Thinking of becoming a Bradley Teacher

[BrooklynDoula]

Anyone done the training and have thoughts about it they want to share? Anyone know what the annual dues are and how much it costs to buy the student workbooks and materials each time? Dh and I are talking about the economics of me doing this ($1100 due next month if I want to do it!) and I thought I would see if others had thought about this (or other childbirth classes also)!

Thanks

[tlcdoula]

I have thought about it too, but haven't taken that plunge because the training is so costly!!

[BrooklynDoula]

Totally Off topic but I am from Wi originally and see that is where you are

[dajones]

Student workbooks are $27 each or $19 if you purchase 5 or more at a time. Annual renewal is $250 (i think).

They give you an example of the forms that are needed for your first provisional series. I did not purchase additional supplies. I did purchase several videos, and I would not recommend their videos, you can find better birth videos elsewhere.

Figure out a realistic timeframe for recouping your money. How many students you can teach a year. Will you have full classes, are people going to be lining up waiting for classes or will you have to do marketing to get the word out.

On a final note go to the teacher training workshop fully prepared to turn in your packet so you can be a provisional teacher right away.

Let me know if you have any other questions.

[DucetteMama21842]

I LOVED the training... but I'm addicted to anything birth related. I would ask if there is really a market for it in your area... and whether your area is receptive to hearing what you have to teach. I like some of the newer videos, but there are some beautiful ones out there. As for it working out monetarily for you... we took the risk, and it's starting to improve a year later... but the two things that made the difference in our situation is 1.) whether there was a market for it 2.) would local people be receptive? I enjoy every second of it though and we don't regret our decision because it's something my dh and I are very passionate about.

[BrooklynDoula]

I have had 2 beautiful Bradley births and dh and I are both very committed to it. I live in Brooklyn NY so I imagine that getting classes together would nopt be too hard and my homebirth midwife would def recommend me to clients.

Thinking about it .... Thanks for the info.

[Veritaserum]

Bradley kinda seems to be losing popularity around here among parents and care providers, both.... People are more interested in hypno or Birthing from Within, for the most part. I'd scope things out. See if there are other Bradley teachers in your same area. If there is another teacher, find out how busy she is. If she's having to turn away students because she gets so many calls, then there would be "room" for you. If she's having a hard time getting students then I would proceed very cautiously. Marketing is tricky for natural childbirth services. :S

It definitely helps business to have midwives referring to you. I have two midwives that refer fairly regularly and it helps a lot.

[longislandmom]

I took the training 2 yrs. ago. It is 14 hrs a day for 4 days with a break for lunch and dinner. You do get alot out of it since it is so intensive. I found it hard to find students as a provisional teacher. Now that I am fully affiliated (about 3 months) I find I am getting more calls since I am listed on the online registry. Unfortunately, it seems natural birth is not very popular in my area and local teachers have been seeing a lull for a few yrs. Call your local teachers and see what they have to say. If there are not many teachers in your area that is a plus too.