes. But more than anything, I love that the course is available for 7 months instead of 3. For new moms that love to over-prepare, this feature alone makes the additional price worth it.

Having said that, if you’re on a budget and the bells and whistles don’t entice you, the KOPA PREPARED Essentials Course is still a great choice. You’ll still have access to the meat of the course, and even Katie’s hospital, unmedicated birth footage.

 

Take Control of Your Labor

I’m so excited for you, Mama. Don’t let labor scare you. I know that you’ll do a great job. You’ve already taken a huge step just by researching online prenatal classes.

If you decide on the KOPA PREPARED Online Birth Course, I know you’ll feel so much more confident for your upcoming big day.

 

If you’re still on the fence, here’s a link to a free sample of the course (free course is located at the bottom of the page). I think you’ll really like it.

In the meantime, if you liked my KOPA PREPARED Childbirth Course review, I think you’ll really enjoy my other pregnancy-related posts!

Learn More About the KOPA PREPARED Essentials Course

Learn More About the KOPA PREPARED Plus Course

Good luck, Mama. Please let me know what online prenatal class you choose in the comments below. I’d love to share it with my readers!

 

Hey, Mama! If you’re reading this then you’ve probably already been referred to The Online Prenatal Class for Couples by another blogger. Maybe you’ve been told that it’s the best thing since sliced bread. Or, perhaps you’re a fan of Hilary’s website, Pulling Curls, and you’re just curious if her course is worthwhile. However you landed here, you probably have a two main questions: Is this online childbirth class going to teach you what you need to know to successfully give birth to a child and is it worth your hard-earned money.

I’m glad you’re here, because this is my Online Prenatal Class for Couples Review.

In case you’re new to my blog, I’m Erin. I give new and expecting moms the practical advice they need to overcome their personal baby blunders. I’m guessing you’re pregnant, so once you’re done reading this review, you might want to check out a few of my most popular posts as well!

17 Legitimate Pregnancy Freebies You Need to Grab

How to Turn a Posterior Baby for an Easier Labor

5 Simple Steps to Create an Amazing Newborn Schedule

 

Back to the class. 

I’ve personally taken the Online Prenatal Class for Couples and have also attended traditional childbirth classes at the hospital. So, I feel that I have enough experience to give a fair and accurate review of this course. I’m going to be as honest as I possibly can, Mama, because you deserve nothing less.

Let’s dive right in!

The Online Prenatal Class for Couples Review: My Honest Experience From the Pulling Curls’ Online Childbirth Class

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of the links I will make a small commission at no charge to you. I only recommend what I trust. Blunders in Babyland does not diagnose, treat, or give out any professional advice for any medical conditions. Another Note: Yes, I’m an affiliate for this course. Rest assured, my allegiance is to you, my reader! All of my opinions, criticisms, and praise are my own.

About the Class and Hilary

Just in case you’re completely new to the course (or maybe you’ve been recommended to it BY me and are looking for more information), the Online Prenatal Class for Couples was created by Hilary at Pulling Curls. Hilary’s a registered Labor and Delivery nurse who has seen thousands of births. I’ve personally seen one birth (my daughter’s) and that was enough for me. The lady has certainly done her time.

Throughout the course, she shares several tidbits and insights that only a L&D nurse can provide. I think this is one of her most valuable assets. She’s extremely direct (yet personable) and she’s able to share her personal experiences of birth without going on long tangents that we moms are ought to do.

Hilary designed the Online Prenatal Class for Couples specifically for busy couples that need to know the essentials of birthing without spending five hours in a hospital classroom.

This is not an online childbirth course designed to give you a thorough overview of of the vagina and exactly what happens to a baby’s cranium as it ejects from the birthing canal.

Nope. Like Hilary, the course is direct and only shares what you absolutely need to know.

The course is primarily taught through videos that Hilary recorded. Accompanying the videos is the written guide and discussion questions. 

I am glad that she included the written guide. I’m much more of a written learner and the guide really filled in the blanks for any questions that I still had after the video. In addition, Hilary has a comment section below the material where you can post any specific questions you might have.

The discussion questions are designed to be thought-provoking and genuinely prepare you and your partner for the birth of your baby. They’ll also keep your partner awake if his eyes starts glazing over…

 

Is the Online Prenatal Class for Couples Right for You?

