So confused- Question about what childbirth classes to take and different "methods"/ birth plans

Please forgive my ignorance.

I have read on here about the "bradley method" does this incorporate lamaze or is it something different entirely?

I am trying to decide which childbirth classes to take and I really don't know what to do. I am hoping for a vaginal delivery as naturally as possible - if I can do it without an epi/pain meds that would be great but, if necesssary I plan to use them...so what classes would be most informative and helpful for me.

Thanks sooo much in advance!

Re: So confused- Question about what childbirth classes to take and different "methods"/ birth plans

It's different methods of dealing with pain & different breathing techniques.

I only took Bradley so my Lamaze knowledge is secondhand.

Bradley: Deep, slow breaths, focusing on what is happening to your body to calm you down. (similar to yoga)

Lamaze: Focus is on an object to distract from the pain. Breaths are quicker, shorter than Bradley.

Bradley instructors can be militant natural childbirth advocates.

Bradley
Lamaze

Message edited 6/19/2007 1:30:10 PM.

Re: So confused- Question about what childbirth classes to take and different "methods"/ birth plans

Hynobirthing is a good one. One of my friends used it and said it helped her with her contractions