We have had 9 natural beautiful Bradley® births, and every one of them was an incredible experience. When I was pregnant with our first child, we took Bradley® classes together in Manhattan, where we lived at the time. Jeff learned how to be an effective labor coach. We gained a deeper understanding of birth and baby care—and things we did not even realize we needed to know, from the stages of labor to breastfeeding, to how to avoid unnecessary interventions.
Teaching Bradley® classes is something we really enjoy. They are fun, interactive, and empowering for expectant couples. Jeff brings a bit of humor to the classes and draws from his experience as a father, husband, and coach.
After 20 years of teaching in-person classes in four different states—Connecticut, New Jersey, California, and North Carolina—we transitioned to teaching online. Now, we have couples attending from all over the United States. Couples can take our classes from the comfort of their own homes—or wherever they are. Online Bradley® classes are so convenient. Over the years we have learned how to effectively convey information to expecting women and their partners so that they are prepared to give birth and know how to advocate for themselves, if they need arises. Our classes include games, break-out rooms so you can interact with the other couples in your Bradley® series, positive birth stories, and ample opportunities to ask questions.
I gave birth to my first child at the age of 24 and gave birth to my ninth child at the age of 48. I have given birth in a hospital, a freestanding birth center, and at home. My most challenging births were my sixth and eighth babies.
Our classes our appropriate for those planning hospital births, home births, and freestanding birth center births. We also provide information to VBAC moms, couples expecting twins, and parents who already have one, two, or more children.
Education
Masters in Curricum and Teaching, Teachers College, Columbia Universtiy (1993)
Bachelor of Arts, Barnard College, Columbia University (1990)
Certification and training
Bradley® Certified Childbirth Educator and Bradley® Doula (2025)
DONA International PostPartum Doula Workshop (2021)
Childbirth education is my primary focus. My husband and I teach live interactive Bradley® classes online in a Zoom classroom. Our classes include designing your personal birth plan, the stages of labor, comfort measures, effectively navigating the hospital system, advocacy, the coach's role, and a labor rehearsal. Our couples report that they understood the interventions offered and how to truly work as a team during the birth of their baby. Empowering couples is our primary focus.
Packages
Birth-Empowered Bradley® Childbirth Classes
Ten week series of Virtual Childbirth classes which includes access to the Bradley Method® online workbook and resource center. Interactive classes taught by a husband/wife team.
Class 1 – Introduction to the Bradley Method®
Class 2 – Nutrition and Breastfeeding
Class 3 – Gestation and Choices
Class 4 – The Coach’s Role
Class 5 – Introduction to the Stages of Labor
Class 6 – Planning Your Birth
Class 7 – Complications and Variations
Class 8 – Advanced First and Second Stage
Class 9 – The Labor Rehearsal
Class 10 – The New Family
Virtual Class Reunion about one month after the last couple has their baby.
$449.00
USD Flat rate
Birth-Empowered Bradley® Childbirth Classes
Ten week series of Virtual Childbirth classes which includes access to the Bradley Method® online workbook and resource center. Interactive classes taught by a husband/wife team.
Class 1 – Introduction to the Bradley Method®
Class 2 – Nutrition and Breastfeeding
Class 3 – Gestation and Choices
Class 4 – The Coach’s Role
Class 5 – Introduction to the Stages of Labor
Class 6 – Planning Your Birth
Class 7 – Complications and Variations
Class 8 – Advanced First and Second Stage
Class 9 – The Labor Rehearsal
Class 10 – The New Family
Virtual Class Reunion about one month after the last couple has their baby.
$449.00
USD Flat rate
Upcoming classes
Busting Birth Myths
Online event
One Hour Free Webinar
Busting Birth Myths
• Babies are born on the due date
• Morning Sickness only happens in the morning
• All hospitals have the same cesarean rate
• Once a Cesarean, always a Cesarean
• Your doctor arrives at the hospital when you do
• Birth plans aren’t important
• Everyone needs an epidural
• And more …
Hi, my name is Jason. I'm a Doula serving areas near Karen and Jeff. I have attended a complete series of their Bradly Method child birth class. Karen and Jeff are kind, highly knowledgable people, with a passion for increasing the chances of families having the most positive birth experience possible. I consider them friends, and I commend them for the sacrifice of time and emotion, by contributing to the birth communities. Expecting families are better off for them.
Show less
Show the rest
- Jason C.