 

This course is all about convenience. You’ll have access to it 24/7, anywhere you have the internet.

As I mentioned before, I took a prenatal course when I was in my third trimester. The course was offered at the hospital, on a  one of the sunniest Saturday afternoons Seattle had to offer. It was also FIVE. HOURS. LONG. I had to drag my bloated, exhausted butt off the couch and drive a half hour to the hospital. In the end, I was amazingly grateful we went, but it was a terrible inconvenience.

That’s one huge advantage the online prenatal course holds over your traditional classroom setting. Convenience, convenience, convenience.

Who This Online Childbirth Class Isn’t For…

Having said that, this childbirth class isn’t for everyone.

What type of learner are you? If you learn better through hands-on experience, with an in-person trainer right in front of you, then you should stick with a traditional childbirth class (or at minimum opt for the deluxe version of this class). Hilary is extremely responsive to email but the fact is, she’s not right there with you. That’s just a con of any online class.

The other factor is content. At the prenatal course I attended, we basically had a biology lesson before we ever got into the “meat” of childbirth. There were diagrams, charts, terminology  handouts…the instructor was very thorough. My notes on labor stages, birthing presentations, birthing tools, various pain management medications, etc. etc. looked like it came straight from a college course.

Hilary’s course is not like that. She does have a few diagrams and she does go over the essential terminology of birthing, but overall, her lessons are bite-sized chunks that give you the information you need to survive childbirth.

I believe this is an intentional approach. Hilary seems like a very practical person. My guess is, she knows that if she goes into all of the textbook stuff, you won’t remember half of it and you might gloss over the important stuff. Secondly,  remember, this is a couples course. Your partner will (hopefully) be sitting with you, watching the same content. He’s probably not as fascinated with childbirth as you might be.

So, if you love charts and graphs, and models of your pelvis (in an extremely structured format) you might want to stick with a traditional prenatal class. 

(I should probably also note that, while she doesn’t go into huge detail on certain topics in the course, she does provide additional resources—homework, if you will—that you can check out if you’d like to do more research.)

Purchase the Online Prenatal Class for Couples

 

What Topics Does the Online Prenatal Class for Couples Include?

Basically, labor from start to finish.

You’ll learn about the legitimate signs of labor, and which symptoms you should probably ignore. Just to name a few, she covers topics like contractions (how to tell if you’re legitimately having contractions vs. false labor), inductions, actually delivering your baby, what to expect from the L & D ward, c-sections, and touches on postpartum care.

She does give several insights from an L&D side of things that I appreciated, but I loved that she answered the questions I would’ve been too embarrassed to ask in a classroom setting.

For example, will I poop during childbirth? (spoiler alert: yes, you probably will.). What happens if I have to have a c-section? What does a contraction even feel like? Did I just pee myself or did my water actually break?

Although the traditional childbirth class I took was very, very thorough and my instructor was incredibly helpful, she only glossed over these topics and, as a somewhat-shy person, I never had the guts to ask in a large classroom setting.

Hilary answers all of those questions in the class. What she doesn’t answer, you can ask at your convenience (from behind the safety of a computer screen!).

More info on the Online Prenatal Class for Couples

 

The Pros and Cons of the Online Prenatal Class for Couples

So, enough of the highlights of the course. Now for the part that you’ve been waiting for: the pros and cons. I’m just going to sum up what I liked about the course since I’m sure you’ve gotten a fair idea from the content above and I’ll get into the specifics about what I didn’t like.

What I liked:

Bite-sized Chunks of Information – Hilary advertises that no minute is wasted. I tend to agree.

Price- For less than $100 you really can’t go wrong…

Terminology – While she does mention medical jargon, she isn’t obsessed with it. She uses a terms that you and I can understand and remember easily. 

Less Classroom-y, more workshop with real application.

Loved the Length – Not too short, not too lengthy. I think it took me about an hour to go through (I had 3 different sit-down sessions).

The Discussion Questions –  They are actually thought-provoking  and stuff you NEED to ask each other before your labor. I don’t anticipate your partner getting bored.

