Bradley Method vs. Lamaze

MrsDowdy7106

My mom is an advocate of the Bradley Method - she went through 28 yrs ago before giving birth to me. I have researched the Bradley Method and from what I've read, I am leaninge towards this method vs. Lamaze. I am not sure if I am biased because this is the method my mom used for 5 successful unmedicated births but I probably am.

Lamaze seems to be a great method as well and has a lot of the same principles.

My dilema is this - The only Bradley classes offered in my area are an hour + away, plus the cost of the sessions looks like it will be a total of $300. The Lamaze classes are offered at the hospital I will be delivering at (I'm not sure about cost just yet) but most of the specialty classes like newborn CPR etc. will be free.

 I know I should consider what is best for me and baby and trust me I am, I just wanted to see if anyone has experiened either method OR both and have any good feedback on which they feel is more beneficial.

Thanks!!

lilmommalcw

You just reminded me. . . I have to look into Lamaze. I didn't do anything with my 1st born & wanted to hit someone every time they told me to breathe lol. Better figure it out this time before hand so I can get my act together

eisenberg0814

I just read a study somewhere that Lamaze is actually counter productive. but I cannot find it anymore... I did Bradley and love it. 

pixieprincss

We loved our Bradley class, but an hour driving each way plus the class time--that is 4 hours each week for 12 weeks. That would be a deal-breaker for the method for me. In your case, I think I would take the Lamaze classes and then read the Bradley book (the Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way one). In general, I think Bradley is best with the classes because it is all about DH's involvement and my DH needed the accountability of the class, but that drive would be killer.

MrsDowdy7106

Thanks Ladies! I think I'm going to go ahead and do Lamaze and read Dr. Bradley's book and there is another book by a lady names Susan...that may be the one you are referring to pixieprincess. The drive and time spent each week is what I based my decision off of. I just got the instructor's information in the mail today and although it seems so awesome...she is actually an hour and a half away from me so I'd be looking at 5 hours each Thursday night after work. I'm just going to read read read and do Lamaze. Thanks for all of your input!!!