Any options other than Bradley and Hypnobabies?

MinnesotanMom · January 2013

I have decided against the Bradley method. Does this leave Hypnobabies classes as pretty much the only natural birth option for taking classes to prepare for my first child? I am almost 22 weeks along.

I have never really "taken to" meditation (I guess I have a rapidly wandering mind!)--does this mean that Hypnobabies is not a good fit? I'm also a little uncomfortable with the idea of expecting there to be no pain or being in a trance-like state--but I'm guessing these are just stereotypes and not how the method actually works.

I am considering signing up for a Hypnobabies class, but my husband is skeptical about spending the money if I am not totally sure that it is the ideal technique for me. I am confused, because I don't know if Hynobabies will be a good fit (and am not sure how to figure it out), and I also have not been able to find other good class options beyond basic childbirth classes.

Thanks!

tokenhoser · January 2013

Lamaze is another option with classes.

Personally, I did a lot of reading and spent my money on a doula. She was an on-the-spot coach that was perfect for us. So I'd say if classes don't appeal, spend the cash on a doula instead.

sbevmc09 · January 2013

I wouldn't necessarily discount Hypnobabies based on what you've said. You're not in a trance-like state, just relaxed and you're able to move around freely, get to the level of relaxation you're comfortable with, etc. Also, they never promise you will be pain-free, only comfortable. However, you do have to "buy into it" for it to work. So if you think it's just not going to be a good fit for you then it might be best to look into other things.

I've also heard about Brio Birth and Birthing from Within. I don't know much about either, but I do know that there are comprehensive classes that go along with them and that they're not talked about as much as Hypnobirthing/babies or Bradley, or even Lamaze.

GL!

Alliebooberz · January 2013

tokenhoser:
Lamaze is another option with classes.
Personally, I did a lot of reading and spent my money on a doula. She was an on-the-spot coach that was perfect for us. So I'd say if classes don't appeal, spend the cash on a doula instead.

Yes great advice! I did a ton of reading and if I had hired a doula it would have been perfect. Still just reading I did great. Do what works for you... I knew that a class would be a waste of money for me and I would be annoyed to have to go every week.

starlightstef · January 2013

There's also Hypnobirthing, which is similar to hypnobabies but with some key differences. Like pp said, you do have to "buy into it" and really believe it will work. For whatever reason, my midwife recommended hypnobirthing over hypnobabies and bradley, saying she's seen more success with it.

MinnesotanMom · January 2013

What is the difference between Hypnobirthing and Hypnobabies?

Also, I have thought about a doula. But my husband really wants to help with the birth, so he is concerned that a doula will (1) push him out of the labor and (2) not be worth the money. I'd love to hear any insights that you have on that, as well!

Thanks so much for the help! I feel a little lost right now.

nosoup4u · January 2013

I took a prenatal yoga class during my first pregnancy, and it really helped me deal with labor.

nyki06 · January 2013

We didn't have an option of the other two so we did a Lamaze class. I didn't prefer the instructor and the other couple in our class was SUPER weird but the material was really good and focused on natural birth.

tokenhoser · January 2013

A doula did NOT make my husband feel pushed out at all. She told him exactly how to be most useful to me, and gave him a break when he was physically exhausted (I had back labour and wanted counter pressure for every contraction for about 5 hours straight). He was not interested in going to classes for many weeks - a doula was a pinch-hitter that taught him how to be awesome on the spot. Her primary job was to make him look like a superstar.

Ours was $450, which is on the low end. For us, worth it. Worth it enough DH says we need to get one again.

mlrafiki · January 2013

tokenhoser:
Personally, I did a lot of reading and spent my money on a doula. She was an on-the-spot coach that was perfect for us. So I'd say if classes don't appeal, spend the cash on a doula instead.

Since this is my first baby, I don't have previous experience for you, but I think this is great advice anyway. I also recommend checking out labor pain management techniques on Youtube, because you'd be amazed what you can find on there! I particularly like one series that recommends gripping an ice cube to simulate persistent pain while trying out several different pain management techniques to see which one works best for you.

ReichleyMama · January 2013

You don't need to pick ANY option or BUY anything or take ANY class. I went to the library and took out books and read about all the methods. I never hired a doula. People have been giving birth without meds for thousands of years... even before ANY of these methods were developed. Educate yourself. I honestly believe your mindset has a greater impact on how you physically handle labor than anything else. Mind over matter. Listen to your body, educate yourself. Don't feel like you need to spend money in order to have a natural birth. I'm not against using a method, it just so happened that we didnt have the money when we got pregnant with our first. I've done it twice, and will do a 3rd time this month!

Nechie122 · January 2013

I was fine with a one day intensive Lamaze class. And I second the recommendation for a doula.

Another thing that helped me was prenatal yoga. Actually, a lot of the Lamaze "positions" they teach you are also yoga poses. Plus it's fun.

bandwife · January 2013

tokenhoser:
Personally, I did a lot of reading and spent my money on a doula. She was an on-the-spot coach that was perfect for us. So I'd say if classes don't appeal, spend the cash on a doula instead.

I did the same for my first, a planned home birth, and it went really well.

DH was traveling a lot and I didn't think the classes were a good fit for us.

RockyMtnMama · January 2013

You can also do Birthing from Within and some places provide "Natural Birth Classes" that pull a little from everything.

Joyfullnoise · January 2013

nosoup4u:
I took a prenatal yoga class during my first pregnancy, and it really helped me deal with labor.

This for me and several studios in the TCs offer yoga for birth workshops.

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Any options other than Bradley and Hypnobabies?

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