The Contractions Chapter and C-Section Chapter- The hospital prenatal course made this section way too complicated. By the end, I was ready to purchase a stopwatch and run my husband through regular training intervals. Hilary’s course explained the contractions concept way better. I also feel that if I had taken her course before I gave birth, I would’ve actually understood what a contraction was supposed to feel like…

I liked the c-section segment because she literally walks you through the process. Despite the fact that over 30 percent of pregnancies end in c-sections, I feel like a lot of hospital prenatal courses just breeze over this topic. In fact, when I arrived for my scheduled c-section, I was terrified and only knew what google told me. This really should not be the case! I love that Hilary really went into detail in this section. A 1 in 3 is not a statistic you want to leave to chance.

Postpartum Care- This is hugely important topic that most pregnant moms forget to research. She tells you what to expect postpartum and what warning signs (both physical postpartum care and postpartum depression) to look for.

Related Post: How to Turn a Posterior Baby for an Easier Labor 

What I didn’t Like

Bite-sized Chunks of Information – This style of course is a double-edged sword. I feel that some women with a classroom or hands-on learning style should stick with a traditional prenatal class given at the hospital. Be completely honest with yourself before you purchase this course. If you NEED an in-person instructor or you suspect that you’ll never have the discipline to finish a self-paced course, don’t do it. No matter how awesome the instructor or content, you will be dissatisfied.

The Pain Management Section. In the course, Hilary only briefly mentions childbirth positions, breathing techniques, and pain medication. I have mixed feelings about this issue. On one hand, I understand why Hilary doesn’t go into detail. After all, she’s an L & D nurse, not a doula or midwife. She’s very clear that her class is not a pain management course.

If you’re into natural childbirth, she provides several links to courses and articles that she recommends. However, I would have loved to hear her insider knowledge about what positions are the most effective, what techniques she’s seen other moms use, or more of her input on how to manage pain during childbirth.

 

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Which Version Should you Choose?

Hilary offers two versions of the Online Prenatal Class for Couples: the Full Deluxe Class and the standard Online Class.

The Full Deluxe Class is “live” and interactive. Enrollment is only offered during certain periods and there is a maximum class capacity (if the class gets too big she’ll never be able to help everyone). In addition to the online videos and ebook that you can view at your convenience, Hilary also walks you through the course via her Facebook group. That’s a great resource if you need a little extra motivation to stay with it.

I think the Facebook group is a definite asset here. The group gives you the chance to connect with other pregnant couples, see what they are dealing with/ what methods are working for them, and talk more with Hilary.

If you’re one of those people that loves a classroom setting and the community and accountability it provides, you’ll enjoy this version the most.

For this review, I tried the standard Online Prenatal Class for Couples. With this version, you’ll have access to Hilary’s online videos, the ebook, and the discussion panel. However, you won’t access Hilary’s Facebook group or students. It’s a great option if you’re not interested in the bells and whistles or you’re on a limited budget.

See Pricing for Classes

 

Is this Online Childbirth Class Worth It?

Honestly, I liked the course and I would definitely recommend it to my readers.

Before entering the course, I was little worried that the“bite-sized” chunks of information and “not a minute wasted” was code for a lack of information. But honestly, after completing the course, I don’t feel that way at all. I can’t think of any topic that Hilary didn’t at least touch on.

The format is easy to understand and goes in chronological order, and her approach is friendly, informative, and engaging. Most of all, she’s direct so you don’t run the risk of losing your partner five minutes in.

To sum it up: If you’re short on time, you hate the idea of discussing your vagina in front of strangers, and you have no interest in paying $200 for a childbirth class, then this course is perfect for you.

 

Okay, Mama! That’s my Online Prenatal Class for Couples Review. I hope it gives you a clear idea of what to expect as one of Hilary’s students. If you’d like to take the next step and purchase the Online Prenatal Class for Couples, you can do so by clicking the link.

 If you decide to take the course, please let us know what you thought of it in the comments below. We’d love your feedback 🙂

Don’t forget to check out some of my other pregnancy and baby-related posts below to help you prepare for your precious little one!

Purchase the Online Prenatal Class for Couples

Hey, Mama! I’m Erin and I help new and expecting moms prepare for their baby’s arrival.

In my opinion, Fall is the most beautiful season of the year. Crimson and umbre leaves, pumpkin spice lattes, boots, and nippy weather. What’s not to love?

