If you could only afford one...

[kristent]

I am a doula and a Bradley method teacher. A potential client asked me today if I were to only be able to afford one service Bradley classes or doula service which would I pick. I know what my answer would be, but curious what others would do...

[Drummer's Wife]

I'd say a Doula. But, I guess it depends on how supportive and willing one's DP is.

[rparker]

Doula.

[CherryBomb]

Doula, absolutely.

[icy02]

Bradley. After just finishing up my classes I feel my DH is well educated and prepared to be there for me during and after the birth. I am really excited that the class helped him to know what he needed to do, educate him, and help him "step-up to the plate" so to speak. I am really excited to be birthing with just his help.

[Sunflower66]

Doula.

[SeekingJoy]

Doula. Childbirth classes can't be fully replaced by reading on one's own, but you can get close. For a first-time mom an experienced doula would be invaluable even with a supportive (but not experienced) DH.

[HappyMommy2]

Get the doula and read the Bradley book.

[billikengirl]

1st baby/unmedicated labor I'd want the Bradley class. The fact that I birthed at home might have something to do with it. If I were to birth in the hospital I'd probably go with doula.

[evjolin]

doula--

bradley can be learned about via the book, another birthing method like hypnobabies can be studied at home.

[limette]

Doula.

[Sharlla]

doula. my friend acted as mine and i was glad she was there. i was a little overweled at the idea of traiing the birthing tub but dh and her took care of it.
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[zinemama]

I haven't experienced either one. But there's no doubt in my mind that if I were to have another child (which thank goodness I won't), I would go for the doula.

[wombatclay]

Doula.

Books (especially those with exercises like Maternal Fitness, Bradley, Birthing From Within), websites, free peer support groups (LLL, API, NINO, ICAN, etc), and so forth can certainly take the place of in-person classes. But a skilled doula who is familiar with the hospital where the birth is happening? Even a well educated partner can't replicate the knowledge gained over the course of attending several births at that facility.

[mysticmomma]

doula

[annettemarie]

I would (and did) buy the book and hire a doula.

[Altair]

Doula-- esp if she does some CBE as part of her services.

[mediumcrunch]

Depends on the mom. When I was a parenting/CBE teacher we had two kinds of students. Thinkers and feelers. I would advise a thinker to take the Bradley classes and a feeler to go with the doula.
If I didn't know the woman/couple I'd err on the side of choosing doula over classes.

[*MamaJen*]

Doula for sure.

[lifeguard]

I didn't have either with ds but if I were to do either next time it would be the doula. As much to give dh a break as to support me. Dh was fabulous but found it very taxing.