Bradley class worth the cost?

jmcgra06

Hi everyone!

I am due June 9th and trying to figure out some birthing class options before it's too late! I have seen a few Bradley classes in our area for $400, and some hypnobirthing for $500+, and I'm just not sure it's worth the cost... We will definitely do some kind of class, and our "backup" option is the basic class that our hospital offers which is only $150 and partially covered by our insurance. I plan to read the Bradley books either way, and I'm a little worried that hypnobirthing might be a little too out there for me (not a lot of research on this, just a feeling).

Did anyone just read some books and get down to having a baby? Are the classes really worth the cost?

tokenhoser

Most people that take them, like them.

I did spend money, but preferred to spend it on a doula. I didn't want to give up the time that classes take. I did take the hospital class, as it was short and cheap and I thought DH could use a primer. For me, reading + a doula was the right choice and what I'm doing for #2. 

aylafsu88

I think they are worth it.  H and I loved them.  They educated H on childbirth and how to be a great coach.  This was important because he was not into reading up on childbirth in his free time.  For me education was really important so I was not afraid of childbirth because I knew what would happen and what to expect.  It also was a good way for us to spend time together.  We talked about our LO, birth and what we wanted.  It was a great experience and we made our class nights like a mini date night with yogurt or ice cream afterwards.

mb314

BreanneL24:

The classes were absolutely worth it for us because of DH. He learned so much in them and was an AMAZING support during labor. The books explain the exact things talked about in the class, but DH wouldn't have invested that much in just books. If you can get your H to read and study the books then I wouldn't go to the class. If you have an H like mine, he seriously benefitted from the class. As did I, but I read the books as well!

 

This - The classes were great for DH, who otherwise would have only half-paid attention if I was just explaining to him natural birth stuff.  Also, I liked having an instructor to ask questions of, and it was a lot of fun meeting other couples who were due around the same time as me.  

NoeliaV

mb314:

BreanneL24:

The classes were absolutely worth it for us because of DH. He learned so much in them and was an AMAZING support during labor. The books explain the exact things talked about in the class, but DH wouldn't have invested that much in just books. If you can get your H to read and study the books then I wouldn't go to the class. If you have an H like mine, he seriously benefitted from the class. As did I, but I read the books as well!

 

This - The classes were great for DH, who otherwise would have only half-paid attention if I was just explaining to him natural birth stuff.  Also, I liked having an instructor to ask questions of, and it was a lot of fun meeting other couples who were due around the same time as me.  

For us, too. The classes were so valuable for DH once i was in labor.

Foxinsocks

So worth it, in my opinion. 

I really appreciated having 12 weeks to process everything. And the Bradley success rate is something like 93%! 

cecilyandgautam

We took Bradley & we learned a lot about the birth process and relaxation techniques. I think it would be useful to most people, but we were a bit black swanned so it wasn't the most practical information for us once labor began. Regarding the progression of labor, we just weren't textbook - labor started with contractions 2-3 minutes apart lasting for a minute each - and they weren't the "walk & talk through" kind either. They stayed about the same for the whole 27 hours of labor. So, the 3-1-1 rule wouldn't have worked for us. Maybe next time will be different? Who knows!

Regarding relaxation techniques, none of the Bradley ones really worked for me in the moment, which there's no way to know ahead of time. What worked were hot rice socks, which we read about in a book.  

Even though we didn't get our money's worth of stuff we could use, I still think it's a good idea to take a class so you and your hubby don't freak out.  

Mrs.KMid

BreanneL24:

The classes were absolutely worth it for us because of DH. He learned so much in them and was an AMAZING support during labor. The books explain the exact things talked about in the class, but DH wouldn't have invested that much in just books. If you can get your H to read and study the books then I wouldn't go to the class. If you have an H like mine, he seriously benefitted from the class. As did I, but I read the books as well!

this, I credit the Bradley classes to my husband being my rock in the delivery room, even our Doula was impressed. 

aracelyluna

I have posted here since my baby was born about a year ago.

Having said that- I loved our Bradley class. When we started taking the class I was not full on board with doing the natural birth. I am so glad we did them. They not only helped my husband but me as well. i had no idea what to expect from labor. Bradley prepared me to have the birth I wanted. Our instructor was also awesome. We had to switch doctors at the end of our pregnancy and she helped us find a good match. 

Bride-hilda

I've been freaking out lately because I haven't taken any classes, (I posted here recently about it. ) The responses I got were, in a gist, "It's very possible to have natural child birth without a class." Doi.

Personally, I wouldn't spend a dime on a class until I knew a lot about the method used. A friend of mine recommended the Bradley method so I bought a book about it. I HATE it. It's definitely not to my style, and I find it a bit sexist.

My point is some people live for classes, other people don't. But if you do decide to sign up for a class, know whether or not it fits your style.  

mcmarried

We took bradley and at minimum it made me confident and feel prepared.  We had to be induced due to complications and DH and I reacted and birthed like all stars. Bradley helped me, I also liked meeting other to-be-parents and having someone to advise on all my pregnancy questions beyond my OB

epona3

It was definitely worth it for us. We both felt very prepared going into birth, especially DH who would not have read up on it on his own. B/c of the classes, he was a HUGE part of labor and birth, and a wonderful support person.

I had a very long labor, and  very long pushing stage due to a posterior (face-up) baby. I don't know if I could have done it med-free without Bradley classes.

I recommend the classes to everyone, and we even took a short 2 hour refresher course this week to refresh our memories! I'm actually looking forward to having another med-free birth.