Lurking Newb

ELauren88

Hello all! I am a FTM due this August. I am extremely interested and adamant about having a med-free birth. I've been trying to lurk over here as much as possible, and try and glean some knowledge from you! But, I'm feeling a little over-whelmed. 

I was looking into Bradley Method classes in my hometown, and found a woman who does them just a couple blocks away! However, she only does them in the evening, and DH works second shift. I haven't been able to find anyone else in the area who offers these classes.

I guess my question would be, do any of you have alternative methods that worked as well (I've heard/been told Bradley is the best and most helpful)? Where did you find these classes? ie: Through your hospital (if you have one)? Through your MW or Doula? Internet searching? Do I even need classes??

As you can see, I am getting a little worked up about this stuff. I just want to be as prepared as possible, especially since I have next to no support. DH is behind me 100%, but anyone else who knows I want to go med-free is taking bets on how long I'll labor before demanding an epidural. (Nice, huh?)

Sorry this got kind of long. I'll appreciate any advice I can get! TIA!

I'd also like to add that my mom COULD go with me to these classes I found, but I would prefer DH to be with me. Also, the second paragraph doesn't apply to where you found Bradley classes, specifically. Just ANY birth class that helped you. Thanks!

lindslalala

I took prenatal yoga and my instructor was also a doula/childbirth educator. We did a class with her, and that plus the yoga were the only things I went out to do to prepare for a natural birth. I read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and parts of The Birth Partner (which DH read parts of as well).

My only advice would be to mostly keep it to yourself that you are planning for a natural birth. People love to share their opinions and "expertise" whether you ask for them or not.

ELauren88

lindslalala:

I took prenatal yoga and my instructor was also a doula/childbirth educator. We did a class with her, and that plus the yoga were the only things I went out to do to prepare for a natural birth. I read Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and parts of The Birth Partner (which DH read parts of as well).

My only advice would be to mostly keep it to yourself that you are planning for a natural birth. People love to share their opinions and "expertise" whether you ask for them or not.

Yea, I learned that the hard way. I told my mom in hopes she'd be supportive, because she always wanted her "ideal" birthing experience, but ended up with 4 c-sections. Back-fire. Now I refuse to discuss it with anyone unless they are a known supportive person.

Anywhos, thank you for your advice! I suppose I should start investigating more literature and not just people! Thanks! 

Anna&Josh520

I am in the process of doing the Hypnobabies home study class.  It has come highly recommended here by several ladies.  I am not all the way through yet, but I am enjoying going at my own pace.  This might be ideal with your husbands work schedule.  You can go to their website or google for more info 

tokenhoser

You don't need to do a 12 week class to have a natural birth. That is one option; there are many others.

I prepared for my first birth by hiring a doula (definitely my #1 recommendation), reading several books, staying active with yoga and swimming, and hanging out on here.

I would not stress about finding a Bradley class if it just doesn't fit your schedules. Read some Bradley books, spend your Bradley money on an awesome doula, and take up yoga in the evenings while your DH is at work. 

hamiltks10

DH and I took the Hypnobirthing class offered by my hospital.  I also did two 6-week sessions of prenatal yoga through the hospital and then went to the Yin/Restorative yoga classes offered by Lifetime Fitness for the remainder of my pregnancy (8 weeks or so).  I also went to a chiropractor weekly from about 28 weeks until my LO was born.  And we hired a doula.

The Hypnobirthing classes were good and I'm glad we did it.  But I actually think I took more away from reading lots about natural childbirth and taking the yoga classes.  While my husband acted like he didn't care for the Hypnobirthing classes, I think it was actually really helpful for him.  He remembered so much more than I thought he would from the class and was a fantastic support person during labor. 

So are classes totally necessary...no, not in my opinion.  I think you can prepare yourself by doing your own research.  But I do think it helped my DH a lot.

Good luck! 

sschwege

I did Hypnobirthing both times and had a great experience.  I just found a place online and it was four evening classes.  There is also Hypnobabies which is a home-study course, that might work well since you could do it around your H's schedule.

alitria

I looked into Bradley and it didn't do much for me so I read the hypnobirthing book, took a childbirth class at a local birthing center and hired a doula. The doula was BY FAR the most helpful.

danuli8

I am on the last week of my Hypnobabies home study course and am really enjoying it. I also hired a doula and am seeing a midwife for my prenatal care, and the hospital where I am delivering has a special MW suite with a big deep tub that is an epidural-free zone. I am going to be in that suite. I also read and loved Ina May's Guide to Childbirth and Penny Simkin's The Birth Partner (and a couple others I am too lazy to type out here). With all of these tools in my toolbox, I am confident I am going to have a great natural birth.