Bradley Method Alternatives?

GoldenGibson

I was very interested in taking the Bradley method birthing classes and was pretty set on that, but when I searched for classes in my area, not only are there none within close driving distance, there are none in my entire state! Needless to say, I'm pretty disappointed. I've searched the birthing classes through our local hospital and frankly, they all seem to suck. I didn't see anything that seemed like a good fit for us. I planned on doing a med-free hospital birth, but I want to labor at home as long as possible.

I have no idea how to go about finding an alternative series of comprehensive classes, and I preferred to do classes in person rather than online. Any ideas on how to search? I googled "birthing classes in state" and found nothing, so I was thinking if I searched for a specific series of classes I might be more successful.

lcloffredo

I would contact the teacher closest to you and see if they have any suggestions. Some teachers can do lesson's through skype or something. Or they could recommend materials for you to use.

Irisheyes1247

You could try and ask on the Natural Birth board, I think there are book options for both Bradley and Hypnobirthing that you could do at home.

citymama2012

I was thinking of doing Bradley but due to time restrictions it just didn't workout.  We took a Hypnobirthing class instead and I recommend it.  

 

Also, you can buy the Bradley book on Amazon--I think it's called "Husband-Coached Childbirth".  Not the same as the course, but could be a good resource.   

GoldenGibson

Here are two more questions:

1) Is it ridiculous to drive an hour and a half for 12 weeks after work to do the bradley classes to hopefully prepare us for the birth that we want, or would it not be worth it to you?

2) If you were to have to choose between having a doula present during birth OR taking bradley classes which would you think was more valuable?

[Deleted User]

GoldenGibson:

Here are two more questions:

1) Is it ridiculous to drive an hour and a half for 12 weeks after work to do the bradley classes to hopefully prepare us for the birth that we want, or would it not be worth it to you?

2) If you were to have to choose between having a doula present during birth OR taking bradley classes which would you think was more valuable?

I've been reading "The Birth That's Right For You" and it has convinced me that it is important to remain flexible. I also would prefer an intervention-free labor and delivery, but I think getting so set on it is setting myself up for disappointment. I figure I'll look into Bradley and Hypnobirthing, but I personally wouldn't spend that much time studying them (i.e., I wouldn't drive 1.5 hrs for 12 weeks to take classes). I think it would be more valuable to have a doula with you who can help you adapt to the situation as it unfolds.

kmiller1012

Have you looked into Hypnobirthing?  My hospital is offering it and I am taking that.  I also know there are classes in my area for it that aren't through the hospital.  But I also don't have a birth plan except I want to go as long as I can without the epi.  If I don't need it at all, then even better.  I had the same plan last time but didn't take any questions and I wasn't disappointed with my delivery at all.

In answer to your other questions I wouldn't drive an hour and a half both ways for a 12 week class.  I would spend that money on a Doula instead.  Also, your Doula might be able to help you prepare for the birth you want.

Irisheyes1247

GoldenGibson:

Here are two more questions:

1) Is it ridiculous to drive an hour and a half for 12 weeks after work to do the bradley classes to hopefully prepare us for the birth that we want, or would it not be worth it to you?

2) If you were to have to choose between having a doula present during birth OR taking bradley classes which would you think was more valuable?

I would not drive. I would work with a doula instead. You could get the book or a homestudy course to prepare yourself, but I bet "in the heat of the moment" it would be reassuring to have someone with some experience in your corner. Also, if complications arise, with your course, you really have nothing to fall back on, but a doula would be there to support you no matter what happens and even if you want/need interventions or meds.

sharmurph18

I had a natural hospital birth and we labored at home as long as we could (I was 9cm when we got to the hospital).  We read this book and practiced breathing a lot.

https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Childbirth-Bradley-Way-Revised/dp/0452276594/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322591000&sr=1-1

My hospital has volunteer Doulas that they will match you up with if interested and we had one but, honestly, it went so quickly that all she did was call our moms to let them know I was in labor and took pictures.  We didn't have her come to our house while I was laboring at home and DH and the resident doctor that was in the room while my MW was on her way to the hospital were the ones that got me through breathing and pushing (twice) and the overall labor. 

