Intro and Question re: Classes

carafern · July 2014

I've been lurking for the past few months an thought I might introduce myself. I've already learned so much from you all.

We are 21 weeks today, so more than halfway there! I am hoping and planning for a natural birth and trying to do what I can to improve my chances. We are moving to San Francisco at the end of this month and hired a wonderful doula there. It was a huge expense -- of course we liked and clicked with the one that was most experienced and charged the most! She has already been super helpful in navigating finding a new provider, a CNM at a natural friendly hospital. So far so good. She recently emailed asking if we are taking any classes. Well, we took one class at our OB office. It was helpful with lots of information but not much in the way of teaching relaxation or pain management.

I'm hesitant to sign up for another class because of the cost. Most of the classes I've found are several hundred dollars. The class she recommended is $350. What do you all think? Is lots of reading (I've been reading Ina May's book and just got Birthing from Within) and an awesome doula a good substitute for a class?

I know this is a personal choice but I'm curious about your opinions. Thanks in advance!

mc0113 · July 2014

That sounds about right. Our Bradley Class is $325 for 12 weeks including the workbook. I think that's about average.

sschwege · July 2014

I did Hypnobirthing and the class was worth every penny and then some! But I also did not have a doula. Did you check to see if your insurance might cover it?

carafern · July 2014

Insurance might cover classes?! That would be amazing. I'll look into it. Thanks @sschwege.

JCWhitey · July 2014

I did GentleBirth home study course. Only $99 and it was fantastic! There were no in-person options where I lived but even if there were I'm really way too busy and my schedule is too crazy for an in-person class. Home study was the way to go for me.

aboodtobe · July 2014

I agree with everyone that the cost is on par. If you're reading Birthing from Within, and you live in the SF area, I also suggest Mindful Birthing. The woman who developed it is based out of SF and she and her practitioners teach nearby. It is less expression through art (as Birthing from WIthin is) and more about meditative techniques during labor. Similar philosophies about the realistic look at pain. The Mindful Birthing classes were all booked in my area, but I am taking a Birthing from Within class and it will cost $350.

PineApple85 · July 2014

Hey fellow N14er!

I agree with PPs that to attend an actual class that's about right but I'm doing the Hypnobabies Homestudy and I found it on Amazon for $160 plus shipping.

marriedinaugust · July 2014

We did Bradley and thought it was totally worth it. It was $250 for 12 weeks in the Bay Area but that was 4.5 years ago.

carafern · July 2014

Thanks for all the responses! I'll look into all the classes mentioned and try to figure it out once we're back in SF.

I mentioned my hesitation to my doula and she suggested a prenatal partner yoga and massage workshop. I'm excited because it sounds like a mini version of the things that I'm interested in learning and practicing.

nolanova85 · July 2014

Our Bradley classes are $400, but that's in DC which is likely on par with Bay Area prices.

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