Q: Can I take Bradley Method® classes if I want to give birth in a hospital?
A: Absolutely! In fact, it is more important to take comprehensive classes if you are choosing a hospital setting in order to fully understand all of your options. Approximately 1/3 of my students give birth in a hospital, 1/3 give birth in a local birthing center, and the remaining 1/3 give birth at their homes. These classes are designed to inform you and help you choose the birth place that is best suited to you and your needs.
Q: Do I have to bring my husband/partner to class?
A: Although being married is not a requirement, it would be beneficial to you to bring your husband or partner to each class. If this is not possible, you would want to select a qualified “coach” or doula to attend classes with you. Much of the learning we do in class involves two people working together. So, it would be ideal for you to bring a partner. Many of my students claim that this class was essential for their husbands/partners. And most state that there were absolutely no surprises during their labors and deliveries.
Q: Does my insurance cover the childbirth education classes?
A: My standard answer is, “I don't know, but you could check.” I have had students whose insurance companies have fully reimbursed them for the cost of the course. More often, students have Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) or Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) with their employers which normally reimburse for the entirety of the course. If you are unsure whether these options are available, contact your Human Resource person at work, or your insurance representative. I am happy to give you a receipt for the cost of the class as soon as payment is made in full.
Q: Do I have to pay for the class all at once?
A: Not necessarily. A $75 non-refundable deposit is due to reserve your spot, and allows me to order your materials. The remaining $275 is due at the end of the first class. However, if you need to do a payment plan, that is an option which would need to be discussed prior to class.
Q: Do you offer a Saturday class?
A: Generally I do not offer a class on Saturday because that is family day. However, my passion is educating couples in the natural process, and if a Saturday class is the only option I will be happy to work with you. I normally do not teach a one-day class, as I have found that compressing 24 hours of instruction into 4-6 hours is overwhelming to me and my students.
Q: What happens if I miss a class?
A: Right now, I have enough classes going on for you to pick up that class a few weeks later on a different night. However, eventually, each of the classes will be available to watch in the convenience of your home.
Q: Can I continue attending classes after my series is over? How much does that cost?
A: You absolutely may continue attending classes after yours is over for no additional fee. Some parents choose to do that to stay fresh with the material until their due date. You are welcome to join us for any class that I am currently teaching.
Q: I have taken Bradley® classes before and want to take some refresher classes. How does that work?
A: As long as you still have your Student Workbook, you are welcome to take any 2 classes at no charge. Each additional class is $15 and is payable at the start of that class. If you no longer have your workbook, you would need to provide your instructor's name and the city and state where you took your classes. A student workbook may be purchased in class.
Q: What is your non-medicated student success rate?
A: The Bradley Method® boasts an impressive 86% vaginal birth non-medicated success rate. My personal success rate is 95%. However, it is not a fair assessment since I have such a small number of students to back up those numbers. The American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth has been around since the 1970s and has tens of thousands of women to base their numbers off of.
Q:What makes you qualified to teach natural childbirth?
A: There are many requirements for becoming a teacher of The Bradley Method®. First is that I took the 12 week series during my pregnancy and had an un-medicated birth experience. Secondly, I went through an intensive 3 day, 40 hour training workshop to meet with Marjie and Jay Hathaway and learn how to teach the method effectively. Then I read and wrote reports on numerous books including Husband-Coached Childbirth, The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth, Gentle Birth Choices, The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding, and The Assistant Coach's Manual. After that, I taught two series of classes and was graded and critiqued on them. And finally I took my final exam, consisting of approximately 30 pages of material. I have since taught over 30 couples during the last year and a half. After each series, I regroup and add to the material based on feedback from previous couples' birth experiences.
Q: I am training for my doula certification. Can I take your classes to meet my requirements?
A: You will need to contact me for information about taking classes to help meet your requirements.