In my circumstance, I don't think we'll get the doula again because we just didn't need her and she annoyed the crap out of me when I was in that much pain! 

But like they say, everyone is different--go with your gut!  But I'd definitely suggest taking a look at this book.  You also may want to check with any local nursing schools in your area, they may have a doula program where you can get a volunteer doula or Bradley teacher!

GoldenGibson

sharmurph18:

I had a natural hospital birth and we labored at home as long as we could (I was 9cm when we got to the hospital).  We read this book and practiced breathing a lot.

https://www.amazon.com/Natural-Childbirth-Bradley-Way-Revised/dp/0452276594/ref=sr_1_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1322591000&sr=1-1

How long were you laboring at home before you went to the hospital?

I am definitely willing to be flexible with my birth plan and I am not completely ruling out an epi. If I feel I need one to get through it, I will get one, but I want to try my best to be med free and I feel like having some techniques under my belt and feeling prepared mentally should help me. My DH is very skeptical at this point about my ability to go med free, and honestly I guess I am too. I'd like to think I can do it, but who knows.

I found 2 hypnobirthing classes, but they are still an hour's drive each way from our house. There's only 4 or 5 sessions though so that would be more doable. One of them was $500, is that a normal price for something like that? That kind of price is sort of what led me to think I needed to pick a doula or a birth class but that it would be a little too expensive to do both. So a compromise would be to get the bradley and/or hypnobirthing books, take from them what we will and plan on having a doula.

As a FTM, my biggest concern with laboring at home is not knowing the right time to go to the hospital or not knowing if something is wrong, but I noticed quite a few moms on the natural birth board saying you just know when you need to go.

mishy112

I would get a doula over driving 1.5 hours to attend the classes. FWIW, I know of at least one, if not two, of my friends read the Bradley method book on their own and were able to benefit from this. The one I am remembering for sure had very positive things to say about it and her labor and didn't seem to think the class itself would be necessary.

Teneniel

GoldenGibson:

How long were you laboring at home before you went to the hospital?

I am definitely willing to be flexible with my birth plan and I am not completely ruling out an epi. If I feel I need one to get through it, I will get one, but I want to try my best to be med free and I feel like having some techniques under my belt and feeling prepared mentally should help me. My DH is very skeptical at this point about my ability to go med free, and honestly I guess I am too. I'd like to think I can do it, but who knows.

I found 2 hypnobirthing classes, but they are still an hour's drive each way from our house. There's only 4 or 5 sessions though so that would be more doable. One of them was $500, is that a normal price for something like that? That kind of price is sort of what led me to think I needed to pick a doula or a birth class but that it would be a little too expensive to do both. So a compromise would be to get the bradley and/or hypnobirthing books, take from them what we will and plan on having a doula.

As a FTM, my biggest concern with laboring at home is not knowing the right time to go to the hospital or not knowing if something is wrong, but I noticed quite a few moms on the natural birth board saying you just know when you need to go.

I'm sorry, girl!  That's not helping your chances of going med-free.  I think maybe your hubby hasn't seen much in the way of natural birth videos that show what women are capable of.  I hadn't really either until I started my classes.  Only what's sensationalized on TV.  My first class, the instructor gave us strict orders to stop watching A Baby Story, haha!

I love my regular birth class, but I got lucky and it's being taught by an ex-doula. I'm a lot more confident now, but she makes a good point too in saying that everyone should have some natural pain relief methods up their sleeves, because those 20+ minutes between asking for the epi and actually getting it set up can seem like FOREVER, and it helps to have some tools in your belt in the meantime.

Basically any deep relaxation techniques should help, but between the two choices, I might go doula, just because at that price she should come for a post-birth visit to help you catch up on dishes and cooking, and see what's happening.