5.0
Karen and Jeff's class was pivotal in our first birth last year. We had the home birth we planned, with my husband being my guide and protector the entire time. Our baby was born into his hands, which was such a precious moment. Both our doula and assistant midwife told us, in private, that we were the most prepared first-time parents they'd ever witnessed. Whenever I had questions pre or post-birth, Karen was always honest and helpful. Nowadays, there is so much unnecessary fear and pressure placed on parents when it comes to pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. So much. I don't think I would've made it through early postpartum had it not been for her reassurance and resources. Birth and babies don't have to be complicated!
Show less
Show the rest
- Sarah M.
5.0
Karen and Jeff are an excellent instructional team. They have decades of experience birthing children together and teaching others to do the same. Their classes are fun and engaging and will prepare you to advocate for the birth you want. They will also equip you with the physical and mental tools you need let go and birth your baby. The money you spend on birth education will benefit you for this birth and for every birth in your future.
Show less
Show the rest
- BettyJo K.
5.0
Karen and Jeff are great teachers. I learned quite a bit from the classes and felt I was well prepared for the natural birth of my daughter! Very informative and useful information provided in each session.
Show less
Show the rest
- Jen W.
5.0
Karen is an experienced educator and parent. She is kind and compassionate and it shows in every interaction I’ve had with her. I highly recommend working with Karen!
Show less
Show the rest
- Emily M.
Frequently asked questions
How does the online virtual class format work?
We teach live, interactive classes. We strive to make them as close to being in person. However, almost everyone enjoys the convenience of not having to drive to Bradley® class. We prefer that you have your cameras on because it makes the class better. Couples are encouraged to ask questions. During each class, couples go into break-out rooms so they can interact with their cohort in a small group.
Are these childbirth classes just for hospital birth couples or just for couples planning a homebirth?
Our Bradley® childbirth classes are appropriate for couples who are giving birth in any setting—hospital, home, hospital birthing center, and freestanding birth center. The classes provide information on the stages of labor, comfort measures, effective communication with your provider, how to coach, and newborn care. Karen has given birth in a hospital, freestanding birth center, and at home.
What is the ideal time to take childbirth classes?
The ideal time is to start the series in your fifth or sixth month of pregnancy. Some couples start the classes at three months to get the information early and because that best fits their schedule. Some couples start the classes at 30 weeks and hope they will be able to attend all of them before giving birth. The absolute best time to take childbirth classes is the one that fits your family schedule best.
What do husbands say about your classes?
Here is the response of Dean:
My wife and I took online childbirth classes from Karen and Jeff because we couldn't find anything locally. I was skeptical of the online format, but the classes really were great. The training we received in relaxation, part of the Bradley method, helped Kyria to give birth without pain medication. When we ran into complications (PPRAM), we knew what kinds of questions to ask our birth team. Karen even took phone calls and answered emails outside of class to (promptly) answer our questions and help us make decisions.
I enjoyed getting to know my classmates as well. If you're hoping for a natural birth, or even just wanting to be educated as a couple, Birth-Empowered is a great option. Especially great for soon-to-be-dads!
What are your qualifications as Bradley® birth instructors?
Jeff and Karen took the Bradley Method® training in 1996. We have been teaching Bradley® classes for over 25 years and have personally used the techniques taught in the class to give birth to our 9 children. Each year we reaffiliate and continue to keep up-to-date by attending conferences, workshops, trainings, and reading books and journals.
I want to have a VBAC. Are Bradley® classes a wise investment for me?
Yes, most of women who take our Bradley® classes who have previously had a cesarean birth achieve VBACS. Yes, our classes are appropriate for women planning a VBACS.
I have already had a baby? Are these classes worth my time?
We welcome experienced couples in our classes. We have had women and their partners who are expecting their second, third, and fourth baby. Experienced parents find a tremendous value in our classes. Some couples take our classes to get a much better experience than their previous birth, others take it to prepare for their new baby together. Some take the classes to get in the right mindset. We do have some repeat students who take our classes every pregnancy. One mom told us that our Bradley® classes are great but after the birth she forgot everything so needed to take the entire series again to prepare for the next baby.
Do you provide information about prenatal nutrition?
Good nutrition is the foundation of a healthy pregnancy. We discuss in depth the Brewer Pregnancy Diet including protein recommendations and what constitutes a healthy pregnancy diet.
Will my health insurance company pay for childbirth education?
Some insurance companies will reimburse or partially reimburse childbirth classes. We provide medically coded receipts to all couples who wish one after we receive your tuition payment for our Bradley® birth classes.
Social media