Birthing classes?

IrishEyes0530

So my mom keeps telling me I need to take Lamaze classes because I don't want an epidural. She said she took them and she swears they helped. So my question is, do Lamaze classes really help? And what is the difference between Lamaze and Bradley? I'd never even heard of Bradley until I saw some people talking about in on here.

gymnst1013

I have no idea what lamaze covers but I love our Bradley classes.  I was terrified of birth before them and now I'm totally looking forward it!

IrishEyes0530

What do they teach you? How many classes are there? I'm interested in taking classes but I don't know a lot about either one.

gymnst1013

Here is the website - there is a ton of info on it:

https://www.bradleybirth.com/

There are 12 classes - we are about halfway done and have covered nutrition, beneficial exercises, relaxation, interventions, dealing with 1st and 2nd stage labor, stuff like that.  We are going over birth plans next week.  It's a very coach-based method - definitely gets the husband/SO involved.

salk72788

I have heard that if your goal is a natural birth, that the Bradley method classes would be bettter.  I personally think its a good idea for all first time moms, bc it will help everyone prepare for the birth:) i know i am excited about it!!

ChristinaLC

From what I've heard (with nothing to actually back this up), lamaze is sorta outdated, and the Bradley method is supposedly more helpful. I get the impression that Bradley involves more visualization and not just he breathing...but I don't have any training in either of them yet, so I'm not 100%.