[Catmuse33]

I gave birth in October and I used The Bradley Method with a wonderful instructor and I also read Husband-Coached Childbirth. I also read the original Lamaze text.

My friend is due in July and is going through childbirth preparation classes next week. She asked me if they were worthwhile. I told her mine was. Just wondering now...

* What childbirth method (if any) did you use?

* Did you take any classes?

* Did you find the classes or learning about the method helpful, or did it all go out the window in labor?

(This is my friend's concern, that the course will be a waste of money because she'll forget everything.)

Thanks for input everyone!

[journeybirth]

Originally Posted by Catmuse33

I gave birth in October and I used The Bradley Method with a wonderful instructor and I also read Husband-Coached Childbirth. I also read the original Lamaze text.

My friend is due in July and is going through childbirth preparation classes next week. She asked me if they were worthwhile. I told her mine was. Just wondering now...

* What childbirth method (if any) did you use?

* Did you take any classes?

* Did you find the classes or learning about the method helpful, or did it all go out the window in labor?

(This is my friend's concern, that the course will be a waste of money because she'll forget everything.)

Thanks for input everyone!

I used Bradley for Henry! I loved my Bradley classes. I found them helpful - Henry was an unmedicated homebirth, as was his little sister. Good luck to her!

[fawnanddoe]

I am also using the Bradley Method! I highly recommend it. It's very in depth and I have found everything at the classes is useful information.
I found our class through the birthing center that I am going to. My instructor is recommended by all the midwives there, and she has birthed at the birth center 4 times herself!

[mommyndoula]

Originally Posted by Catmuse33

* What childbirth method (if any) did you use?

* Did you take any classes?

* Did you find the classes or learning about the method helpful, or did it all go out the window in labor?

(This is my friend's concern, that the course will be a waste of money because she'll forget everything.)

During my first pregnancy I took HypnoBirthing, we did I believe a 6 week course (it's been awhile)
Now I didn't get a chance to use it for my first birth (long story) BUT, I did use it for my 2nd. The breathing techniques went out the door, but I did use ALL of the relaxation techniques. My instructor recorded several personalized scripts which I put on my ipod and listened to on loop for over 5 hours. My midwife and husband took turns sitting next to me laboring in the pool, cause I would fall asleep. I remember being awake, but they said I would be snoring at times.
The method teaches 'breathing your baby out' which is awesome and I kinda used the principles. I started labor at +2, so my baby didn't have far to go anyway. But, really, I did 3 little pushes, my body wanted too.

Whatever method of childbirth education she takes wouldn't be a waste of money! AT ALL! But, I would highly recommend the Hypnobirthing Method to anyone.

There's a lot of people who've filmed their HypnoBirth's on YouTube if you want a preview.

[WombToBloom]

When I first heard the term "Hypno Birth" I'll admit that it conjured visions of dangling stopwatches and monotone chants of "you're getting verrrrrry sleepy". But looking into it further, it seems really advantageous!!

[laboroflovedoula]

I personally did a lamaze class with my first and then a bradley class with my second and a bradley refresher with my third. I had very easy labors and births with all three- my first was my fastest.

I teach a six week series that is based on my training with Birthing From Within and Bradley and Lamaze as well as tons of years as a doula and a ton of different books read over the last three decades. I think you have to be careful about your classes though.

If a philosophy has judgment attached to it be careful. As a doula I hate it when a couple says their method failed- they did not do it right- or they did not fully embrace the methodology and therefore they failed- it is bunk! I think women should not feel like they failed in their labors. I think learning how to do the next best thing as your labor unfolds is important.

I think you should learn a ton of techniques and pain coping methods so you can use what works when you are in labor. I sell hypnosis cds for labor- but I do not think hypnobirthing alone is effective for a lot of folks. I think it is a good tool- but it is only one.

I would not take a class that I paid for the class via the hospital or doctors office- since the educator is paid by those folks and therefore may be told what she can and can not teach. It is important to learn to be a good informed consumer- not a compliant patient.

I would take a prenatal yoga class if possible- staying fit and connecting the mind body is essential as well!

[blindgren]

I took Bradley Method classes and loved it so much I became a Bradley instructor myself! :-)
Barb
Welcome to Birth Baby Naturally

[bellabirthing]

i did bradley method classes with my first dd, my teacher was my doula, and i loved it. the relaxation worked so well for me. i am so thankful we invested our time in that class. my dh found it to be just what he needs to be an awesome partner too.

a few years later i had my 2nd dd at home, in the water, painlessly and i attribute my wonderful experience to the techniques i learned from bradley.

i became a bradley teacher a couple years later and still teach birth classes (although not bradley). i feel classes not only help you prepare and feel confident about the birth process and having a newborn, but they are a chance to deeply connect with your partner, to find support in your classmates and teacher, and grow as a person, all while learning the excellent life skill of being able to let go.

some classes are just the basics (usually cheap) and non-participatory. i wouldn't waste my time there. but i would search for someone who is passionate about YOUR birth experience who teaches an in-depth (usually pricey and longer) class. this could be bradley, lamaze, hypno-, or independent. i would look outside of birth centers and hospitals for someone who is independent, where class size is small.

you only get to birth this baby once. do it with joy.