Bradley Classes vs. Doula

MamaMimiDi

Hi ladies,

I'm trying to decide if my husband and I should take Bradley classes or hire a doula. I'm going to be trying for a VBAC and want to be as prepared as possible. The reason I ended up with a csection is because I failed to progress past a seven. I was also tied down to the bed with varies interventions that now I feel we're unnecessary like pitocin and cant help but think how the delivery may have been different if I was able to get up and move around. Because I felt like I had no control over what happened to me with my last delivery I want to be as prepared as possible so I can have a successful VBAC. The midwife I am seeing suggested these two options Bradley classes and a Doila and I was wondering if any of you had some experiences you could share with me.

Thanks for any advice!

margaritachikita

Is it possible for you to do both? We did both and I was very happy with my experience (non-medicated hospital birth).

 If you can only do one, I would personally recommend the doula. It seems like you are already pretty well educated on hospital policies and interventions, just with your experience from your previous birth. Bradley method classes were a lot about going over the various stages of labor/birth, possible hospital interventions, etc. I would say that it would be easier to do a little research/reading up to refresh your memory about that part of it, whereas a doula is irreplaceable. When you are there, in labor, yeah, the theories you learned in Bradley may be in the back of your mind, but the doula is the one who is there with you, helping you stay focused and guiding you through the experience, moment by moment. That is what's going to make the difference between a good birth experience and a bad or mediocre one.

 

 

himymlover

I would do both. Take the Bradley classes, but hire a doula who is going through certification. I have done four labors and haven't charged for any of them. It is more important to me to get that experience, than it is to get money for it. I know there are a lot of other doulas who feel the same way. I just feel honored that people allow me to be part of such an intimate experience. If you want both, you can have both.

MamaMimiDi

Thank you so much for your advice. I appreciate it!

tokenhoser

I went with the doula.

I don't want Bradley classes. Too much time commitment, cost too high, and if someone tells me to eat 100 g of protein, I'm going to shove a food diary down their throat. Not the ideal birth method for me.

aylafsu88

IMO both are great and if you can you should do both.  I took the Bradley classes and loved them.  They educated us on childbirth and the process.  They also taught my H how to be a great coach which is really important.  Since you are planning for a VBAC I think the classes are a great tool so that you feel comfortable and prepared.  I also had a doula.  As H and I were FT parents we did not know what could happen during labor.  We had a doula so that we had an educated supportive person with us that would be able to see the situation clearly.  She was so positive and supportive, I had a wonderful, relaxed labor which I largely attribute to her.  SHe was worth every penny we paid her.  In your situation if you can do both you should.  A doula will keep you calm and focused, and the classes will prepare you for what to expect.

danuli8

My gut answer is also "both." I have hired a doula and considered Bradley classes, but ended up doing the Hypnobabies home study course instead (costs $150 new, but you can often get a used one from eBay or The Bump for about $100). I am about to start Week 5 (last week of new material before going into maintenance) of the course. I am very happy with it, and it does not require me to drive anywhere--a real plus in the Midwest in wintertime.

sthomas1222

We did both I'm so glad my husband pushed for the doula. I ended up with many complications she was an amazing support through it all. If you can do both, then do it! If you can only have 1 I'd go with the doula. A good, competent doula will go over all the things you learn in Bradley just in a more condensed form. There was definitely a lot of crossover of the 2 but you can't hear these things enough imo.
Good luck!