Private CBE classes - do you charge more?

[Mamabeakley]

Hi -

I am just starting out as an independent CBE. Eventually, I will get certified, but I have 10 years experience as a professional educator in another field and a lifetime of interest in birth and everything related, so I've gone ahead and gotten started. I'm currently leading my first group class with two couples and it's going great.

Yesterday I met a mom who might be interested in scheduling a private series of classes due to her husband's extremely unpredictable work schedule. They have been unable to take classes b/c he'll plan to attend and then have to stay late at work.

I was thinking about charging the same basic fee as I am charging for a group class, picking a day/time that they think will work for them, and then charging a 1/2-the-per-class-fee as a "rescheduling fee" if they need to reschedule for a different time.

But I'd like to know what others do/have done in this kind of situation.

[SublimeBirthGirl]

I don't teach private classes but if I did I'd charge more.

[mom2tillie]

I am paying more for private classes... and I consider it well worth it.

My DH is in Iraq and I just prefer to have one on one instruction rather than going to the classes by myself or with someone other than daddy.

I think it is perfectly reasonable to ask for a higher rate.

-Iris

[joyfuldoula]

I would charge more....and definately private childbirth classes are more interactive and more designed just the client...so charge more!

[Veritaserum]

I don't have time to teach private classes, but if I did, it would be for at least twice what one couple pays to come to a group class. More if I had to travel more than 30 min. each way.

[doulamichelle]

I charge $25/hour for private CBE, but you can accomplish a lot more in an hour of private education than you can in a group. You cut out all the silly games and get down to business So, I can teach a whole labor and birth series in three hours as opposed to a 5 week class. It really doesn't cost the mother a whole lot more, unless her hospital is offering classes for free. Most series in this area are about $60 for 5 weeks. Plus, they don't have to pay for gas to get there, or to eat out on the way because they're in a hurry. michelle

[Mamabeakley]

Originally Posted by doulamichelle

Most series in this area are about $60 for 5 weeks.

Ai, ai, ai! Around here the baseline is about $250 - $300 for 6 weeks. I know I live in a higher cost-of-living area, but things like this just really point it out.