Why are Birth Classes So Expensive?

Taking a birth class can seem so pricey for new parents who already feel like they have a lot to buy. Today we’re going to talk about why birth classes can seem so expensive, and some alternatives to help it not hurt the budget too bad.

But how do I know so much about birth classes? Hi, I’m Hilary — The Pregnancy Nurse®. I’ve been a nurse since 1997 and I have 20 years of labor and delivery experience. I taught birth classes at my hospital (that started about $100) and I have my own birth class now. I understand the logistics behind it and why they’re so costly!

Cliff Notes: Birth class pricing went up 20% in 2023, this class has remained the cheaper and best alternative to expensive birth classes….

Why are childbirth classes so expensive?

I have studied the cost of birthing classes and the cost of an average class (without bells and whistles) is $184 << read more about in my post about how much birth classes cost. That cost went up about 20% from 2022 to 2023 (I’ll be checking prices again in early 2024, so stay tuned). And yes, that’s a bit crazy town.

If you get a class that has “more” to it — you’re normally looking more in the $300- $600 range. That “more” may include:

• Information on breastfeeding
• Newborn care information
• Baby sleep information
• Nutrition information
• Info that you can print or handouts
• Private sessions with the teacher

So, when compared to the price of car seats (I almost had a heart attack seeing how much they are now), it may not be so much — but I had a family where every dollar counted when we had a baby — so WHY so expensive?

Experience – Many of the teachers have a lot of experience and deserve to be paid for it! However, I’m not sure that I often find more experience equals more expensive.

Please be mindful that some people will have “childbirth educator” where they’ve taken some classes, but doesn’t mean that they have any real world experience. Ultimately, that’s not going to help a lot.

Production – It does take a lot of time to write, film, edit and produce childbirth education. Hours and hours, and hours! And all of that time you’re doing it for “free” until it’s for sale. SO you need to charge what all that time (and software, and cameras) was worth!

Some people may hire fancy editing and filming houses to do their course for them. That is an astronomical amount of money. I choked when I called to ask how much it would be at a local spot near me. But, I know a lot of creators use these studios to put less work on themselves. They may hire in hair, makeup, lighting, etc…. that all adds to the cost.

Platforms – Many of the most popular teaching platforms prices have increased a LOT lately. Probably more people wanting to produce courses, so they just think they can!

Just How It Is – As someone who’d been in the online learning sphere for years, they consistently tell teachers to charge more because they deserve it. In reality I think it is so those platforms can justify their cost. Many say NO class should be under $100, and I just don’t think that’s true, and it hurts the online education community as a whole.

They honestly don’t sell many. The reality is, if you only sell 2-3/month you need to charge a lot to make it worth your time and cover your costs.

All of this adds up to the price they feel comfortable selling it at.

I will also say that every creator seems really different in that price they prefer. I have zero clues how many come-up with their pricing.

But what I DO hate is when they say: “Prenatal testing class value: $400” — I’m like (?)…. on what planet is that worth $400 alone? I’ve done it (because business coaches have told me to) and I just hate it.

Finding a Cheaper Birth Class

First off, I just have to say that this one comes with a best price guarantee. I scan the market and try to make sure I’m well under what the going rate is. I just want to give you a good deal and make sure you still have money for diapers. 🙂

But beyond that — how can you lower the cost?

Split it up

A lot of classes have started to have “cheaper” versions of their class, because they split it up into sections. They may have a pregnancy section, a labor section, a birth section (maybe even separate ones for a vaginal delivery vs a cesarean birth) and then a postpartum section. They’re each just $69 — but in order to get a FULL class you’re looking at $280 bucks….

I think these may be great if you are a second time mom with specific questions, or would like to enhance your learning from someone in a specific area, but I really think that most people need a front to back prenatal class that covers all of it.

I read somewhere that you really only end-up using 10% of your birth class, but you’re never sure what 10% you’re going to need from that class, so you really need to do the whole thing. I couldn’t agree more! Some of the information may prove useless, but that bit that you DO need, you REALLY need {and that differs for each person, and each birth}.

You can also split-up payment options for your class. Many of them offer a few monthly payments so you can pay for it over time. This is extra handy (and a LOT of people take advantage of this in 2023).

You need a class that covers: epidural births, vaginal birth and C-section, interventions and what to expect at the hospital. You’re not JUST looking for a “natural birth class” because while that might prepare you for the pain it won’t prepare you to talk with your team and make great choices. You need more than that in 2024.

