Am I the only one who didn't know ...

Melicakes · July 2011

that birthing classes cost money? (And apparently ,serious money at that...) Embarrassed

I kind of figured the ones in a center where all the couples go ( like they show on tv , my only frame of reference) would have some cost, but not as much as $400?

Are the classes offered at the hospital also at a cost?

I have my next OB appointment on 8/8, I was going to ask her about classes , I guess now I will ask her about cost as well !

jesselayne8 · July 2011

I think it depends on where you live. i signed up for free Bradley classes and a breastfeeding class that was only $10.

Temp616379875002458 · July 2011

I'm sure the cost of living adjustment from Austin to NY is pretty dramatic, but our classes were anywhere from $30-$80/90 for birthing, newborn care, CPR and BF'ing.

I would just look for additional resources - I bet you can find a better deal?

Swede25 · July 2011

My breastfeeding class was pretty cheap, but our childbirth class was $60 for 2 sessions (all of the classes are through the hospital center). Some of the classes they offered are free, but not a whole lot. They also did this bundle thing where if you schedule certain classes together they give a reduced rate.

nycbride0707 · July 2011

Definitely not free-my 2 all day Saturdays birthing class is $200 and the breastfeeding class is $50-this is all through my hospital, not a fancy Rosie Pope class

I was looking on my HSA (flexible spending) and apparently they might cover the cost, as long as its only about birth (they actually said something on the sheet about prorating to take out of the cost of 'newborn care' if that is discussed-how ridiculous!) I'm sure every hospital is different, but I figured since I'm a FTM, we should do it.

kthappy76 · July 2011

Not much in this life is free hon...

We are delivering and taking our classes at a major teaching hospital and the classes are not cheap, but I figure it's a one time deal and pretty important. There may be lower cost options if you dig around. GL!

Melicakes · July 2011

** Furiously writing a long list of questions to ask Dr. R at next appointment**

KYRN · July 2011

My hospital has a list of classes and all of them are free. Might check into some different hospitals even if you don't plan to deliver there.

NicoleeBonsai · July 2011

my hospital doesn't offer classes (major teaching hospital as well)! i'm going to be taking a class here in NJ instead.

well, i should say i'm not taking a birthing class. i just don't think i need it. i'm going to take a BFing class to learn more about it to see if it will work for me ($40) and hopefully a multiples class ($160). not sure what they will teach in the multiples class, but i figure i'll take all the advice i can get about having 2 babies at once!

ETA - my insurance will reimburse $50 for one child birth class. not sure if the BFing class counts. pretty sure the multiples class won't. you should call and find out!

amh1979 · July 2011

I was a little surprised by this as well. There are some offered at my hospital for $10-20 but the breastfeeding one they recommend is $200! I was going to call to see if insurance might cover all or some of the costs but I haven't yet.

steveandkim2 · July 2011

Its definitely not cheap. That said, I don't think classes are absolutely necessary either, so I wouldn't worry if you don't take them. DH and I tend to be very "academic learners" so classes mesh with our lifestyle, but I don't think they're necessary. For reference, our classes (in NJ about 10 mins from Philly) in the hospital are ~$100 session. We've also added infant CPR, Bradley birth (which is expensive) and private bf classes with a lactation consultant/doula who also provides post-partum support as part of her fee (which is what I want). All in - I think we're spending $600 on classes.

ashlyrose · July 2011

My breastfeeding class cost $5 and was offered through my local hospital. The birthing classes were $60 (i didn't attend those)

Eriksgal · July 2011

They don't charge for classes at my hospital if you are registered there. That is for the basic ones though like BFing, Baby Care, etc. They don't offer the Bradley ones.

JenCW · July 2011

Non-state-aid individuals certainly get anything for free in Southern California (but that's another discussion all together).

Anyway, my prepared childbirth class was $150 for hubby and me. We took an infant CPR and first aid class (certified by Amer Red Cross) and it was $120 for the two of us. We also sent our boys to a sibling class (to get them excited and a little prepared) and that was $90 for the three of them. These were all offered through our hospital.

diego299 · July 2011

All of our classes except baby CPR ($30) were offered free at the hospital. I was kind of shocked by this bc I assumed we would have to pay soemthing.

Sunshine05 · July 2011

I'm taking classes through our hospital and there is a small fee with each of them, $15 each for the infant CPR and breastfeeding classes. The all-day Saturday childbirth class with hospital tour is $50. Surprisingly the unmedicated delivery class is free.

cbubbles2 · July 2011

My childbirth class is 4 sessions and it's $98.00. All other classes, CPR, breastfeeding, baby basics, etc are free. Now I feel bad for complaining about the $98!

Echloe · July 2011

My 5 week class via the hospital birth center was $180. Which I thought was pricey. I wouldn't pay $400.

love2b_mrst · July 2011

At my hospital most classes are $10 each, and the preparing for childbirth class which is the longer lamaze type one is only $40.

PurplePanda83 · July 2011

The birthing class at my hospital was $50, but I opted for a $150 all day intensive class with an outside company because it covered more natural techniques whereas the hospital class offered to me was basically only about what to expect for an epidural or C-section. If you shop around in your area you should be able to find a variety of prices, but I was also taken aback by the expense of some classes. GL!

brandywine2010 · July 2011

Maybe try looking for other options. I am sure it varies by where you live. I just registered for classes (Lamaze and BF) and they are $50.00 total. However, I called three hospitals to find the best price. I live in a pretty rural area though and I'm sure that has a lot to do with it.

FabulousMrs.P · August 2011

Our hospital birthing class is something like $165. We are taking a baby care basics course that is an additional $30.

Some of the other birth classes (outside of the hospital) were $400.

Am I the only one who didn't know ...

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