Lamaze/Bradley Classes?

Re: Lamaze/Bradley Classes?

• duncanpowers

  September 2010

  If you're planning a medicated birth, Bradley is a waste of time for you. It's 12 classes, 2 hours, focusing on natural birth. But you should try to take some kind of less involved class or at least learn a few pain management techniques, because you won't be able to use an epidural until you're in active labor and that can take some time to establish.

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• luckyfrgg member

  September 2010

  duncanpowers:

  If you're planning a medicated birth, Bradley is a waste of time for you. It's 12 classes, 2 hours, focusing on natural birth. But you should try to take some kind of less involved class or at least learn a few pain management techniques, because you won't be able to use an epidural until you're in active labor and that can take some time to establish.

  This.  Lots of hospitals offer very good birth classes that cover not only basic breathing and relaxation techniques but also go over pain medication options, emergency situations that may arise, and hospital policies.

  If that was a typo and you're planning an unmedicated birth, then please please please do some preparation.  Bradley is great but it does take a long time and if you're already 3rd tri you may need to talk to a teacher about condensing the sessions for you.  I have no experience with Lamaze, so I can't weigh in there.  I can tell you that I know a few people who have decided to go natural without learning any techniques or getting themselves informed about medical interventions, etc., and it almost always sets you up for a tough experience.  If you're looking for advice about natural birth, also post this on the Natural Birth board.

  GL! 

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• tledwards200

  September 2010

  I planned on taking childbirth classes until I found out they cost $150, and my insurance wouldn't cover it. I spoke to my friend who is a L&D NP and she said that while the classes are great, I might be better off spending the $ elsewhere (like on the nursery) UNLESS I was planning an unmedicated birth.

  ETA: It was actually the Lamaze classes that cost $150.

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• pixieprincss member

  September 2010

  Bradley is usually 12 weeks long and focused on a med-free, low intervention birth. So, unless that is appealing to you the time and cost ($350+ in my area) is probably not worth it to you. I am taking them and enjoying it, but it is up my alley and I love how involved it gets DH.

  

  
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