Mama Natural Birth Course vs Kopa Birth: What’s the Difference?
Ladies, this post is a long time coming. For a years, I’ve written reviews on various pregnancy courses. The two most popular I’ve reviewed, by far, is the Mama Natural Birth Course and The Kopa Birth Class. It goes to follow that the most common question I get is this: what’s the difference between the Mama Natural Birth Course and the Kopa Birth Class?
Totally valid question. Both classes deliver amazing tips on how to achieve an unmedicated birth. Both are taught by highly credible women. And, both are highly acclaimed. So which should you purchase? Well, that’s where this post comes in. I’m going to go over the main differences between these online pregnancy classes. A “try-before-you-buy” contrast, if you will. I hope this post helps you select the best course for you!
My personal experience
Let me start with the awful truth–my first birthing experience was a complete dumpster fire. Although I ambitiously wanted to go epidural-free, I was physically unfit and, to be perfectly honest, simply unprepared. I didn’t understand the negative effects of inductions or how to effectively cope with pain. I’d only taken the course provided by the hospital (which taught very limited labor techniques) and only knew what I knew.
The end result was nineteen hours of labor that concluded with an epidural and ten more ours of labor. It. Was. Awful.
The second round, I wanted to be ready. As a writer, I’ve had the pleasure of reviewing several online birth courses, including the Kopa Birth and Mama Natural Birth Course. Let me premise this article with this disclaimer–both courses of phenomenal. You really can’t go wrong with either choice. However, each class delivers this information very differently. Some people with connect better with Genevieve’s more conversational approach, while others will learn better from Katie’s more textbook approach.
Personally, I thought I would connect more with Katie’s course because I can be extremely Type-A. Instead, I found myself embracing the more laidback, “what feels good for you” style Genevieve taught. Really, it just depends on your personality.
For your reference, the FULL reviews of each course are right below. Feel free to check them out after this comparison!
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Mama Natural Birth Course vs. Kopa Birth
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. Blunders in Babyland does not diagnose, treat, or give out any professional advice for any medical conditions.
Natural Birthing Experience at the Hospital vs. Birthing Centers
First of all, let’s talk about the biggest, most important difference between Mama Natural Birth Course and Kopa Birth.
Kopa was created specifically for women who want to have a natural childbirth in the hospital. If that’s you (and me) this information was specifically curated for you. Now, if you’re planning to have a baby in a natural birthing center, that’s cool. You can still purchase the course and get a lot out of it, but just know that it will be talking more about the hospital specifically. I really liked Katie’s approach to modern medicine as well. Very accepting and non-judgmental, however, also upfront about it.
Genevieve and Maura go into detail about birthing centers and home births. They do talk about hospital births, but in my opinion the content is a little more focused on experiences outside of that environment.
Mama Natural Birth Course, on the other hand, embraces a more holistic approach. You’ll talk about how to prepare for your labor even in the first trimester. Which foods to eat, how to stretch and exercise and stay limber. Which natural foods may prepare your cervix for labor. All that good stuff.
Learning Style
Kopa Birth is veeeeeeery in-depth. It takes a step-by-step approach to natural childbirth. Katie focuses on the mechanics of relaxation and coping techniques. She explains the methodology behind what you’re learning and provides careful, guided breathing exercises for you to follow along with.
Inside the course, you’ll find rigorous homework assignments and even a mock labor (which is the closest “practice session” you’ll get to birthing.)
If you’d like to sample her format, you can actually watch one of her lessons right here. It’ll give you a good idea of what I mean!
Mama Natural is more casual and conversational. Think panel-style learning. Genevieve and her co-host Maura chat with each other, explaining each aspect of the birthing process. At one point, Genevieve brings her husband in and delivers a great segment just for Dads.
Both courses feature factual techniques, helpful workbooks, exercises, and images to help you learn the content easily. Also, both courses offer hands-on, step-by-step tutorials for you to practice. Personally, I enjoyed the Mama Natural Birth Courses exercises a smidgen more. But, yet again, that wasn’t because of a difference in quality. Just personal preference.
12-Month Access vs. Lifetime Access
Both courses give you 12 month-access. That’s a long time to procrastinate! (I’m kidding…kind of…) That duration gives you a little extra time to refer back to the breastfeeding and postpartum information.
(Just a note on that, both courses offer some beginner, entry-level breastfeeding information, but if you want a deep-dive, you need to check out the breastfeeding course.)
However, with the Kopa Pro course, you’ll receive everything above PLUS lifetime access. Super handy if you’re planning to have multiple babies. You wouldn’t think that you’d forget all this information between births but…you can. Trust me.
Extra Goodies
Kopa offers some pretty cool goodies. An extremely thorough workbook, audio meditations, Katie’s unmedicated birthing video and a mock labor!
The Mama Natural Birth Course offers additional birthing videos (they aren’t terribly graphic, but some women may get squeamish by the sounds. I found them incredibly helpful). It also offers a physical freebie, birth affirmation cards. They’re so pretty! It’s nice to have them on your bedside.
Mama Natural Birth Course vs Kopa Birth: Which did you choose?
Alright, there you have it! I hope this highlighted the differences easily enough. Keep in mind that you can get a sneak peak of the Mama Natural Birth Course here and Kopa Birth Class here. Check ‘em out, see which style of learning you connect with better.
I should note that BOTH classes are FSA/HSA eligible! A huge win!
If you have any other questions about my experiences, let me know. I’m happy to add to this article.
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