Which class should I take

I'm JUST ABOUT ready to sign up for childbirth classes and I'm sort of torn between which class to take.

I've been really interested in The Bradley Method. Even though it's a method that advocates natural childbirth, I feel like both DH and I will be better prepared for labor and delivery since this method is a lot more detailed than some of the other classes I've researched. I like that Bradley teaches feep relaxation techniques as opposed to different breathing techniques depending on what stage of labor you're in. And I've also heard a lot of women say they came away from Lamaze feeling as unprepared as when the went in.
Also, Bradley prepares THE HUSBAND better for what's to happen during L&D, and since DH is clueless, I want him to be as informed and knowledgeable as possible.

My problem is that I'm worried that since this method isn't normally offered through hospitals, my hopsital won't be so receptive to the idea. AND since I KNOW I don't want a natural childbirth, maybe it's moot that I take a class that stresses unmedicated labor.

I spoke to the Bradly instructor and she assured me that she goes over all the pain med options and that she wouldn't sway me from them, but I'm afraid this method might not prepare me for a hospital environment.
So which class should I take? Descriptions to follow

Bradley Method
I was interested in this method because the husband plays a bigger role as your labor coach than he would in Lamaze. Bradley teaches deep breathing relaxation techniques rather than that hee-hee-hee huffing and puffing that you learn in lamaze. Never mind the fact that I don't think that I'd REMEMBER more than one or two patterns of breathing AND FORGET about being able to differentiate when.

Anyway, I spoke to a Bradley instructor yesterday and it seems like this class would be better suited for me. Mind you, since it doesn't take a medical approach towards childbirth, I'm afraid that my doctor's will be put off, but she says that she's familiar with my hospital and they're more than willing to accomodate Bradley patients. She assured me that she in no way would try to steer me away from wanting an epi, but would just inform me of my options in terms of pain relief so I'd be able to make an informed decision when the time came.

4 Part Childbirth Series
The methods used in Bradley and Lamaze are similar but specific Bradley method classes are taught that encourage no use of medication in labor and involve the husband in being the coach and advocate for the mother in labor. I do not teach the Bradley method, what I teach encorporates some of the Bradley techniques along with Lamaze breathing and specific considerations about delivering in the hospital setting, specifically medications, induction and augmentation procedures and the c-section.

Would this be better since it's more geared towards a hospital setting?

I was torn between these two types of classes as well. I opted for the Lamaze classes because they were taught in the hospital (and I have a HUGE fear of hospitals). I wanted to get more knowledge about the staff and the hospital itself (that was the important aspect for me).

As for the breathing... Since I am due tomorrow, I've been having a lot of contractions and I was surprised by how much my husband remembers from the classes.

I also hope for a medication-free birth, but let's get realistic here... I've never felt this type of pain... so who knows what will happen.

But I think either class will be helpful for you. What does your husband think?

I of course voted for bradley.
if you are worried about not being taught AT the hospital...all hospitals offer a tour to all expecting parents.
at my tour, they had a lot of helpful handouts, gave us a lot if info0 (like dont go the emergency room..go to the maternity ward)...and gave us a tour of the L&D rooms..and the rooms that you will be in after delivery.

just my 2 cents!

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Posted by susans

Also, Bradley prepares THE HUSBAND better for what's to happen during L&D, and since DH is clueless, I want him to be as informed and knowledgeable as possible.

I spoke to the Bradly instructor and she assured me that she goes over all the pain med options and that she wouldn't sway me from them, but I'm afraid this method might not prepare me for a hospital environment.
So which class should I take?

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Honestly, if you feel more comfortable with Bradley, then I would go with that one. Plus, the first thing that popped into my head was your DH - you are sooo right that he will feel more comfortable in the Bradley classes (JMO.)

What 'method' you use to prepare really isn't as important as a supportive OB when it comes to your medication options during L&D. As long as you are aware and informed of your choices, I don't see it as critically important in the birth class discussion. I think the birth class is more important in teaching you the signs of the onset of labor, how to make yourself as comfortable as possible as you labor, the 3 stages of labor and of course, the baby's health during labor and birth. Again, JMO.

Good luck!

I took lamaze that was held at my hospital. Got the tour and everything.

When it came time to have Emma the class was a waste of $$. The breathing and relaxation that I was taught went out the window. The fast breathing made the contractions worse for me. Slow even breathing was my ticket. If I could go back and take/not take the class I wouldnt have. JMO

Since I had a c-section it went out the window for me too.

I di like that we were more prepared and that Steve got to 'see' more of what would happen so he was prepared.

I did the course at the hospital.

Question for those BTDT moms.....

Are there any other types of classes out there, or are the two theories really these listed?

Just got the info on my Bradley Class and I'm having second thoughts (again)

Here's a description and class outline

Your currently affiliated Bradley instructor wants you and your baby to have the best, safest and most rewarding birth experience possible. For that reason we endorse and teach the following

-natural childbirth*
-active participation by the coach
-excellent nutrition (the foundation of a healthy pregnancy and labor)
-avoidance of drugs*
-early training (continued until birth)
-natural breathing combined with relaxation techniques
-tuning into and working with your body
-immediate and continuous contact with your baby*
-breastfeeding beginning at birth*
-positive communication
-informed parents sharing in the making of responsible decisions
-parents prepared for unexpected situations (such as emergency childbirth or c sections)

*these are things which aren't that that important to me

Class One
Introduction
What is the Bradley Method
Role of the Birth Partner
Historical/Cultural Perspectives
Film

Class Two
Anatomy of Labor and Birth
First Stage of Labor/an overview
Fetal Monitoring:pros, cons and options
Breathing Normally
Film

Class Three
Comfort measures at home
When to go to the hospital
Intravenous and augmentation:pros, cons and options
Using the Birth Ball
Film

Class Four
Positive communications
Comfort measures in the hospita
Labor practice/breathing normally/position changes
Film

Class Five
C-Section
Medications:pros, cons and options
Second Stage of labor/birth
Film

Class Six
Meet the Newborn
The Placenta
Breastfeeding basics
The postpartum period
Film


The class structure of this method sounds like it would be so much more informative than the ones at the hospital, but I'm worried that I'll be the only one in the class that's there for every reason BUT the natural childbirth bit and I'll feel like a loser for being such a wimp and wanting drugs. Should I just bite the bullet and take the classes offered through the hospital that offer teachings of more medically based methods?

I'm also considering those who have said that they found the hospital classes useless once they actually went into labor, as opposed to those who took Bradley, even when deciding to go with the epi or having to have c-sections,who say they felt much more prepared for the experience...I guess I just want to end up with something that won't make me feel like I wasted my time or money.

Mothers who took hospital based classes because you had every intention of taking an epi-especially those who found the hospital lamaze classes useless- if given the chance to go back and learn something more in depth like this, would you want to be more prepared? Or would you consider it a waste of time?