Anyone knows the BRADLEY METHOD?

Okay so I'm 6 months today, and the thought of epidural freaks me out I'm scared to death of needles (and yeah - I fight and cry every time I need to do the blood works to!)

My husband read about THE BRADLEY METHOD and want to try it, which means we are starting classes right away since it's a 12 weeks program. I'm not sure this would be for me - but hey - might give it a try!

Anyone that have any experience of this method, or have any advise?

Thank you

Re: Anyone knows the BRADLEY METHOD?

I read the book.....I figured I'd be mad if I needed a c-section and spent so much time and money on the classes.

Re: Anyone knows the BRADLEY METHOD?

I read through some of my friend's book on it that she let me borrow. We took a L&D class that discussed both Bradley and Lamaze techniques for labor. You can read our daughter's birth story in my profile if you want to see how it went. I went completely meds free just as I'd planned. Only thing not in the plan was the episiotomy and the two second-degree tears upwards that happened at the same time when she was coming out. But you really can't plan for the baby's head not fitting through (believe me, we did everything to get her to fit through without cutting, but it wasn't happening).

Re: Anyone knows the BRADLEY METHOD?

I actually posted about this on the parenting board, so see if you can find it there - a few people suggested their classes.

Re: Anyone knows the BRADLEY METHOD?

I took the class and am currently trying to become an instructor, although I am NOT one yet.

I found the classes to be very informative, and extremely helpful. If you plan on having a drug free birth, i highly recommend taking them.

Re: Anyone knows the BRADLEY METHOD?

I like the Bradley Method. I didn't go drug free unfortunately, but I did go about 35 hours before getting the epidural. I think it helped. Another LIF member took the Bradley class with me and she was able to have something like 54 hours in labor without drugs! I think Bradley helped her too.

Re: Anyone knows the BRADLEY METHOD?

Two of my girlfriends are very familiar with the Bradley method and both had several babies without epidurals.. I'm talking 7 kids w/o an epi between the two of them.

I didn't take any classes, but I gave birth to both of my kids without an epidural. It can be done, but it works best if you have support from your DH and your doctor and if you're good with pain and under stress. I'm psychotic under stress but I'm good with pain. And I had my DH's full support.

Re: Anyone knows the BRADLEY METHOD?

SPRINGSANDRA - Thank you - I did read your story. I'm happy everything worked out well for you!

After reading basically all night about the Bradley Method I think I will give it a try. My husband is very supportive but I'm still scared that I might not be mentally strong enough to deal with the pain!

Message edited 2/11/2011 8:59:50 PM.

Re: Anyone knows the BRADLEY METHOD?