“Childbirth education can bring birth back to the basics and help you let go of fear (really). The end result is a safer, more empowered birth.” Judith Lothian, in the 2011 Guide to a Healthy Birth by Choice in Childbirth.
BBC recommends that all clients attend a childbirth education class. The following list represents local childbirth education classes that our clients have found useful in their birth preparation. Please look at the websites for more information, including scheduling and pricing information.
A note about pricing: Childbirth education classes typically cost between $175 and $400. Some insurance plans offer full or partial coverage for childbirth education classes. Check your insurance benefits manual, or call the number provided for a list of acceptable classes. These classes are generally held at hospitals, so it’s important to make sure they are available and relevant to parents who are planning an unmedicated, out-of-hospital birth. A hospital-based class may be a good option for those who are concerned about the cost of childbirth education, or for those who want to attend a CBE class in a language other than English.
There are a few free or discounted classes for expecting parents with limited financial means- see class descriptions below. If you have a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) for out-of-pocket health care expenses, you can use your FSA to cover childbirth education and doula services.
Free and Low-Cost Childbirth Classes
Healthy Start BrooklynFree childbirth education classes for parents who qualify for Medicaid and WIC. Visit the website for more information and class dates.
SUNY Downstate Expectant Family EducationFree childbirth education classes open to all expecting parents.
Parent CraftLed by a Nurse-Midwife with 16 years of experience, our innovative, personalized classes will provide you with an insider’s point of view and the tools you need to inform, empower, and enjoy your pregnancy and birth, starting from day one. We are based in Park Slope, Brooklyn.
Ancient Song Doula ServicesThis group offers childbirth education, in addition to doula services, workshops, and discussion groups.
Recommended Childbirth Educators
Cherishing BirthRev. LeVaughn’s approach has been instrumental in helping individuals eliminate/reduce debilitating morning sickness, anxiety and fear so that they can have empowered and healthier birth experiences. She is a Lamaze Certified Childbirth Educator, Certified Doula, & Certified Lactation Counselor who offers holistic & transformational birthing support.
Lucy the LaborerEmily Cohen-Moreira is a doula, certified lactation consultant, and childbirth educator. Emily used to teach BBC’s popular Birthing Preparation course, which we unfortunately had to discontinue due to space constraints. Emily’s wonderful class is now offered at Church Avenue Yoga and Bodywork, in the Kensington neighborhood of Brooklyn. This class is designed for expectant parents planning a low-intervention or out-of-hospital birth. Emily also offers private classes for expecting and new parents, and can tailor classes to each family’s individual needs.
Gentle Birthing NYCSara Kramer teaches HypnoBirthing classes in the Kensington neighborhood of Brooklyn and also at the Brooklyn Birthing Center. As well as in Long Island City and Kew Gardens. Her five-part class emphasizes self-hypnosis, relaxation, preparing the mind and body for labor, and building a supportive birth team.
The Birthing Place- The BronxThe Birthing Place offers many classes, including a session specifically designed for those planning a birth center birth. Inquire about financial assistance. You can email at: oc.ecalpgnihtribeht%40olleh (not .com)
Affable BirthTimonique Rogers is a Birth and Fertility Doula as well as a Childbirth Educator. For more information you can contact her at .moc.liamg%40htribelbaffa
Robin DouthitRobin teaches private, Lamaze style classes online or in-person at your home. During the three hour Childbirth Preparation Class, Robin prepares you for childbirth based on Lamaze’s 6 Healthy Birth Practices.
Red Moon ChildbirthLena DeGloma offers doula services, massage, and CBE, as well as newborn as breastfeeding classes.
Birth Day PresenceClasses to suit a variety of schedules and family styles.
Hypnobabies NYCTamara Srdanovic teaches a 6-week group hypnobirthing course and offers private sessions.
Tribeca ParentingThese classes are taught at 8 Locations in Brooklyn and Manhattan.
New Beginnings Childbirth EducationAnna is a certified ICCE Childbirth Educator. Anna leads an in depth and interactive six hour class that includes Pregnancy, Discomforts and Exercise, Anatomy, Stages of Labor, Positioning and Comfort, Labor and Delivery (including a section just for the support person), Newborn Care and Postpartum. Anna uses affirmations, videos and a quiz at the end of each section. Classes are taught lecture style using Google Slides through ZOOM.
Mindful Birth NY (Bradley Method)Mary Esther Malloy-Hopwood is a doula, CBE, and CLC.
Expecting NYC’s Mindfulness-Based Childbirth and Parenting SeriesExpecting NYC offers mindfulness-based childbirth and parenting classes, doula trainings and services, lactation support, and massage therapy!
Birth Matters NYCLisa Greaves Taylor of Birth Matters, NYC, offers childbirth education classes in Astoria, Queens. Lisa was recently named Childbirth Educator of the Year by the Childbirth Education Association of Metropolitan New York.
SupportingherA online class for dads and partners that teaches tips, techniques and actionable skills to help you take care of your partner and yourself during labor and birth.