And giving birth to a Fall baby? Even better. Fall babies are special. You have a chance to create a unique name that captures this unique season. You just need to find that name! If you’re bored of all the Autumns, Augusts, and Rowans (no idea why Rowan is a considered a fall-inspired baby name…) then this post is for you. We are diving into the most unique and beautiful Autumn baby names you can find.

I hope you find one that resonates with you!

Before we dig in, here are a few of my other pregnancy-inspired posts:

How You Can Have Amazing Sleep with a Breastfed Baby

17 Legitimate Pregnancy Freebies You Need to Grab

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30 Autumn Baby Names to Fall In Love With

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of the links I will make a small commission at no charge to you. I only recommend what I trust. Blunders in Babyland does not diagnose, treat, or give out any professional advice for any medical conditions. 

Ash (Ashoun)

Ashoun is actually Armenian for autumn. That makes the shortened version, Ash, one of the most clever baby names for the fall season.

 

Barley

I love Barley. It’s a twist on the more common name, Bailey, and a great nod to Fall’s harvest time.

 

Blaine

Blaine is a more popular name, but once again, it’s a clever acknowledgement of fall. It’s actually Gaelic for yellow!

 

Copper

This name is especially perfect for your little redhead. Copper is a classic name with a rustic twist.

 

Ember

Amber is a common fall-inspired name, that was, unfortunately, a little over-used in the 90s and early 2000s. Ember is a great variation of the common name and embodies everything fall represents.

 

Forest

If you believe in Zodiac signs, you know that Earth is Fall’s element. Forest (or Forrest) is a down-to-earth name that inspires a true appreciation of nature.

 

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Hazel

I don’t know about you, but when I hear the name Hazel, I think of hazelnut lattes, candles, and warmth.

 

Hemingway

You might think this is a stretch, but I think this is a definitely a baby name pertaining to the fall. Fall is the perfect time to cozy up and read a classic book. Naming your baby after your favorite author (Poe, Hemingway, Shakespeare) can add a special warmth.

 

Jasper

Jasper comes in many colors, but most popularly the rich ochre and burnt orange tones of october.

 

Jorah

Okay, if you’re a Game of Thrones fan, you’ll probably recognize this name, But, it’s the perfect autumn-inspired baby name! Jorah is actually Hebrew for “Early Rain.” DEFINITELY a highlight of the fall season.

 

Leif

This is a bit on the nose, I’ll admit, but it’s so cute! Leif is Scandinavian for heir or descendant. Taken literally, of course, it’s so appropriate.

 

Luna

The harvest moon is a critical component of the season (and especially Halloween). Luna is a timeless, beautiful name that every little girl can appreciate.

 

Kasper

Dutch version of Jasper, this “hauntingly” familiar name is a nod to the beautiful colors of fall and our favorite, friendly ghost.

 

Maple

Collecting brightly-colored maple tree leaves was one of my favorite activities as a kid. Maple is the perfect, and sweetest, autumn baby name you could ask for!

 

Octavia

Octavia is simply a nod to October. It’s classic, beautiful, and embodies intelligence and confidence.

 

Oliver

Oliver means olive tree. It’s an earthy name that invokes images of the classic tale, Oliver’s Twist.

 

Orla

This name is one of the most popular october-inspired baby names right now (don’t worry, it’s not popular enough that “everyone” is using it). Orla is gaelic for gold: the perfect representation of this season’s beautiful color scheme.

 

Raven

If you’re an Edgar Allen Poe fan, Raven is the perfect baby name for you. It inspires memories of gray, chilly days (if you’re a Fall-baby like me, there is no other warm and home-y thought!) and long, comforting nights. Plus, most of the time, ravens are our only avian friends during this season!

 

Reed

Another earthy name! Reeds are found in wet, marshy environments.

 

Rhea

Rhea is a relatively popularly name that means flowing stream and acknowledges the gentle rains of Fall.

 

Rosemary

Herbs and spices are very common for autumn baby names. Rosemary is a less common name that provides provides endless nickname options.

 

Rue

French for “reddish brown”, Roux is also a popular october-inspired baby name right now. Personally, I think of roux as the essential ingredient for a good gravy. A less popular variation of this name is Rue (which is, ironically, an herb!)

 

Rye

Rye can be your baby’s full name or a nickname for Ryanna or Ryan. It’s another harvest essential, and very unisex.

