Childbirth Classes?

hjenni · May 2014

Hi guys. I want to say a thread similar to this was posted a while ago but I don't remember so here it goes. I want to take a Bradley Method class because I think it will help me with a non-medicated birth. Has anyone taken these and if so, how helpful was it? Also, when do people start taking the classes? I'm assuming around 20 weeks? Maybe later? I'm clueless lol. Help me out ladies

Natedawg71 · May 2014

We did a class at the hospital that focused on the whole birth experience from everything going on in your body to the actual birth. Focus was on breathing/relaxation techniques but they covered medication options for those who might go that route. I found it to be so helpful!

hjenni · May 2014

Thanks for the input guys

. @Econosaurus, my MW recommended I take a class, but didn't really give an opinion either way on which one to take. The only thing she really recommended were the breastfeeding classes. I'll probably explore my options a little bit more. Thanks!

@Natedawg71 that sounds like something to look into. Thanks!

abbyful · May 2014

I took Bradley Classes and would recommend them to anyone! Loved them, and I think they were a big reason I was successful at having a natural birth.

Bradley Classes are 12 weeks, so 2nd trimester is the time to take them.

I also took the hospital birth class closer to my due date. Didn't learn much since I had already taken Bradley.

hjenni · May 2014

abbyful said:

I took Bradley Classes and would recommend them to anyone! Loved them, and I think they were a big reason I was successful at having a natural birth. Bradley Classes are 12 weeks, so 2nd trimester is the time to take them. I also took the hospital birth class closer to my due date. Didn't learn much since I had already taken Bradley.

Thanks @abbyful. I had always read good things about the classes which is why I was considering them. I think I'm gonna look into many birth classes just so I can see if one fits me better, but I do still really like the idea of The Bradley Method. I would really like to do this without meds so it's good to hear that it was successful for you.

mb314 · May 2014

We took Bradley Method classes and I highly recommend them if you are considering a natural birth. They are 12 weeks long, and really thorough. Look into the classes now - I think I started them at about 19 weeks pregnant.

What I loved about the classes is how much I learned about the stages of labor and common interventions and when they may or may not be necessary. It was also great for DH who wasn't necessarily on board at first with a med-free birth, and who isn't the type to go and do a bunch of reading and research on his own. Also, because the class is 12 weeks long, we really got to know the other couples, and they have become great friends of ours and sources of support.

Regarding pp comment about doctors often not liking Bradley-trained patients, I can see that. The Bradley Method teaches you tools to question interventions if you are not sure that they are necessary. It doesn't tell you "Never agree to an induction or c-section" but it teaches you what questions you can ask to make sure that an intervention is the right thing for you and the baby. For instance, I have pre-existing high blood pressure issues. Around 38 weeks, my blood pressure was still normal, but my midwife wanted to schedule me for a 40 week induction due to the possibility of blood pressure issues. DH and I discussed it extensively with our midwife and decided that before we agreed to an automatic scheduled induction, we wanted to know more about how the baby was doing. We asked for some testing and more monitoring. A sonogram and non-stress at 39 weeks, 5 days showed that my fluid levels were low and an induction was the best course. So we agreed to the induction, but I was glad that we had taken the time to understand it whether than going into it blindly.

In the end, I went into labor on my own before my scheduled induction, and I had a med-free birth, thanks in large part to my Bradley training (and the supportive hospital staff).

Most hospital classes assume you will just get an epidural and automatically consent to any intervention. If you take Bradley classes, just take a tour of the hospital to get to know it and where to go, but you don't need a hospital class.

mussalynn · May 2014

mb314 said:

We took Bradley Method classes and I highly recommend them if you are considering a natural birth. They are 12 weeks long, and really thorough. Look into the classes now - I think I started them at about 19 weeks pregnant.

What I loved about the classes is how much I learned about the stages of labor and common interventions and when they may or may not be necessary. It was also great for DH who wasn't necessarily on board at first with a med-free birth, and who isn't the type to go and do a bunch of reading and research on his own. Also, because the class is 12 weeks long, we really got to know the other couples, and they have become great friends of ours and sources of support.

Regarding pp comment about doctors often not liking Bradley-trained patients, I can see that. The Bradley Method teaches you tools to question interventions if you are not sure that they are necessary. It doesn't tell you "Never agree to an induction or c-section" but it teaches you what questions you can ask to make sure that an intervention is the right thing for you and the baby. For instance, I have pre-existing high blood pressure issues. Around 38 weeks, my blood pressure was still normal, but my midwife wanted to schedule me for a 40 week induction due to the possibility of blood pressure issues. DH and I discussed it extensively with our midwife and decided that before we agreed to an automatic scheduled induction, we wanted to know more about how the baby was doing. We asked for some testing and more monitoring. A sonogram and non-stress at 39 weeks, 5 days showed that my fluid levels were low and an induction was the best course. So we agreed to the induction, but I was glad that we had taken the time to understand it whether than going into it blindly.

In the end, I went into labor on my own before my scheduled induction, and I had a med-free birth, thanks in large part to my Bradley training (and the supportive hospital staff).

Most hospital classes assume you will just get an epidural and automatically consent to any intervention. If you take Bradley classes, just take a tour of the hospital to get to know it and where to go, but you don't need a hospital class.

Yes, this. All of this. Our Bradley classes were wonderful!

wildflower75 · May 2014

I LOVED the classes we took last time and my DH really enjoyed them as well.
I wrote a blog about it here:
https://babyhallblog.com/2013/02/24/lamaze-class/

runningmama14 · May 2014

If you are interested in Bradley classes, start looking now. Don't wait until you are 20 weeks. We only have two options for Bradley in our area. One lady is taking a break this summer, so only one class fits into our timeframe. It starts when I'm about 20 weeks, but the class is already full.

moroccojade · May 2014

We took a "Birthing from Within" class (based on the book by Pam England) and it was *AMAZING*. It was 6 or 8 weeks long and I cannot say enough good things about it. Yes, it is bent toward an intervention-free birth, but they prepare you for that surprise cesarean, too.

The techniques for coping with labour were very valuable. (We used ice to practice... weird but effective.) My husband and I loved going. We felt like we couldn't have had better preparation for birth and transitioning into parenthood. (One of the sessions we split up-- the husband of the instructor took the men for beer/Coke -- I guess that was pretty interesting! lol.)

Anyway, I cannot say enough good things about it. After the babies were born, most of the moms took the next class, too. It was nice to meet all the babies and talk about challenges and ideas. Some of us stuck together and had play dates for years.

I am pretty sure that we started in my early 3rd tri. I wish we could do it all over again! But it is for FTParents. Although there is sometimes a "Birthing Again" class for people like us...

ETA -- if the above class isn't available.. I might do a hypnobirthing class. I did some of it on my own last time, and wouldn't mind exploring it with an instructor. It is pretty neat.

momtojad · May 2014

You taken them more in the 30 week span. I didn't' do Bradley but i took a natural child birth class and DH actualyl really enjoyed it.

hjenni · May 2014

Thanks everyone! I've started looking for Bradley Method classes in my area. It sounds like more what I would want than the hospital classes I'm seeing. And I appreciate the fact that's it's thorough, especially since I'm going into this as a first time mom.

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