I just found out that Bradley classes here cost $475, which is a bit high for us. We're pretty open-minded, so I'd like to hear your recommendations. What kind of classes did you take? Where? How much? Thanks!
I took the Bradley classes you are referring to and they are worth every penny. Right now there is only one certified Bradley teacher in the area, however, she is highly knowledgeable on all natural birthing topics and does a wonderful job in preparing her students for natural birthing. I would recommend her classes to anyone planning a natural or hospital birth.
Arnold Palmer Hospital has a very nice selection of childbirth classes. I just had a baby 6 wks ago and attended several classes. It is $100 for the main birthing class and if you attend it, there are several other classes that are free - breastfeeding, basic infant care, etc. They also have post-delivery classes - Mommy/Baby tea (very helpful those first couple of months!!) I think their number is 321-THE-BABY. If that doesnt work, the Arnold Palmer education center is located at Orange and Gore.
Wow! That's very high for classes. I teach childbirth education classes, but I also know that Winnie Palmer and Florida Hospital offer classes for much less than that. Don't get discouraged...there are options.
Congrats on your upcoming bundle of joy. Contact Arnold Palmer. I know they offer a variety of classes. The only 1 I ever attended was in 2000 for my then 3 year old daughter, when I was expecting my second child. It was a new big brother/sister class. It was really detailed, the kids got big sister/brother shirts and got to handle lifelike baby dolls, and change them and feed them. That class was only $20. Good luck to you.
I think that the birth experience one is seeking will help determine what type of birth class to attend.
I cannot speak for other women, but when I was pregnant with my first child, I planned on having a natural childbirth at Special Beginnings Birth Center (now closed unfortunately).
When a friend suggested I look into Bradley Birth method, I called the Bradley instructor and spoke with her in depth about what the class offered. It was a 12-week course aimed at helping women and their partners understand the physiology of birth while also encouraging the right amount of emotional, physical and mental support required during the marathon of birth. The curriculum even calls for a trial "labor practice" that allows pregnant women to imagine what each stage of labor will be like. After attending the first class, I was hooked.
At the end of the 12 weeks, all of us in the class were sad to see it end. We felt completely knowledgeable and capable of having the birth that we sought. We knew EXACTLY what we were in for. I cannot say that for most of my friends who have had their children in hospitals (unfortunate, but true).
I also took the 4 weeks of birthing classes offered by the birthing center--they were fine, but only touched the surface and did not prepare me for the mental task that lie ahead of me.
In retrospect, I'm not sure if I would have been prepared for everything that a natural birth required of me had I not taken the Bradley Birth classes. I remember thinking in the beginning that it seemed like a lot of money, but after I had a beautiful labor and birth, I remember thinking I would have gladly paid three times as much to get that same experience.
I've heard many, many women say that they plan to have a natural birth but have done NO preparations in advance. Unfortunately, many of these women end up with too many interventions (i.e. epidurals, pitocin, etc...) and ultimately end in C-section.
So, you just need to decide what your birth wishes are and then see them through. If you are planning a natural birth, money will soon take a back seat to your positive birth experience.
Happy Birthing!
M. -
I called the Department of Health 407--###-###-#### or website www.orchd.state.fl.us and got free Lamaze classes also Arnold Palmer hospital offers one night sessions for $10.00 per class with a bunch of different topics. Let me know if you need any other helpand congrads on your baby.
There are many options in the Orlando area, hospitals, birth centers and private classes. I agree $475 is high, as Private in-home classes start at $170. Another option is childbirthconcierge.com where they meet with you and help you determin just what you need and where to find the services you are looking for!
During both pregnancies I went to a midwife and both locations provided their own Childboth classes. I'm not sure if they alow non patients to attend but I don't see how it would hurt to ask. My childbirth classs were wonderful. The instructor was wonderful. I don't remember the cost but I don't think it was that much. The entire birthing experience is a lot less expenseive than a regular OB.
Good Luck, and congradulations on your pregnancy.
Here is the information to the center I attened.
Special Beginning Birthing Center
1010 Arthur Ave
Orlando, FL 32804
###-###-####
are you going to stay home with your baby
I took childbirthing classes offered from the hospitals I delivered at (Heart of Florida in Hanes City and Florida Hospital Waterman in Tavares) They were free of charge and, I feel, very good. They covered all the bases from pre-natal to post delivery. It was also nice because they knew exactly how your delivery would be handled, as I am sure it is different at different hospitals. They gave a guided tour and explained the spefic hospital procedures for the hospital itself. And once again the price is right! But ask your doctor, most of them fill up fast, and you have to sign up in advance... Good luck, and God Bless.
I just ran into the same situation about the expensive Bradley Classes in this area? Were you able to find an affordable option that worked best for you and perhaps was related to this birthing method?
Thanks!