 

Saffron

Saffron is definitely of my favorite autumn baby names on this list. It’s an Indian spice that invokes images of rich crimson tones.

 

Serena

The moon phases are an essential part of the fall season. I love this name because its beautiful, rarely used, and not quite as on-the-nose as Luna.

 

Siena

This reddish brown color is found all over the place during October and November. Why not name your child after it?

 

Stella

How is Stella an autumn name? One word: Oktoberfest. Stella, French for star, is the perfect october-inspired baby name for Stella Artois fans.

 

Sorrell

Sorrell is French for reddish brown hair and a pretty amazing boot brand ;). It’s also unisex, and is perfect if you’re waiting to reveal the gender until birth.

 

Todd

Have you ever seen the Fox and the Hound? Remember Todd, the Fox? Of course, Todd is a variation of Fox (very on the nose, Disney!). I can think of no other animal that represents fall more than the fox.  

 

Wesley

Wesley is an earthy, unisex name that means western meadow.  

 

There you have it, Mama! 30 baby names for the fall season! I hope you loved these adorable baby names and, most of all, I hope you found one that spoke to your heart. If you enjoyed this post, please share it and follow me on Pinterest for more pregnancy planning posts!

 

Enjoy this beautiful fall season!

When my husband and I discovered that we were pregnant, one of the first things we did was run to Toys R’ Us (R.I.P.) to look at the car seats. That’s about the time our enthusiasm died.

As exciting as buying your baby’s car seat might be, the price tag is enough to make you choke.

If you’re looking for a car seat on a budget, don’t feel bad. This post will show you the safest, most convenient car seats on the market–for the best price!  Here you’ll find the absolute best infant car seats of 2018 for under $300.

Let’s bargain hunt!

 

The Best Infant Car Seats of 2018 for Under $300

This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase from one of the links I will make a small commission at no charge to you. I only recommend what I trust. Thank you for your support! Blunders in Babyland does not diagnose, treat, or give out any professional advice for any medical conditions. 

What is an Infant Car Seat and Why Should You Get One?

There are three things you need to know about infant car seats:

1. An infant car seat is specifically designed for babies under 2 years old.
2. Infant car seats are always rear-facing.
3. Generally, the weight capacity for infant car seats ranges from 4-30lbs, with a maximum height of 35”.

When your baby maxes out of the infant car seat, you will either need to buy a convertible or 3-1 car seat (both still need to be rear-facing until your child is 3).

So, why not knock out two birds with one stone and just buy a convertible car seat now?

There are several benefits to buying an infant car seat that a convertible car seat just can’t beat:

• Infant car seats double as a carrier. Believe me, when a newborn  baby is sleeping the last thing you want to do is wake her up at your new location.
• Convertible car seats may be too large for a preemie.
• Some come equipped with the LATCH quick-connect base systems, an invaluable feature.
• Many infant car seats include additional safety features specifically designed for newborns

Related Article: How to Get Your Newborn on the Perfect Sleep Schedule

Important Features to Look for in The Best Infant Car Seats

Safety

All of the best infant car seats on this list meet and exceed federal safety regulations. You should never compromise safety for price, and you can be assured that any car seat on this list is a safe buy.

 

Infant Car Seats with Bases

If you’re entirely new to the concept of infant car seat bases, a base is installed in your car prior to the car seat, either by a seatbelt or a car’s integrated LATCH system. Most cars newer than 2003 come equipped with a LATCH system. After the base is secured, you simply place the car seat on top. It will click into place and you’re good to go.

When you arrive at your stop, instead of unhooking and rethreading the seatbelt through your car seat, you simply press a button and lift it out of the base.

This is an incredibly convenient feature that I could not live without.

All of the car seats on this list include a base that is LATCH compatible.

 

Price

Price is an important feature. As I’m sure you’ve noticed, baby gear is expensive. You need to distribute your funds wisely. So, this list will look at safe and comfortable car seats that are budget-friendly. Most of the items on this list are under $250, but all are under $300.

