bradley method questions

SNL0605

This is my 3rd pregnancy (4th child)....

I would really like to have a natural delivery

w/ DS I felt totally pressured into getting an epi

w/ DD/DS (twins) I had to have a c/s because of the way they were positioned

my doctor (a diff. doc then my previous pregnancies) is 100% on board w/ a VBAC...I'd REALLY like to have a natural delivery

For those who used the Bradley method...do you think a book would be sufficient or do you think I REALLY need to take the class?

drewiekc

I have not given birth yet, but we took the classes.  Honestly, we got so much just from conversing with our instructor, I cant imagine trying to get by on the book alone.  Plus, Bradley is very focused on the labor coach, so I think it would be really hard to get the full benefit by the two of you just reading the book individually, and not at ALL if you were the only one to read it.

MTAngel

drewiekc:

I have not given birth yet, but we took the classes.  Honestly, we got so much just from conversing with our instructor, I cant imagine trying to get by on the book alone.  Plus, Bradley is very focused on the labor coach, so I think it would be really hard to get the full benefit by the two of you just reading the book individually, and not at ALL if you were the only one to read it.

Yep - I agree w/ this. We took the classes & read the book and it really helped for DS's labor and delivery, especially in preparing DH. I'm not taking the class again this time but we're going back over everything and brushing up on the relaxation techniques and exercises. Good luck - I think it's totally worth it!

pepomntpat

I think you would be better off taking the class. I am not really enjoying the book, though DH does like it. I would probably get frustrated without the instructor.

cylynn

We went the typical hospital route and winged it for our first and realized how nieve we were to think we could do that for a natural birth.  (I had pitocen and an epi)  THis time we took the bradley class and have found it totally worth it.  Because of the emphasis on the coach its good to go to the class because you learn together what works and your husband is an important part of the class.  I don't think you could get that practice from just reading the book.  We did lots of practice activities in the class so afterwards I would tell DH what i liked/didn't like so he could learn for later.  

 

Its expensive but we found it worth it!  Even for a second/third birth 

drbethgoodman

we haven't given birth yet, but EVERYONE i talk to says take the classes.  My midwife says it is mandatory for first time moms and first time out-of-hospital births.  She also says the moms who don't make it all the way natural are the moms who didn't take the classes.  Good luck.  Hope this helps!

carpozi

I agree with all PP's... there's no way DH would practice with me like he does, or get as involved as he is if we were just reading a book and had no other accountability.  We have taken significant time during our classes to practice relaxation techniques and have open dialogue about what I would want to hear for encouragement vs. what I would NOT want to hear. 

AutumnBride929

I think you really need to take the class.

anmllwyr

I guess I'm in the minority.  We're just using the book and doing the practice exercises on our own.  One of my good friends did it this way for their first, and said that it went perfectly.  As long as you and DH have the discipline to actually do the practice exercises consistently, it should be second nature to you by the time you go into labor.  My friend said their birth was literally a textbook natural birth.  I also figure that if I have any questions, I can always talk to my midwife about it. 

Bricole514

I vote classes too! We got so much out of conversing with our instructor and more importantly from the other couples. ?I know it is a big commitment but totally worth it! GL!?

Bricole514

I vote classes too! We got so much out of conversing with our instructor and more importantly from the other couples. ?I know it is a big commitment but totally worth it! GL!?

Genevieve_kris

carpozi:

I agree with all PP's... there's no way DH would practice with me like he does, or get as involved as he is if we were just reading a book and had no other accountability.  We have taken significant time during our classes to practice relaxation techniques and have open dialogue about what I would want to hear for encouragement vs. what I would NOT want to hear. 

This.  Exactly.

AleciaMarie

Another vote for taking the classes. It's not just the content but the conversations and feedback from the instructor and the other people in the class. Plus, it's really opened up communication regarding birth topics between my H and I. I personally feel that they are worth every penney as long as you have a good instructor.

kegallagh

I am SO glad that I didn't waste the money on classes. DH and I both read Natural Child Birth the Bradley Way. We both found the book extremely interesting and helpful... more than enough preparation. But I was also lucky enough to have amazing support from both my DH and my mom during labor. I had a very positive birth experience. Honestly, I think I could have just "winged it" without the book since I knew enough basics about Bradley, but I am glad that I at least read the book.

mindyandmike

Take the class! It is soooo worth it!