Bradley classes if you're NOT low risk?

kikibird · January 2011

Is there anyone here who's taken/taking classes (especially Bradley Method) to train for an un-medicated birth, but who has known risk factors in their pregnancy? While I've corresponded with a Bradley instructor who assures me of the benefits of the classes, even if I can't go through with an intervention-free birth, I'm just wondering if it's worth going through all the classes anyway. I'm also signed up for the birth prep classes at the hospital where I'll deliver.

I have high blood pressure (managed with medication) and fibroids, both/either of which may prevent me from delivering vaginally and/or med-free, though my doctors have not said "no" to going "natural"... at least not yet. They haven't labeled me "high risk" yet, but I am being seen by a peri along with my OB.

I guess ultimately I'm inclined to take the Bradley workshop, but am worried that it might be overkill to do the 12-week Bradley methods class on top of the hospital's child birth classes (3 sessions) which we already signed up for.

Also, did taking classes like these help your DH to get more comfortable with the whole birthing process (especially if he was a little skittish at first)?

[I posted on the >35 boards before thinking this was probably the best place to post... not trying to PW... sorry!]

miesl · January 2011

Well...

I'm having twins and I have pre-existing (med controlled) HBP. I'm probably going to end up NOT having a med-free birth (and I'm willing to accept that). However, I want as few interventions as I can manage.

DH and I are taking Bradley classes. I have an agreement with the instructor where I'm paying a reduced price to start and I'll reassess (and pay the rest of the $) if I want to continue after Class 6. So far, I'm really enjoying the class (we've been to 2 classes). The relaxation and exercises are useful for feeling better now, which is helpful! Plus, there's info about BFing and stuff other than prep for a med-free birth.

kikibird · January 2011

miesl:
Well...

I'm having twins and I have pre-existing (med controlled) HBP. I'm probably going to end up NOT having a med-free birth (and I'm willing to accept that). However, I want as few interventions as I can manage.

DH and I are taking Bradley classes. I have an agreement with the instructor where I'm paying a reduced price to start and I'll reassess (and pay the rest of the $) if I want to continue after Class 6. So far, I'm really enjoying the class (we've been to 2 classes). The relaxation and exercises are useful for feeling better now, which is helpful! Plus, there's info about BFing and stuff other than prep for a med-free birth.

That's a great agreement you have with your instructor... I think that's one of my fears: what if I don't like the class or find out it's not for us? But it does sound fun and informative. Are you taking any classes at your hospital too?

Thanks for your input!

thebigmare · January 2011

If I were you, I would still want to be as informed as possible. Now does that mean Bradley or just reading books?

For the most part, I'm not learning anything new in my Bradley classes (except for the Natural Alignment Plateau last class. That has been the best thing so far!). But for my DH, he hasn't done any research outside of Bradley, so he's getting A LOT from the classes. He went from assuming that he'd bring his law books to the hospital (because he'd have time to study with the epi...) to being as pro natural birth as I am. (He made our Bradley instructor tear up. She asked him why natural birth is important and his answer really moved her.)

BradleyInstructor · January 2011

I teach Bradley Method classes and have had 3 couples in the last 2 years that needed a c/s (about 10% of the total students I have taught). One of the mothers was labeled high risk due to her maternal age & a clotting disorder. She also knew that her peri would not let her pregnancy go beyond 39 weeks and that made her a high candidate for c/s. After being induced & making no progress after 48 hours, she had the c/s. All of the couples that did wound up having a c/s said that they still thought the classes were worthwhile. Some of the reasons they listed were 1) DH's involvment & comfort level. 2) the relaxation practice helped during & after surgery 3) learning about what will happen to their body & knowing what to expect from the surgery 4) learning about breastfeeding & newborn care. There are still so many options & choices that you have even if you do need medical intervention that a regular hospital class does not cover. Here is how I look at it, you will never regret having more information, but you could regret not having enough. Most Bradley teachers will also work with you financially. GL to you!

julyjennifer · January 2011

kikijbird:
Also, did taking classes like these help your DH to get more comfortable with the whole birthing process (especially if he was a little skittish at first)?

I was not high risk but we took the Bradley classes and I'd definitely cite this as a HUGE benefit of bradley. DH was so well informed and integral to the process after the classes.

If anything, taking both the bradley and the hospital classes will be an interesting compare/contrast experience for you... I didn't take a hospital class but I have heard that often they are a lot of "how to be a compliant patient" info...

kikibird · January 2011

thebigmare:
If I were you, I would still want to be as informed as possible. Now does that mean Bradley or just reading books?
For the most part, I'm not learning anything new in my Bradley classes (except for the Natural Alignment Plateau last class. That has been the best thing so far!). But for my DH, he hasn't done any research outside of Bradley, so he's getting A LOT from the classes. He went from assuming that he'd bring his law books to the hospital (because he'd have time to study with the epi...) to being as pro natural birth as I am. (He made our Bradley instructor tear up. She asked him why natural birth is important and his answer really moved her.)

That's great that your husband learned a lot from the class, I'm hoping the same will happen for mine. I think my DH is skeptical about the classes being too "crunchy" so I'm hoping that our instructor can communicate the practical benefits of what we're learning.

It sounds like I have a bit to learn from the classes too, as I had to Google Natural Alignment Plateau... fascinating! Thanks!

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