When and how do I pay for the class? For 2022 classes: A $10 non-refundable deposit per class is required at the time of registration. This amount will be deducted from the price of the class when the full payment is due. For 2023 classes: Payment is due in full at the time of registration. Please visit bookeo.com/childbirth to sign up. If you would like to pay with cash or a check, please contact us to make arrangements.
Do you take insurance or HSA as payment? We are unable to receive payment directly from insurance companies, however most HSA cards work when checking out after registering for classes.
May I bring an extra support person with me to class? In most cases, yes. Additional support persons other than partners (e.g. family members that will be assisting you with the baby) are welcome in the classroom at no additional charge if there is space. If you and your partner would like to bring an extra person with you to class, there must be less than 10 couples registered. Please contact us the night before class so that we can let you know if someone can join you. If it is important that additional family members join you in class, they are welcome to register and pay separately to guarantee their spot. My partner is unable to attend the class with me. Can I pay half the fee since it will only be me? The same class fee applies regardless of party size. In other words, it is the same price whether it's just you, you and your partner, or you, your partner, and an extra support person. If you find the classes cost prohibitive, please contact us and we may be able to make other arrangements.
Do I have to take the Childbirth class before taking other classes? Not at all, do what works for your schedule. For example, it is okay to take the Breastfeeding or Parenting class before the Childbirth series.
What is your cancellation policy? For 2022 classes: You may cancel your registration at any time and we will refund the amount you paid minus the $10 nonrefundable deposit. For 2023 classes: You may cancel your registration at any time. If cancelling more than 24 hours before class, there is a 20% cancellation fee that will be deducted from the amount you are refunded. If you are cancelling less than 24 hours before class, there is a 50% cancellation fee.
Can I switch class dates after I've signed up? You are welcome to switch to a different class date at any time as long as there is room. Just email us to let us know which date you'd like instead.
What should I bring to class? We provide light snacks and drinks at classes. Dress comfortably, and while the classroom is air conditioned, we advise that you dress in layers any time of year so that you may stay comfortable throughout. You may also bring anything else that will help you feel comfortable, e.g. pillows for sitting or leaning on.
Does Louise Ward teach all the childbirth classes? As of December 2022, Louise will be retiring from childbirth education. Beginning in 2023, all childbirth classes will be taught by Ashley Minihan.
I have a really busy schedule and can't make the 4-week Childbirth series. Is the 1-day class enough for a first time parent? Most of the students in our in-person 1-day Childbirth class and online 2-day Childbirth class are first time parents who cannot attend the series due to their schedules. It does not go as in-depth as the series but does cover much of the key information needed for labor & birth, including what to expect when labor starts, ways to cope with contractions, what to expect in the hospital, and the partner's role, all of which is supplemented by the same informational handouts. The 1-day class and 2-day class are more traditional, direct instructor-based learning to conserve time as opposed to the group/problem-based learning involving interactive activities in the 4-week series.
I waited too long to register and now my due date is only a couple weeks before the next available childbirth class. Is that too late or should I still sign up? Please sign up anyway. If earlier classes are full, we can put you on a wait list in case someone cancels or delivers early. But don't let full classes or a late start dissuade you from registering (though we encourage you to look for other local classes in case a spot does not open up).
I won't be delivering at Yale-New Haven Hospital's York St. campus. Can I still take your Childbirth class? Yes! The information we cover applies to both the York St. campus and St. Raphael's campus of YNHH as well as many other hospitals around CT (some hospitals may offer different interventions and pain management options based on their protocols; you can verify this with your provider). If you won't be delivering at YNHH on York St., we strongly suggest scheduling a tour of their maternity unit a least a month prior to your due date. If you are planning a home birth, we also suggest taking a tour at your back-up hospital in case your midwife recommends being seen there before or after you deliver. To sign up for a tour of St. Raphael's, please visit the YNHH website: https://www.ynhh.org/events
Should my husband/boyfriend come to the Breastfeeding class? We strongly encourage your partner to come with you to any classes you sign up for, including Breastfeeding. Pregnancy and parenting is a team effort, and there are ways your partner can assist you when breastfeeding. It will also be good for them to know what it's all about!
I'm expecting twins. Should I sign up for the Childbirth class? If you are expecting twins and will be trying for a vaginal delivery, any of our childbirth classes will help you learn what to expect for labor, including pain management and potential interventions. To supplement, we have a number of informational handouts and books to help you know what to expect.