Anyone taking a Bradley class?

[jubethone]

I just took my first class last night. I thought it was pretty informative.

[Danielle Pinkel]

I didnt do the classes but i think the book was a must read for EVERYONE!!

[rawheid]

Even for someone who's had baby already?

[Elizabeth Moore]

I took the classes with my first baby (on#2 now) I loved them!
Teaches you lot of stuff.

[mosquitobite]

My husband and I are 5 weeks into our Bradley class. I found out at 11 weeks that due to my previous back surgeries I can't have an epidural. So from there, my research lead me to Bradley, and I signed up as early as possible! LOL!

[Danielle Pinkel]

I didn't even know about bradley method with my first one, and my husband and i both read and liked the bradley book. We weren't as extreme as they are, but the book was very helpful!!

[Domino Pads]

We took the classes two years ago and really got a lot out of them.
I still have the books and the workbook plus I have a toddler now so attending birthing classes isn't as easy as it used to be.
We will skip the class this time.
But I would recommend it to anybody who hasn't taken one yet.
Also if you are easily turned off by out-dated language, etc. do check out Susan McCutecheon's book 'Birthing the Bradley Way rather than the original book by Dr Bradley.

[mosquitobite]

Even for someone who's had baby already?

If you had a natural birth the first time around with no problems, then I'd say you don't need the book.

Otherwise, yeah I'd highly recommend it! (and the classes!)

[SaLT]

Bradley is WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!! Couldn't have had a natural birth without it! DH & I were gonna take it for our first, but had no instructors in our area, so we settled for a Bradley-like class (NOT!). We ended up with an epidural. Took the class for our 2nd baby & really, it was DH who learned the most & made it possible for me to have a natural delivery. I think it's best most of all that coach/partner/DH attends the classes b/c he/she is your "advocate" in the delivery room since sometimes your mind isn't completely clear when you're in pain. I also *HIGHLY* believe in the Bradley diet for preventing pregnancy problems such as swelling, high BP & pre-eclampsia. ;o)

[emski4379]

I would love to take a class, but it's almost impossible with a toddler in tow. So we'll just read the book.

[Domino Pads]

I would love to take a class, but it's almost impossible with a toddler in tow. So we'll just read the book.

LOL. Yes, relaxing and breathing is not as easy when somebody is climbing on your head while you are laying on your yoga mat... ;)

[Mallrats]

We took them 2 years ago with our first and they were wonderful and helpful. We aren't taking them just going to review our books and stuff.

[vmccal1]

Oh the classes are great! Our teacher...well, the information was wonderful. It encouraged us to research and talk to one another. We still didn't decide to go with a Midwife until 2 days before DS was born. But if we hadn't had the classes we probably never would have.

I was an awesome birth. Not perfect but much better than what would have happened at the hospital from what we found out later! I highly recommend the class. You will learn a lot!

[Cloth4us]

I loved the classes, super informative. The relaxation practice was also really helpful. In regards to bringing a toddler, my friend ended up with private Bradley classes and brought her toddler with her, the teachers had no problem with him- they are very family oriented so it really worked.

[Jenette]

Bradley is WONDERFUL!!!!!!!!! Couldn't have had a natural birth without it! DH & I were gonna take it for our first, but had no instructors in our area, so we settled for a Bradley-like class (NOT!). We ended up with an epidural. Took the class for our 2nd baby & really, it was DH who learned the most & made it possible for me to have a natural delivery. I think it's best most of all that coach/partner/DH attends the classes b/c he/she is your "advocate" in the delivery room since sometimes your mind isn't completely clear when you're in pain. I also *HIGHLY* believe in the Bradley diet for preventing pregnancy problems such as swelling, high BP & pre-eclampsia. ;o)
How can you preventing pregnancy swelling? I think my hand is going to explod :cry:

[9xmama]

I'm a retired Bradley teacher. Feel free to PM me with any questions. I've had 4 Bradley babies.... and I've taught many couples. Happy to help!

[Organicmamaof3]

If you had a natural birth the first time around with no problems, then I'd say you don't need the book.

Otherwise, yeah I'd highly recommend it! (and the classes!)

I'd disagree. I think even if you've done it naturally before, you can still learn a TON from the bradley book or the classes. It really teaches you the technique of sleep immitation. I have a couple friends who've done it naturally w/o bradley and they manage to get through it, but still have a rough time.

Bradley really teaches you how to manage and lessen the pain by totally relaxing through the contx. It's different that other natural methods that teach you to distract your self from the pain... I can't imagine pretending it doesn't hurt could actually work :yuck:

I think people who take the classes have an 86% success rate, compared to lamaze and hypnobirth which are far less.

HTH, I'm a HUGE fan of Bradley, after a really rough time being induced w/ DD#1 we took the classes and DD#2 and #3 were totally drug free and #3 was about as easy as a 10 hr labor can be. I never felt like I couldn't handle it.