Submit it to Your Insurance:

I have a whole post on if birth classes are covered by insurance — but let me give you the cliff notes:

1. Most insurances do not cover them, but more and more are beginning to as it has shown to decrease interventions in birth (ultimately costing them less).
2. Call your insurance to find out what they cover
3. You can always touch base with your company’s HR as they may have a different option that covers healthcare communication
4. If they DO cover it, be sure to find a class that fits their guidelines. Many need to be taught by a licensed professional that gives you the codes you need for it. This one puts all of that on your receipt.
5. Get all the paperwork you need to submit it and do it RIGHT when you can. Don’t wait til’ after baby is born….

It honestly is worth your time to call. Some may cover it after the deductible, but you’re likely meeting your deductible anyway. Maternity coverage varies SO much, so just call — enjoy the hold music and find out. 🙂

Free Options

There are some free classes out there, but like the “cut up” ones most of them only cover specific topics. I do offer a free class, but it’s mostly for the end of your pregnancy and understanding the testing that will happen.

It’s great, but it is really there to see if we’re a good fit for each other and if you’d like to take my full class with me.

But, I am proud of the fact that tens of thousands of families have taken (and loved) my free class. I love that the information is free and “out there”.

I have a whole post on the best free birth classes that might give you a few others to check out too!

You can obviously also follow people on social media and watch their videos, but again — you’re not sure what parts you are, or are not getting…. and if you’re going to get that 10% you need because you’re not going start to finish.

Following people on social media is a great way to “shop around” for who’s right for you. Not a great way to actually get prepared.

Finding a Cheaper Birth Class:

Check your local hospital or birth center. Some may offer free classes.

Some people offer cheaper versions of classes, but I would always recommend that you check that person’s credentials before taking a class.

Trade-Offs for Cheaper Classes:

Lack of experience — like I just mentioned, some “moms” just make a birth class based off them and their friend’s experience. Is that helpful? Is that what you want? Maybe it is?

Time — One of the biggest factors with hospital classes is the time you need to devote to it. Not only do you need the hours sitting in the class (I find that many are WAY too long, and allow for a lot of questions that don’t pertain to you). You’re also looking at time to drive there, park (ugh, hospital parking) and finding the spot to take them at.

Plus, it’s inflexible — which is why the majority of people take their classes online now. It’s just WAY more convenient (and personally, I think better because I know EVERYTHING that you need is in that class and I didn’t skip anything.

Bias — Some classes are “sponsored” and may have some bias in them. Meaning they recomend XYZ because XYZ wants them to recommend it. When I taught for my hospital there were things they wanted me to not talk about (there wasn’t a lot, but there was some). It’s how marketing works….

Partner Willing? This is a big one — is your partner willing to do that class with you? If the teacher has an annoying voice or goes too far in depth it may be a big turn off to them. If time is strained for them, the idea of a class every Tuesday for a few weeks may overwhelm them (or frankly, overwhelm you).

Partners learning along with you is so important so they can be a source of support rather than just a cheerleader, and doing a class together makes that happen!

So, while some classes may be cheaper — are they truly what you need?

Is There a Cheaper Birth Class Alternative?

The Online Prenatal Class for Couples is the easy way to get prepared for birth, and it fits your needs:

• Best price guarantee, so you know you’re not going to have to break the bank
• Done in just 3 hours it isn’t going to consume your life
• Done by an experience RN who knows what you need to know (and doesn’t waste time)
• Can be upgraded to know more about things like breastfeeding, provider communication and more!

But, how do I offer it at such a good price?

The answer is simple. That class has been around since 2016. Yes, it’s been edited 1,000 times (I continually am adding things and editing chapters) but the core of that class has been around a long time.

It is now the standard for hospital-based birth classes.

Because of that, I sell a lot of them, which allows me to have a lower cost on the backend.

I also shouldered a lot of the work, and actually moved the class to a much cheaper platform so I could keep the costs for you as low as possible. By not outsourcing, I was able to give you the best price on a great class that I stand behind 100%.

What I’m not skimping on is information. Right now I am just finishing up production on a postpartum class that will give you the tips you need to stay ALIVE when postpartum mortality is rising. I can’t wait to give it to you.

And yes, it will be included at that low price because a big part of the reason I have this site is to get information like that into your hands. I care about you, your birth and how you live your life afterwards. And that doesn’t have to cost a lot. I’m still profitable and really proud of the business I have created.

So, stop looking at the expensive birth classes. Come join me in The Online Prenatal Class for Couples — it’s the easy (and less-expensive) way to get prepared for birth!

Still not quite sure you’re ready for that whole thing, check out the free lesson from it. It’s your first step toward getting in the driver’s seat of your birth.

Don’t miss my great big post on everything you need to know about birth classes << for more information this important subject!