 

Related Article: The Best Amazon Prime Day Deals for Baby Gear

The Best Infant Car Seats 2018 for Under $300

Brand	Image	Car seat Weight	Child Weight/Height	Rating	Stroller Bundle?
Chicco KeyFit 30 (Standard or ZipAir)		10lbs	30lbs or 30"	4.6 (Standard) 5 (Zip Air)	Yes (Keyfit 30 Only)
Chicco Fit2 Infant & Toddler Seat		11lbs	35lbs or 35"	4.4	No
Perego Primo Viaggio 4/35		9.5lbs	35lbs or 32"	4.4	No
Britax Endeavours Car Seat		11.5lbs	35lbs or 32"	4.4	Coming Soon!
Graco SnugRide Click Connect 35		7lbs	35lbs or 32"	4.4	Yes

My Pick: The Chicco Keyfit 30 Air Zip

The Chicco Keyfit 30 is a versatile car seat that can satisfy most families. I personally chose this car seat because it had many  “luxurious” features without the price tag. I also loved the compatible,  highly-rated strollers. The Keyfit 30 ranks well on crash tests, ease of use, appearance, and price.

The Chicco Keyfit 30 offers several models at ranging price points to accommodate everyone’s needs and budget. The “standard” Keyfit 30 model offers the same basic functions as the higher-end Keyfit 30 Zip Air (the model I purchased), such as the SuperCinch Latch Tightener, removable and machine-washable seat pad, and an easy base installation. However, if you can spring for the Zip Air, I would. The breathable mesh padding, extended canvas, and upgraded fabrics make the extra $20 worthwhile.

If you’re looking for the ultimate budget-buy, you can purchase the Bravo Stroller Bundle, which includes the standard Chicco Keyfit 30 and the Bravo stroller (which I also recommend!).

The biggest downfall to this model is the weight capacity and the lack of a no-rethread harness.  

Pros:

• Only 10lbs
• Budget-friendly
• SuperCinch Latch Tightener
• High crash test ratings
• Breathable 3D Mesh (You don’t think you’ll need this until your baby is in direct sunlight or has a crying spell that causes him to sweat!) (Air Zip Only)
• Machine-washable, easily removable fabric and seat pads
• Extendable canopy (Air Zip Only)
• User-friendly LATCH installation
• Great compatible stroller selection

 

Cons:

• Standard Keyfit 30’s fabric isn’t that impressive
• Lacks no-rethread harness
• Smallest weight capacity on this list

 

2 Newest Model: Chicco 2Fit

The Chicco Fit2 is a great alternative to the Peg Perego Viaggio, especially if you’re not keen on the Peg Perego stroller or the car seat’s price tag. In addition, the Fit2 solves the Keyfit 30’s downsides for only a small step up in price.

The new weight capacity for the Fit2 is 35lbs or 35”.  It offers a unique 2-Stage reclining system to give your toddler the leg room he’ll need. Finally, the Keyfit 30’s greatest downfall, the lack of a rethread harness, is solved.

This model also has a new anti-rebound bar, which has the potential to minimize the energy of an impact in the event of an accident. Studies are undecided on how effective an anti-rebound bar is (especially with varying models), but an independent study by Britax suggested that they can reduce rebound rotation by 40%.

Rebound bars=good thing.

 

Pros:

• Largest weight capacity: 35lbs or 35”
• One-button handle-release
• SuperCinch Latch Tightener
• No-rethread harness
• Extremely user-friendly LATCH installation
• Large Compatible Stroller Selection
• Machine-washable, easily removable fabric and seat pads
• Anti-Rebound Bar

 

Cons:

• Ties for Heaviest Model: 11.5lbs
• Surprisingly lackluster fabrics
• Safety tests ranked slightly lower than the Chicco Keyfit 30

Peg Perego Primo Viaggio 4-35

 

The Peg Perego Primo Viaggio is the most expensive car seat on this list, but it come with a few safety and convenience features that might make it worth the extra $40.

(Note: As I’m writing this, the Peg Perego Primo Viaggio is on sale at Amazon for the same price as the Chicco 2Fit, so I’d at least check it out!)

Many of the car seats boast additional safety features ( Britax, for example), but lack the data to prove its efficiency. Peg Perego puts their money where their mouth is; this model has the highest safety rating on this list.

In addition, the Peg Perego has so many cool features that make it worthwhile, such as the toddler reclining system, 6 position, no rethread harness, and high-end fabric and foam. You’ll find smaller details that create a much better experience, such as fittings to hold the harness straps while you get baby situated or the plush seat cushions.

