Bradley Method Classes

PaislieWatkins

Hello Ladies-

I'm mainly a lurker, but have been recently looking for a Bradley Method class in my area. (Boise, ID) Sadly, the website I found with the locations of certified instructors doesn't list any for quite some distance. The closest being Kennewick, WA.

So my question is: Do you guys know of any good websites/blogs/ or ideas that can get us as close to the Bradley method as possible? Its hard to believe that an area this big doesn't even have one instructor, but my searches haven't brought up one yet.

Thanks in advance!

aylafsu88

I took the classes and they were great.  However, you could probably get most of the information from reading the book and looking over the Bradley workbook. The classes are really only important if you want to meet other expecting couples, ask specific question to the instructor etc. The big thing that the Bradley class stresses is communication between you and your birth coach.  Each week focuses on a different topic and makes the two of you talk about it.  You could really do this at home with your partner by setting aside 1-2 hours each week.  In my area they also offered a Birth from within class. It is a natural birth geared 6 week class that my doula taught.  I am not exactly sure what it is but I think it may be similar to the Bradley method with support based natural birth. Maybe check if there is one of these classes in your area. GL!

 Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutheon or Husband-Coached Childbirth (Fifth Edition): The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth by Robert Bradley. 

 https://www.amazon.com/Birthing-Within-Extra-Ordinary-Childbirth-Preparation/dp/0965987302/ref=sr_1_3?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1369225085&sr=1-3&keywords=birth+without+fear

SarahinMD

We had a great experience, used Bradley Method, but only read books (and did ALL the exercises and practices). Classes are probably ideal, but for us, the books were enough. This time we're reviewing them (DH also reviewing flash cards he made last time). Good luck!

dontgiveupnomatterwhat

We just ordered the "Bradley Method" book and workbook...and it has been just fine for us.

I will know more AFTER I have this baby, whether or not that was a good idea.

 

PaislieWatkins

Thanks for all the great advice! I think we'll try just ordering the books and see how those work for us.

Jasmineeelizabeth

I agree with what everyone has posted so far.

You'll have to be pretty disciplined as there is a lot of homework that might be easy to skip if you don't have someone checking up on you.

 Buy the book, get the workbook and you'll be fine.

I honestly haven't learned all that much at the classes, but DH has learned a lot. 

Make sure your DH is on board fully because a huge part of the classes are training him to coach you.