How much do you charge for classes?

doulaamber · 09-29-2006, 02:01 PM

I have NO idea what to charge.

teachinmamaof4 · 09-29-2006, 03:07 PM

$150 for 8wks.

Gentlebirthmama · 09-29-2006, 04:48 PM

$25 per class. For an 8-week series it's $200 or pro-rated if my series happens to be shorter.

doulaamber · 09-29-2006, 05:35 PM

Wow really that much? People really pay that much?

AussieDoula · 09-29-2006, 05:44 PM

I am the freebie queen so I host free classes and offer discounts and other incentives.

My regular fees are:

Refresher Class - $20 single mama*/$40 per couple for 4 hours.
All-Day Childbirth Class - $50 single mama*/$80 per couple for 8 hours.
6 Week Series - $100 single mama*/$200 per couple (10 hours total).
Private** (in-home) Class - $150 all-day class (8 hours)/$100 per couple group discount or $300 6 Week Series (12 hours)/$200 per couple group discount.
Beginning mid-2007, I will be holding Sibling Classes, which will be $30 a family for 3 hours.

*I do not advertise single mama fees. If a mama approaches me and tells me she doesn't have a partner I will offer her the reduced price and tell her she can bring a friend or other support person.
**Private classes are great for mamas on bed-rest or who are too shy/prefer one-on-one childbirth education. My group discounts are available for pregnant women who want to get together in one place and have me come out to their location, or for large families/friends where there will be more than three adults who are interested in childbirth education (couples who are trying to conceive, friends or family who want to be there, etc).

Those are just my fees for Childbirth Education, I have a plethera of other classes I offer, LOL!

AussieDoula · 09-29-2006, 05:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gentlebirthmama

$25 per class.

Once I get started back up next year, I will be offering "per class" options. This way couples can choose which topics they want to learn about and not worry about some of the things they may already be familiar with/don't wish to learn.

I am also considering a rotating style class where I hold the same classes two nights a week and rotate days that they are scheduled for so that they will be convenient for couples to attend (well, that's my hope anyway).

AussieDoula · 09-29-2006, 05:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by doulaamber

Wow really that much? People really pay that much?

Yes ma'am... It really depends on your location. I have seen people charge much more than the fees we've listed here and clients will pay for it.
You're offering mamas and families much more than they can get at a hospital-led class.

Gentlebirthmama · 09-29-2006, 06:30 PM

Yep! Couples will pay that much. Sometimes the dads can't understand the cost at first, but once the classes are over, they realize that it was worth it.
And I think that most women that are researching their options and are truly trying for a natural birth are willing to and expect to pay more for classes outside the hospital setting.
My classes are typically up to 2 1/2 hours each week, so reality is they are getting up to 20 hours of instruction.
And as the saying goes, "you get what you pay for"!

Matrescence · 09-30-2006, 04:01 PM

Yikes, I don't think we could get over $100 here. I'm starting at $80, I think Lisa Goldstein is only charging $80 for hers and she's a well known MW who is just in the next town over

.

On a separate note can independent childbirth classes be reimbursed by health insurance companies? Or medicaid?

capandcradle · 09-30-2006, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MamaBellies

On a separate note can independent childbirth classes be reimbursed by health insurance companies? Or medicaid?

Yes. You'll need the codes or to become a medicaid provider but you can do it.

jesscardona · 09-30-2006, 11:46 PM

Quote:

Wow really that much? People really pay that much?

ummm yeah! the one's here in my area, do not run below $100!

MindfulBirth · 10-01-2006, 07:38 PM

I'm not teaching yet, but I know that in my area class are $300 or more.

Matrescence · 10-01-2006, 09:21 PM

after reading this thread I did some digging and found out that our local large hospital only charges $75 for their 6 week series. Now I'm thinking maybe I need to go lower.

Hethir · 10-02-2006, 01:22 AM

Mamabellies remember that what you are teaching may be very different and more usefull to the family than how and when to get the epidural.....

Matrescence · 10-02-2006, 11:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hethir

Mamabellies remember that what you are teaching may be very different and more usefull to the family than how and when to get the epidural.....

very true, but if I were a mom and I knew that this class is $80 and that one is $75 and is located at the place I plan on giving birth... most around here would go to the cheaper class, especially if it's where they're going to birth. I'm new and have the feeling that I'll need to stay at a competitive rate to get known and then work up.