D.C. Area Babies

natural/med free birth classes/resources

I was wondering if anyone had any suggestions on where to start with this research. I have read a ton online, and thought I would look into some books or classes.

I have no idea if we can even do this since we are high risk and will be delivering at Fairfax. I still have to talk to perinatal associates about our options, but thought I would educate myself first.

Any suggestions or experience?

thanks!

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Re: natural/med free birth classes/resources

  • Check into Bradley Classes (AJM is an instructor in Old Town) or hypnobirthing (lindseyJW is an instructor in Alexandria).
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  • I'd recommend getting a doula. I can't speak to Bradley or hypnobirthing since I took conventional classes at the hospital, but for me, the key to making it through a med-free delivery was having that continuous support throughout labor.
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  • Ditto DCtoLow on the doula. We took BirthWorks classes, which aren't Bradley/hypnobirthing but are still very pro-natural childbirth. They taught us abotu all the stages of labor, techniques to deal with the pain, and methods for avoiding interventions (some of which I would never have even thought of!). I highly recommend BirthWorks. We went to Susan Messina's class and I think a few other ladies here did as well.
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  • I took hypnobirthing with LindseyJW and loved it.  I ended up needing pitocin, and a few hours into that I opted for Stadol instead of the epidural.  I hypnobirthed through the whole process, and although the Stadol made me very drowsy, I still was able to listen to the hypnobirthing CD and my husband coach me through the whole process and keep myself as relaxed as possible.  Look in to all the options and go with what feels right for you!

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  • thanks for the shout out, ladywalton and ch ch ch chia!

    i like to tell my families that HypnoBirthing is less a strict birthing technique and more a lifestyle. the breathing exercises and release work that we do in class and that you learn to practice at home are amazing tools to reduce stress and anxiety in your life and bring about positive energy and thinking to your world.

    for this reason, i highly recommend HypnoBirthing for high risk families. typcially, higher risk brings higher levels of stress and concern for mama and baby's well-being. using the HypnoBirthing techniques, you will learn how to reduce and release these emotions and create a peaceful and calm environment for you and  your baby.

    i'm happy to talk to you offline about my class and what you could expect to learn. feel free to email me at Lindsey AT sunflowershealingandwellness DOT com.

    ~L

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  • I officially hate The Nest, which just ate my lengthy post.  Abbreviated version:

    We're doing Bradley.  Start looking for an instructor ASAP because the one most convenient to you (time/place) may have classes starting too early or too late and you don't want to miss out.  I found ours by searching the Bradley website for instructors with times that fit our schedule.

    https://www.bradleybirth.com/Directory.aspx

    We're also delivering at INOVA Fairfax.  The online registration asked about birth method and there were several natural birth methods listed.  Not sure how they work in practice though.

     

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  • thanks everyone! I really appreciate it!
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  • follow up: how did you find your doula? any local you recommend?
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  • Thanks for passing on my name ch ch chia :-)

    c-washington...for doulas, doulamatch.net is a great way to find doulas in the area. You can also go on the certifying body websites (i.e. DONA, CAPPA, toLabor) to see the doulas in the area and call/email to see their availability and everything. Good luck! :-)
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