Child birth classes cost HOW MUCH!?

yesthisiskim

I finally registered for our hospital tour (in 4 weeks!) and I was browsing the other classes that the hospital offers. My jaw hit the floor when I saw they wanted to charge $100 for a one-day child birth class! I think I'll save my money and let mother nature lead the way. They had all these really great classes but they were all crazy expensive! As if having a baby isn't expensive enough...

billyandsara

The prices depend on the class, our hospital offers a 4 week "what to expect during labor and delivery" type class and thats 150.00 per couple. They also have a what to expect when you bring baby home class and thats a one day class for 35.00 per couple. I think thats the one we are going to do and lets the nurses explains the rest to me when I am in labor.

akating

I know one that is a "natural" birthing class and they want 250$. I said no thank you and decided to let mother nature do her thing also. I figured I will learn what I need to from you ladies and my other IRL friends.

ams8099

Mine will cost $60 for a 6 week course. Do you have other hospitals in your area? I wouldn't think you would have to goto the one where you are delivering.

elow23

At our hospital they charge $75 for a 4 week childbirth class, and for $85 you get the birthing classes, and a breast feeding, child cpr, and a parent survial class. I thought that was a pretty good deal.

sarahbeth827

The one we signed up for is a ten week class that covers child birth, infant care, and breastfeeding. The class was $135 per couple. We start this Tuesday!

yesthisiskim

lovindasox:

At our hospital they charge $75 for a 4 week childbirth class, and for $85 you get the birthing classes, and a breast feeding, child cpr, and a parent survial class. I thought that was a pretty good deal.

That sounds like a fantastic, fair price. That's what I was expecting but was completely blown away when I looked them up.

Call me naive (because I truly am) but I really didn't think that they would cost me anything. Silly thought, obviously. But I still think $100 is a robbery. Like I said, I think I'm going to leave it up to mother nature now.

MissLadyTay

Yeah, that sounds standard.  Our child birth class is $80, breastfeeding is $50, infant CPR and infant care are each $40.  I actually assumed they would cost more - maybe my expectations are out of whack.  I'm happy to pay it, as I think everything we learn will pay off in the long run.

Doug_Laura07

In NW Ga our local hospital charges $85 for a 6 week course (meets once a week...or they do an all day course on the weekends for the same price).  I didn't think it was unreasonable price.  You can tour the hospital maternity area (2 hours, guided) for free though. 

We are doing the hospital course on a Saturday and we're also doing a natural childbirth class in Roswell for $250 for 6 weeks.  That trip is 1.5 hours drive from us each way - but we are looking most forward to learning all we can there. 

Laura

Nechie122

What kind of things do they cover in childbirth education? DH and I are paying $295 for a two-day Lamaze class. Same thing or different? Being from NYC, though, $100 doesn't sound that bad.

ManiacMcGee

Thats about what mine costs and it is a whole lot less than I'd be willing to spend to feel prepared and ready for this event.

RunningGal900

Our class is about $100 for childbirth only, plus another $35 for baby care, plus another $35 for breastfeeding. My understanding is that if you are planning on having a drug-free birth classes for relaxation and pain management are highly recommended. If you are planning on an epidural they are less necessary. I'm fully planning on an epi, but I'm going to take the class anyway just to feel prepared.

LadyXaverian

We're paying $200 for five 2.5 hour Hypnobirthing classes. It actually may only cost $165 because I already have the materials that we need.

I'm going to check with my doctor at our next appointment to see if there's something standard that the hospital does as well.

AllysonKG

ManiacMcGee:

Thats about what mine costs and it is a whole lot less than I'd be willing to spend to feel prepared and ready for this event.

This.

I just spent $240 total for a child birth class, breast feeding class, infant CPR and infant care classes.  It's a chunk of change for sure, but I think it will be well worth it. 

ohiostategal

All classes at my hospital are free for couples delivering at the hospital except the CPR class which is 15.  However I am taking a 6 week labor class from a doula that is 200 which doesn't seem bad for 6 classes. 

MrsRoy07

That seems like a lot to me, but it could depend on where you live. Our hospital offers a four week class for only $45. We opted to take the class offered at my OB's office instead b/c we heard bad things about the hospital class- the class at my ob office is $60.

We also have a couple maternity/breastfeeding specialty stores in the area that offer childbirth classes taught by nurses- maybe look into something like that to see if it's a less expensive alternative?