 

Pros

• Capacity: 35lbs and 32”
• Color-Coated seat belt system (for European baseless installation)
• Advanced side-impact protection
• Anti-rebound bar
• Toddler recline system
• User-friendly LATCH installation
• 6-Position no-rethread harness
• High-end fabrics (Italian leather edition available!)
• Only 9.5lbs!

 

Cons

• Generally, higher price tag
• Compatible Peg Perego Stroller is mediocre

 

Britax Endeavours

Britax is a staple among car seat brands. Sold first in the UK, they were the brand of choice for all three of Prince William’s children. The Britax Endeavour has many features that the popular (and less expensive) B-Safe 35 model is lacking, such as an anti-rebound bar, additional headrest protection, quick-remove padding, and a no-rethread harness.

The downfall to this car seat is the price vs. safety rating. Like the rest of the car seats on this list, it exceeds Federal safety standards, however, the Endeavour is ranked poorly compared to the competition.

Also, although Britax specifies that the car seat can hold a child up to 35lbs and 32”, some parents have complained that their child outgrew it well before that threshold.

 

Pros

• Capacity: 35lbs and 32”
• 5 Point, no-rethread harness
• 4 System Safety Padding, including the Safecell base, energy-absorbing foam, steel frame, and additional headrest padding
• Includes European seatbelt system as well as American (if you don’t have the LATCH connectors).
• Compatible with esteemed Britax strollers
• Anti-rebound bar

 

Cons

• Ties for the heaviest model: 11.5lbs
• Despite additional safety features, crash tests are about average
• LATCH connectors are stiff and are less user-friendly
• Padding and fabric is only hand-washable!
• Snug fit
• Stiff fabric

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Graco Snugride Click Connect 35

 

If you’re on a strict budget, the Graco Snugride Snuglock 35 could be a great fit for you. You’ll find that this infant carrier has many of the conveniences and safety features as the more expensive models above, but it does make a few price-related compromises you’ll need to consider.

This car seat is blessedly light. If you’re a small person (or have a really big baby), a 7lb car seat will be a great asset. Despite its own weight, the SnugRide’s weight capacity is still up to par with the competition. The Snugride also offers recline adjustment to give your toddler some leg room.

Although the carrier exceeds federal safety test ratings, this model is the lowest performing carseat on this list. It is also much more basic, using a manual rethread harness and a hook LATCH system.

If you’re looking for the ultimate budget-friendly bundle, Graco also sells this car seat with the  Fastaction Fold Jogger.

Pros

• Very budget-friendly
• Capacity: 35lbs, 32”
• Lightest option on the list at 7.5lbs
• Adjustable recline with a color-coded age guide

 

Cons

• Lowest safety rating
• Hook LATCH system
• Manual rethread
• Fabric and padding feels cheap compared to the competition
• Mechanisms are more likely to get stuck over time

 

There you have it, Mama: The best infant car seats under $300.

My best overall choice is the Chicco Keyfit 30. For the price, it is a reliable, feature-filled car seat that can hold your little one safely and comfortably. However, the other car seats on this list are excellent choices, depending on your budget and needs.

Whatever you do, try not to be stressed about your decision. Pick a car seat, try it out, and if it doesn’t work for your baby, don’t sweat it. If you purchase your car seat with Amazon Prime, you have a worry-free return policy to fall back on.

(By the way, if you’re not a Prime Member, you can try it out for 30 days free with this link!)

I hope you enjoyed my guide on the best infant car seats of 2018! If you saw a car seat on this list that you love (or hate!) please let us know in the comments below.

Hey, Mama!

I’m Erin from Blunders in Babyland. Either you’re here because you’ve been following my Breech Baby Series or you’re at the final stage of your pregnancy and you want a nice, easy labor.

You’ve endured 9 long months of pregnancy, but there’s still one last scenario you should plan for: how to turn a posterior baby.

Posterior babies (AKA sunny side up baby) isn’t really a situation many pregnant mamas consider. Sometimes a posterior baby means nothing. Other times, posterior baby can wreck your labor and undo all of the hard preparation you’ve done.

I say don’t leave anything to chance! This post will tell you exactly what a posterior presentation is, the complications and risks associated with it, and most importantly, how to turn a posterior baby.

[Read more…] about How to Turn a Posterior Baby for an Easier Labor