NCB Prep

lcatack

What are some methods for natural child birth prep?  I've heard of hypnobabies and bradly but know absolutely nothing about them.  I'm not pregnant (yet) but would like to look into some of the various methods for dealing with the pain or pressure of labor when I do get pregnant. 

 My first labor was induced by choice after my due date and I would prefer to avoid that again.  I thought I was mentally prepared for labor and did great up until 8.5ish cm when the pit was turned up and I got my epi.  I didn't feel ready for the pressure of contractions on pitocin.  So, I'm thinking next time around no pit and waterbirth on my own terms. 

jteneback

I liked Bradley because it was very educational about labor and birth.  I didn't wind up using any of the pain management techniques (things happened fast and I couldn't focus) but I think it was a very good use of time.  I have heard good things about hypnobabies and there is no reason you can't do both. 

WearingRed

jteneback:

I liked Bradley because it was very educational about labor and birth.nbsp; I didn't wind up using any of the pain managementnbsp;techniques things happened fast and I couldn't focus but I think it was a very good use of time.nbsp; I have heard good things about hypnobabies and there is no reason you can't do both.nbsp;

actually you would need to pick one or the other. Their methods of dealing with pain are not compatible. Try grabbing a book on both at a store and read a few pages of how they deal with pain see which philosophy you agree with more. [ I am not suggesting you buy two books just look at them at the store]

mb314

I chose Bradley courses.  I haven't given birth yet, so I can't say 100% if what I learned was helpful.  However, I do think that for me, the value of the Bradley course was less about pain management and more about understanding birth, your options, and when interventions are and are not necessary.  As I get close to my due date and my midwives are beginning to mention induction, I feel very well educated on knowing my rights and being able to make a sound judgement about what's best for me and the health of my baby. At least in my course, the focus was less on pain management than on understanding birth as a whole

 I disagree that you have to pick one or the other.  Hypnobabies wasn't for me, personally, because I know my brain and it wouldn't work for me.  But I think you could take a lot of the philosophy of the Bradley course and combine it with the pain management of Hypnobabies.  

mjr12

I am a Hypnobabies mom, and the use of the hypno-anesthesia was wonderful for me. The classes also have so much information that's presented in a very open, informative way.  I really enjoyed it.  I think you should look into what works for you, but I do know that our Hypnobabies instructor said that Hypnobabies and Bradley were not compatible because with Hypnobabies, you are actually training your body and mind to deal with pain and discomfort differently than it normally would.