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Most hospitals, clinics and baby centers offer classes taught by trained or certified childbirth instructors. Most courses consist of one class over a period of 4 to 8 weeks but intensive courses can be completed in one or two days. There are two main methods of childbirth instruction. With Lamaze, expectant mothers are prepared psychologically and physically to give birth preferably without the use of drugs. The Bradley Method is similar to Lamaze, but emphasizes diet and exercise includes deep breathing techniques to manage pain, and involves the husband or partner as an integral participant in the birth process.
Typical costs: |
- Costs for birthing or Lamaze classes vary by hospital, clinic or baby center, as well as by region or state. Classes in areas with higher costs of living typically charge more than classes in lower-cost areas.
- The national average cost is $110. Classes are usually offered in two- to four-hour sessions over several days, although many facilities also offer one-day intensive sessions of 6-8 hours.
- A few state hospitals, such as North Kansas City Hospital and Liberty Hospital in Kansas offer classes at no cost.
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What should be included: |
- According to BabyCenter.com[1] , the typical Lamaze class consists of at least 12 hours of instruction and includes no more than 12 couples.
- Instruction should include techniques for coping with pain, including massage, walking, position changes, and hydrotherapy.
- Classes should also include information on epidurals, potential complications and medical intervention techniques.
Discounts: |
- Many places that offer birthing or Lamaze classes also offer other child-related courses such as breastfeeding, how to handle post-partum depressions or baby signing. These may also offer 5-10% discounts to parents who sign-up for multiple classes.
- Hospitals may offer discounts to patients who are planning to deliver their babies at the facility.
- A few insurance carriers, such as Blue Cross/Blue Shield Advantage and Blue Care HMO, may cover part of the class costs.
Shopping for lamaze classes: |
- Lamaze International[2] provides a searchable database of Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educators, while the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth[3] provides a directory of instructors in the Bradley Method of natural childbirth.
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Material on this page is for informational purposes only and should not be construed as medical advice. For medical decisions, always consult your physician for the right course for your infant or child.
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What People Are Paying - Recent Comments |
| Posted by: Pat Kent in NYC, NY. | Posted: September 7th, 2013 05:09PM |
| Type of Class: Childbirth |
I was one of the earliest Lamaze instructors in NY City at NYU Medical Center in 1971, When I stopped teaching in 1986 in NYC & northern NJ the fee was $110. Classes were taught according to the book 6 PRACTICAL LESSONS FOR AN EASIER CHILDBIRTH by Elizabeth Bing. Classes taught the anatomy and physiology of childbirth, focused on relaxation techniques and taught breathing to ease the intensity of contractions. We were a grass roots organization dedicated to educating couples about childbirth and providing as drug free environment as possible for the newborn and mother. Husbands were there at conception and at delivery. In the beginning hospitals wanted no part of the program but as popularity increased they started teaching and rapidly diluted the focus. Instead of 6 weeks of breathing and relaxation it was now 1 or 2 hrs. and incorporated with child care. I was fortunate to be at NYU Medical Center who had a forward thinking attitude and did not dilute the childbirth classes with other material. As I talk to young women today many of them don't even know about Lamaze. Shame of the medical profession. |
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| Posted by: Tiffany W. in East Brunswick, NJ. | Posted: February 19th, 2010 08:02AM |
| Type of Class: Lamaze- breathing |
I feel that after taking my Lamaze class and talking with my girlfriends that I did not get everything that is expected. We did not watch any videos. The instructor just drew on a board and lectured for 6hrs. We also did not go ont the floor doing breathing massages. We just sat in a chair and took deep breaths as our partners watched. I was very disappointed. |
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External Resources: |
- www.babycenter.com/0_the-lamaze-method-of-childbirth_640.bc?Ad=com.bc.common.AdInf...
- www.lamaze.org/FindALamazeClass
- www.bradleybirth.com/Default.aspx
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