If you could only afford one... - Page 2

[Chavelamomela]

Also, check to see if your birthing class is reimbursable by your insurance. I took a Bradley-like class, was reimbursed by insurance, and hired a doula too.

The insurance calls it "Lamaze" classes, but they covered any birthing class. I just presented a receipt from the childbirth educator.

[grcelizabeth]

Having a Doula won't do ANY good unless she has studied on birth. Therefore, point her in the right direction for good books, videos, ect. Personally, I'd hope the mother would take Bradley along with studying other books extensively and do a home birth so she wouldn't need a Doula. I also think it depends on what the parents are expecting to get out of each (the Doula aspect or the classes). I have taken Bradley two times and the information was extremely valuable that I wouldn't have changed for the world-at that time, but also knowing what I know now from studying many books and methods, I wish I would have studied so much more and had a homebirth. A Doula can be wonderful for homebirths too, btw.

[artgoddess]

Originally Posted by Drummer's Wife

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

This. I really loved my Bradely classes, and I was so glad I took them. But DP, just sort of went to them because I wanted to do Bradely method. I was in labor for 28 hours at about 6cm, standing in the shower trying to get some relief wishing I was dead and the pain would stop and DP walked out leaving me alone in the room, he could not take it anymore. I got the epidural. With my second I knew that I needed some real support and I hired a doula. 10.5 hours of labor total and completely natural.

[_ktg_]

OP - that's a pickle you've posed to us. I think this question can only be answered based upon the clients needs, what sort of support their partner may offer or want to offer or be involved in the process.

So for me - my needs - Doula and then I conn'ed DH into the bradley classes to help him understand better all the in/outs of birth in a hospital setting.

One thing I would be nervous of with a client like this is overly relying upon the doula for their knowledge to make informed choices instead of doing their own reading/researching and studying.

[Romana]

Doula, no doubt about it. I can (and have) read like mad to learn about birth. By the time I took a Bradley class when I was expecting #1, I really didn't learn anything from it (nor did my husband, since I talked his ear off about birth during the pregnancy). The primary benefit was getting to know the instructor (who I also asked to be my doula) and feeling the support of other couples who were planning natural births.

The doula role is one that, IMO, can't really be substituted by the husband, most of the time, no matter how awesome he is. My husband is fantastic during labor, but I don't expect him to be chock full of birth knowledge that he can access at a moment's notice during labor. I want my doula to be the experienced birth support and source of encyclopedic in-the-moment knowledge during the birth. I want my husband to provide the fluffier forms of support and handle things like keeping the kids happy and the birth pool water warm. They are just roles that are a bit different, and I don't want my husband to have the pressure of tackling what I want from a doula, either. She should be there as a source of support and info for both of us, at least to some degree.

[Romana]

Originally Posted by _ktg_

One thing I would be nervous of with a client like this is overly relying upon the doula for their knowledge to make informed choices instead of doing their own reading/researching and studying.

I agree that it's important to avoid this possible situation - in my case, I know I emphasized relying on the doula's knowledge and information, but that's because my brain in labor is not the same as my brain at a normal time. I need the doula's assistance to remember what I already know and remind me of pertinent facts so I can make a decision. Without that kind of input, I'm just completely suggestible during labor (later labor, anyway) and unable to advocate for myself without some assistance/backup/help with fact retrieval.

[lunarlady]

I'm going to buck the trend and vote Bradley. But then, I'm a homebirthing mama, so my MW is there the entire time in the support role, and will come with me to the hospital if I end up transfering, basically acting as a doula at that point. So it does depend on the situation.

[texmati]

bradely-- my dh loved those classes!

[Eyelet]

Originally Posted by Romana

The doula role is one that, IMO, can't really be substituted by the husband, most of the time, no matter how awesome he is. My husband is fantastic during labor, but I don't expect him to be chock full of birth knowledge that he can access at a moment's notice during labor. I want my doula to be the experienced birth support and source of encyclopedic in-the-moment knowledge during the birth. I want my husband to provide the fluffier forms of support and handle things like keeping the kids happy and the birth pool water warm. They are just roles that are a bit different, and I don't want my husband to have the pressure of tackling what I want from a doula, either. She should be there as a source of support and info for both of us, at least to some degree.

[Belia]

Doula.

And I have BTDT- my CBE was 80% MDC + 20% Hypnobabies and I felt very educated.

[Quinalla]

I didn't take Bradley classes, but I did take a childbirth class with DH and did not have a doula and I don't regret it. For me, that was perfect as it made sure DH knew what was going on and was a nice refresher of all my research close to the actual birth. And I suspected this would be the case based on past experience and it was, but I didn't want to be touched at all during contractions and basically used focus and relaxation to get through labor, so a doula would not have been much help to me for labor as I did fine on my own with moral/verbal(between contractions only) support from DH & the nurses.

A doula would have been helpful postpartum somewhat, especially to get BFing started off a bit better, but I made the right decision for me anyway.

[chandasz]

being a Bradley teacher-- I'd of course say Bradley

But that shouldn't have to be a choice...

You can get low/no cost doulas and every Bradley Teacher I know is willing to discount their fees if you really cannot afford it.

I offer scholarships to those who need them.

[SublimeBirthGirl]

It totally depends on the person. For me, I'd take classes. I do better in labor with only my husband around. It depends on her husband/partner, who else in her family she thinks may be present (is a friend or mom or something available for labor support), and where she's giving birth. I don't think there's one answer for everyone. Also, I think if she can sell stuff on eBay or work out payment plans it's generally best to do both.

[honeybee]

Doula.... but then, I've never taken Bradley classes, although I have a couple of good friends who are Bradley teachers.

[goodygumdrops]

Doula

[lizsky]

I just had to make this choice recently and chose the doula.

I just didn't have the $ for both. We never took any official CBE class. DH and I borrowed books from friends and the library (Ina May, Penny Simpkin, Bradley & a few others that were more mainstream), and started to read the pregnancy & birth threads here on MDC. We both felt like we had plenty of knowledge by the time I gave birth but we were so grateful for our doula's gentle, centering presence.

[elvispupy]

doula. I had a doula at my vbac. Never did Bradley. Worked for me.

[ShadowMoon]

Doula!

[accountclosed3]

if i were going into a hospital setting, i would likely choose the doula and study bradley on my own and/or get another course like hypnobirthing and such.