Crashing from Pregnancy! Questions for BTDT moms -Bradley Method

Hi there!

I am 14 weeks pregnant with my first and am thinking of signing up for Bradley Method classes.

I would like to have a natural birth--my body does not respond well to drugs and both my sisters had a negative experience and ended up needing C-sections. Day of though, if I feel I need an epidural or other intervention I am not 100% against it, just want to be prepared.

My question for BTDT moms is, did you find the Bradley class worth it? Did they teach you anything about breast feeding or did you take additional classes for that? Would you recommend it? Any insight would be helpful--

TIA!

Re: Crashing from Pregnancy! Questions for BTDT moms -Bradley Method

I could have wrtten this post. DH and i also wanted my birth to be natural. We took a Bradley class and were all gung ho. I was so against being induced, pitocin and any other intervention. And i was 100% dead set against having a c-section.

Fast forward to day of labor- the contractions were SOOOOO intense and hurt so damn bad. I had never experienced such pain and discomfort. My contractions were coming everyy 1-2 mins and i was only 1 cm dialated. When i finally got to 3cm, i BEGGED for the epi. That was HEAVEN. Many hrs later the dr checked me and i was STILL only 3cm. So what did they do- gave me pitocin. I was ok w/ it bc it had been almost 18hrs since my wtaer broke. DS's heart rate was dropped FAST and drs came running in. They had to do an emergency C-section

So,,,, here i was doing EVERYTHING i was so against. But after being in pain and hearing DS's heart rate was in jeopardy, i wouldnt care if they had to take my arms and legs off.

So to answer your question- i learned alot but in the end- it all went out the window bc your safety and babys is most important. They do not cover BFing either. I took a separate class for that at CFA in Smithtown.

In hindsight would i do it again- no prob not

Re: Crashing from Pregnancy! Questions for BTDT moms -Bradley Method

DH and I took a Bradley course and I'm extremely pleased that we did. While most of the information was review to me, it was critical that DH learn about labor, delivery and post partum. He was a star student and an even better labor coach as a result. During my labor DH talked me through everything...he applied counterpressure to combat the pain of transition contractions and he helped me squat and push by being a strong support. I absolutely could not have had a successful anesthesia-free birth without him. The curriculum does cover breast feeding and in my early PP days, that info was very helpful...but again, it was DH who remembered it, not me. I was swarming with anxiety and hormones. Knowledge is power, so it will never be a waste!

Also, I studied the at home Hypnobabies course. It's a deep relaxation program that is self driven. I attribute this program to my ability to stay relaxed and un-tense from my mouth to my uterus....thereby allowing DH's interventions to help.

Congrats on your pregnancy!!!! Good Job Mama...gaining all the info you can now. It's hard work, but like anything laborious, if you put 130% in, you will reap the benefits and so will your beautiful DC!!!!

Re: Crashing from Pregnancy! Questions for BTDT moms -Bradley Method

Thank you!

I think we will take the class--it seems to be helpful regardless of outcome and I at least want the tools and mindset to have a natural birth, even if it doesn't work out that way.

Plus, DH is excited to be involved so I'll take it!

Re: Crashing from Pregnancy! Questions for BTDT moms -Bradley Method

My SIL took the class and ended up with a drug free birth - she did great - though she did end up walking around dilating for a couple of weeks before the birth whereas I was closed up tight until the day before...

Re: Crashing from Pregnancy! Questions for BTDT moms -Bradley Method

We took Bradley and we really enjoyed it. I was in labor for two days, the first day I went completely drug free, the next night I took demoral. Once that wore off, I was in a ton of pain and after the second day, DH was no longer helpful. I caved and took and epidural. Well come to find out DS had the cord around his neck and once I started pushing his heart rate plumment, so I had an emergency c-section.

I don't see Bradley as a waste. We were truly informed. We did touch on breast feeding and was told she had recommendations for LC. I did remember the lady telling us that she nurse on one side and pumped on the other and that is exactly what I ended up doing. I had months of frozen milk to use.

Message edited 2/25/2010 2:55:43 PM.

Re: Crashing from Pregnancy! Questions for BTDT moms -Bradley Method

i work on labor and delivery and still took the bradley class. It's so informative for both you and DH. MY class also reviewed breastfeeding. Best of luck

Re: Crashing from Pregnancy! Questions for BTDT moms -Bradley Method

I did Bradley. i LOVED it. It was so helpful. I got through a 54 hour induction med free. (Only 7 hours were hard labor.. but, still). Maiden and I took a class together. The girls name is Erin Maher and you can find her on the Long Island Doula Network. SHe was fabulous. But, if you truely want to go natural, I would go with a midwife. Try renting the "Business of Being Born". It will give you a different view of childbirth. It is a bit slanted to the natural way.. but, then again modern OB's are a bit slanted the other way.

She didn't do more than one night on breastfeeding.. but, honestly, there isn't much that can be taught beforehand anyway. IMO. You kind of have to just go with it and USE the lactation consultant at the hospital. You could take a separate class though.