Anyone taking actual Bradley classes?

jaclynwas17 · August 2013

I'm really interested in a Bradley birth and have been looking at classes in the area. One trainer has a class but is charging $300. This seems a little expensive. Is this the going rate for a Bradley class? Is it worth it, or would I be better off to just read the book and go to a regular labor class? Thanks ladies!

PreDempsey · August 2013

I'm trying to find something local that doesn't break the bank. Everything I've found is $250-$300 like you're finding. I'm most likely going to end up getting the book too.

rowanthefrog · August 2013

$325 in my area.

A

PrincessSillyPutty · August 2013

I'm so jealous, the going rate in my area is $450-$500! We are saving to start next month. We spoke with alot of different people and from what I have heard the regular l&d classes aren't much to write home about. We were able to find a really well reviewed instructor who got us in touch with prior graduates. It seems like the cost is justified by the amount of hours, materials you are given, and (in our case) unlimited access to the instructor all the way through pregnancy, birth, and beginning of babydom. Hope you find a class or plan you are excited about. After talking to people that have gone through Bradley we are thrilled to start classes soon.

gingerbabe · August 2013

$300 is the price here too. I thought I wanted to take the classes for my first pg, but I am ridiculously frugal/cheap and wasn't sure it was worth the money, so I called the instructor and asked to take the first class free to see if I liked it. She agreed, so DH and I went to the class and hated it! I love Bradley method but we both hate class settings and was not fond of the teacher. So I'm glad I attended it free before diving in. Problem was, by the time I attended that first class, most other classes in the area (of any style of childbirth) were full. So DH and I studied books (including the guide they give you in Bradley classes, which I got from my sister) and tried to be the best prepared without breaking the bank. But we weren't prepared enough for med-free labor. Practicing the methods in class is what really preps you, and I did not practice what I was reading.

lmills730 · August 2013

My hospital offers a Natural Childbirth Preparedness class which, when I called, teaches Bradley methods and is $185 for a 3-hour a week, 4 week class (so 12 total hours). I am sure it doesn't go as in-depth as the Bradley-specific classes but it might be something to look into if you don't want to break the bank?

BuckeyeANG · August 2013

We took a Lamaze type class through my OBs office the first time around, which worked for us since I had no intention of going med free. This time I would like to try to avoid pain meds, so I am reading (and making DH read) Dr. Bradley's book. The classes are $300 in our area and its like 3 months once a week which was too big of a commitment at this time. So hopefully this will be enough! I might look into hypnobabies too.

halfthetree · August 2013

That is how much is charged in my area as well. We took the course last time, the knowledge was invaluable, she taught us so much!! We are going to take the refresher crash course this time, but I am studying hypnobabies so I won't be using the "pain management" aspects of the course.

juliasmama2010 · August 2013

I just emailed a woman yesterday about the classes she offers and she's $200 for the 12 week course. Still can't decide if I actually want to do the classes or if I should just try to learn from the book. But I know if I do the book over classes, DH will not participate at all. If I do classes, he'll be forced to! Mwahahaha!

kilbs · August 2013

I can't remember what we paid when we went for my first pregnancy, but DH and I absolutely loved it! When I first got pregnant, I was so terrified of child birth. By the end of the class I was so comfortable and felt so knowledgeable about my options and with the process and excited about giving birth. For us, it was money well spent!

Also, since it's a 12-week class, we became close with the three other couples in our class and we still stay in touch and occasionally have play dates. We all had baby girls within two weeks of each other so it's so much fun to watch them all growing up.

Summer889 · August 2013

$350 in my area. I just signed up. We start in October. I'm really excited!!!

You can probably find the books at your library, so definitely look through them and see if you think it's something you could learn on your own. I'm not a terrific self-study-er, so I don't think I could do it. Having a class to attend once a week for 12 weeks will force DH and I to practice!

mrskratt · August 2013

I'm taking it and starting in two weeks!! It's $300 here but I have read too many good things about the actual class. Plus, I learn better in a class and hands-on setting.

MPLSdesigner · August 2013

We took the 12 week class with our first, and the teacher was also our doula. Invaluable!! You get what you pay for. A book won't give you much more than an overview - the real learning comes by going week after week, listening, practicing and learning. We are still very close with our "Bradley Babies" families and we hired the same woman as our doula again. $300 isn't that much in the grand scheme of things and a very good use of your "baby budget" imo. if you are still concerned with the price maybe ask for it as a shower gift and have a group chip in.

Want a personalized experience?

Anyone taking actual Bradley classes?

Re: Anyone taking actual Bradley classes?

Fell in love: Dec 2005 // Married: Feb 9, 2013

Little Miss Rosalie Harper--Born Jan 9th, 2014

Choose Another Board

Search Boards