DucatiLeah

AllysonKG:

ManiacMcGee:

Thats about what mine costs and it is a whole lot less than I'd be willing to spend to feel prepared and ready for this event.

This.

I just spent $240 total for a child birth class, breast feeding class, infant CPR and infant care classes.  It's a chunk of change for sure, but I think it will be well worth it. 

This is how much we're spending too, minus the CPR class. The CPR class was another $130 and it didn't even include an actual Red Cross certification. My friend is a certified instructor though, so she's going to teach us and then we just have to pay $15 each for the certification card.  The classes aren't cheap, but I'm happy to have as much knowledge as possible, and have the opportunity to meet some other moms/dads.

chlsymarie

My hospital/birth center offers a 6 week childbirth class (covering everything from feelings during pregnancy through the labor and even car seat installation) for $40 or it all lumped into one afternoon for $60.  The one evening breast-feeding class is $10 and I will probably do it the week after my childbirth classes end.  I can't believe how much the classes are costing for most of you ladies! My mother was surprised at the $40 fee because hers "were free like they should be!" Ha.

claytonswife2011

Wow i didn't know childbirth classes cost money both the one day and the 6 week classes offered at my hospital are free... We did the one day class and the second half of the day was my favorite we started the second half with relaxation techniques and a massage given by our coaches...it was wonderful best two hours ever and then we had an hour tour of the maternity ward and covered cpr again all free...

May242003

Our 6-week (2 hours a night / once a week) is $75.  The one day or two half-day ones cost the same.  Our insurance will pay for $70 once we finish the course so check with your insurance to see if they cover anything.  Breastfeeding and cpr are separate courses that are each around $35 (that our insurance doesn't cover) but I'll be signing up for them soon.

yesthisiskim

May242003:

Our 6-week (2 hours a night / once a week) is $75.  The one day or two half-day ones cost the same.  Our insurance will pay for $70 once we finish the course so check with your insurance to see if they cover anything.  Breastfeeding and cpr are separate courses that are each around $35 (that our insurance doesn't cover) but I'll be signing up for them soon.

Ooh, what a great suggestion! I didn't even think of that! Hopefully they will cover some if not all of it.

I work at a daycare as an infant room teacher so I am CPR certified already. We can't take a 6-week corse because of my DH's crazy schedule & hours (he's a poilice officer). I feel like I have a good grip on everything baby but I wanted to do childbirth & breastfeeding/pumping coarses - two things that I'm clueless about. We shall see.
But it is interesting to hear what the prices are for other bumpies around the states!

Mella&T

Honestly though, what is $100 in the grand scheme of having a baby. Plus, this is your health and your baby's health you're talking about. I would gladly give up some other $100 baby item to be fully prepared for a birthing experience. I would also look around and see if they are cheaper at any other local hospital. Ours is $75 for a 4 week class or 1 full day. I haven't thought twice about paying it.

biblionerd

Wow! I didn't realize how lucky I was that all of my hospital's classes are free. Not to rub it in...

Cabrita

In nyc I'm seeing $350 for a 15 hour class (either weekend or over 4-5 weeks). We bought the hypnobabies home course instead and we're reading books like "The Birth Partner." I think we'll be well-prepared.

But I'm a little bummed because my mom says she met some of her best mom friends in the birthing class she took--I guess I need to go find free ways to meet expecting moms (MOPS? Meet-up?).

 

TheBenonas

SouthSideDrea:

I hate to say it, but that sounds about standard.

ditto i think its $80 per person and not per couple.... 

Kmhsswim

My insurance also gives $100 towards the cost of a course.  I just have to send in a form after we take it and they send us out a check. 

 My sister signed up for a one day course for $180 that is good for two people.  She is due six weeks ahead of me, but her DH is deployed, so we are going to go together instead. 

krysimulf

This is making me feel lucky!  We got a 10 week labor and delivery, baby care, and breast feeding package for $130, and I thought that was expensive!  Since we are first time parents we thought it was worth it, but next time around, I don't think we'll be taking any classes!

shaindelr

Where I live is really rural/low-cost, and they are $35 for the six week courses. The classes are when I'm teaching, so since I can't make it to the classes, the nurses gave me all of the materials for free and the head L&D nurses's email addie to ask any questions.

I wouldn't think they'd be $100 where you are. I don't blame you for being surprised.

patientblueeyes1980

At my hospital the childbirth classes are $90.00 for a 3 week session.  Lactation class is $25.00.  You may want to check with your insurance company to see if they are covered.  Mine are covered 100% through my insurance.