Bradley classes or doula?

[lovingkindness]

IF you could have one or the other, but not both, which would you go for? We did hypnobirthing for my first birth and I feel like I could use some extra tools/support this time around.

[MaerynPearl]

Doula... all the education in the world doesn't help if you do not have the emotional help there with you... and while SO is trying to make you as comfortable as possible, Doula is experienced with keeping a cool head and keep you focused on using that education. Plus, you may get a Doula that knows the Bradley Method and can teach you anyway!

[fruitfulmomma]

I found my birthing classes to be really valuable but it sounds like you've btdt already, so I'd hire a doula and get a copy of Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon to read if you want to know more about that particular method.

[evjolin]

doula. and take the time to find the one that best matches *you* and feels like the perfect match!

[Gray's Mommy]

I'm a bit biased, since I am a doula. I would go with doula I have hired a doula for each of my births & haven't regretted the money spent at all.

[tngirl11]

I've actually done hypnobirthing, Bradley, and had a wonderful doula at both of my previous births, and I have to say that the doula is definitely the most helpful of the three. Since you've had hypnobirthing already, I don't think you would get a ton of other info from a Bradley class, especially not anything that you couldn't get out of the book that someone already suggested. A great doula is really so awesome, and your DH will probably get the most of out of having one too!

[AustinMom]

If you are going through a midwife, I would surely say Doula, because between the two of them, you are going to get birthing class education

If you are going through an OB, I would still say Doula because they help you stay in control of your labor, they are there when you are actually laboring, not just preparing. They also are a type of "gatekeeper" that your CB educator is not going to be, because they are not there in labor.

Doula all the way! I wish more people saw the importance of this over CB classes.

[sunfish21]

Doula!

[olien]

Doula wouldnt birth again with out one.

I dont know much about bradley tho.

[soontobethree]

Just wondering ... did you use Hypnobirthing, or Hypnobabies? I've heard there's a big difference between the two.

[Plummeting]

I didn't even take the Bradley class - just read a couple of the Bradley books, but honestly I'd take that over a doula. We had a great birth experience - sans doula - with DD, and I'm planning another birth without a doula this time around. I think it's really more about your personality, though. Do you want another person at your birth? If you do or if you don't mind another one, a doula might be good. If you don't (like me - a doula is one more person there and I like my privacy) then Bradley would probably be better. I'd base your decision on that.

[philomom]

Love the Bradley classes. They taught us everything we needed to know.


I don't care for doulas. I think your partner should be able to do all the things you are paying a stranger to do. And I have personally seen doulas mess up that loving vibe between couples at birth.

[clicksab]

Had Bradley classes last time and they were great for helping me learn a lot about the process of pregnancy, labor, and birth. However, when I was actually in labor I don't feel that they helped all that much. While I've met some women who loved their Bradley experience, I guess it just didn't work well for me and my situation. This time around we've got a doula, and she has already been worth her weight in gold! So I would say doula.

[Jelinifer]

We're in the same position and we're chosing Bradley (with a few additional seperate classes on comfort and movement during labor.... I'm pretty much training DH to be my pseudo-doula!) I might feel comfortable with a doula, but I won't have the same level of trust or emotional connection with her as I do with my DH and that's more important to me in the long run.

[StrawberryFields]

I would DEFINITELY choose a doula!!

[jecombs]

Originally Posted by clicksab

Had Bradley classes last time and they were great for helping me learn a lot about the process of pregnancy, labor, and birth. However, when I was actually in labor I don't feel that they helped all that much. While I've met some women who loved their Bradley experience, I guess it just didn't work well for me and my situation.

Bradley was great for a first-timer to learn about the process of birth, but I felt it was lacking in "tools" to help me get through the pain. If more tools are what you're looking for, you probably won't find it in Bradley. This time around I'm using Hypnobabies.

[calebsmommy25]

I would say doula. I know I am biased, because I am in the process of becoming one, but there are soo many advantages to having one. The stats are astonishing. I encourage you to get the Doula Advantage, Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, or any books similar (if you haven't already) to help make your choice even more clear. I took classes before my first birth, enjoyed them and learned alot, however, with my next I do plan to hire a doula.

[To-Fu]

Originally Posted by fruitfulmomma

I found my birthing classes to be really valuable but it sounds like you've btdt already, so I'd hire a doula and get a copy of Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon to read if you want to know more about that particular method.

I agree. You can educate yourself about childbirth, but there is a unique kind of help/support that only a doula can give.

[lovingkindness]

Thank you everyone for the feedback. It was a Hypnobirthing course that we took last time. The first Bradley class was tonight- and we didn't go. I am interviewing doulas throughout this week and next.

I am so excited about it! I never thought DH would go for it (they run at least $650 in this area, I've seen as high as $950) but he was surprisingly supportive.

I hope I haven't started looking too late! I'm due in March and I know many must be booked by now.

[Materfamilias]

We did both and they were both valuable. Any chance you could find a doula in training?