Bradley Method AND Hypnobirthing

nomadgirl

I've been looking into childbirthing classes and I'm having a hard time choosing which way to go.  I love the husband-focused informative aspects of Bradley, but I really think that Hypnobirthing will be more useful because it's so relaxation focused (which is something that I know I need help doing --- I'm one of those people whose mind is constantly running at 70 mph.)  So, what do you think about doing both classes?  Or, would you just choose one or the other?  And, if you'd just choose one, which one would you choose?

abell77

My husband and I used Bradley method for my two births, but I have no experience in hypnobirthing.  However, I don't see why it would be a problem to learn about both in preparation for your birth.  I think it would just expand the list of strategies available to you while you are in labor.  Obviously we had success with Bradley twice so I'm a big proponent of this method, but I've heard good things about hypnobirthing too.

 

Good Luck! 

BLPL101

Bradley is really big on relaxation too.

poison489

I did the Bradley Method class when I had my son.  We liked how informative the class was, but I felt that the relaxation techniques were not enough for me.  I read the hypnobirthing book and I would have loved to have done hypnobirthing for my recent birth, but we couldn't afford it.  I got my pain med free birth (I had to be induced on pitocin, due to baby getting too big and being 41 weeks 2 days).  If you can afford to do both, go for it. 

Tarta

I did the hypnobabies home course. DH was skeptical of the hypnosis aspect, the books had plenty of info for husbands but since this was our second time around, he knew the basics of labor and delivery. He reluctantly read the birth partner guide booklet and asked me some questions about what I thought I'd be doing etc.

When it got to my birthing time DH tentatively started trying out his hypnosis deepening and anesthesia cues. When we discovered I responded really well to him giving the cues, I turned off my hypnosis tracks and just had him guide me deeper into hypnosis and guide my anesthesia. He got more and more confident and I think it really helped him feel like he could actually do something to help me.

Last time he just sort of held me and encouraged me, but was pretty helpless. This time, when a pressure wave (contraction) would begin, he knew exactly what to do to get me comfortable and relaxed. He was a total rockstar and, since he was so good at what he was doing to support me, I rocked out a natural birth. It was amazing teamwork. I'm still so proud of us. 

I highly recommend Hypnobabies for DH involvement and mama comfort during birthing.