Question for STMs - Childbirth classes and techniques

[grapefruits]

Please don't flame me for posting this (actually, from the UO thread, it seems like people are hungering for some snark, so if it helps, flame away). I know I can google this question, and there may even be a thread about this on a different board, but since it's a matter of opinion, I'd rather hear from people I've gotten to "know" over the past few weeks.

It's time for me to sign up for a birthing class, and DH and I are feeling overwhelmed by the options. Do any of you swear by any particular classes or pain management techniques (e.g. Lamaze, Bradley, hypnobirthing, etc.?). Do you think it's worth taking a class? Do you recommend having a doula to help you implement the technique during your actual labor?

I asked my OB about it this morning, and her response was basically, "in my experience, none of them work. Childbirth hurts. Period." I understand that, but it seems like there might be practices that help to some extent. I'm also worried because I found out my hospital has a relatively high C-section rate, so I get the feeling they may not be so into natural births (I don't feel strongly about having a natural birth, but I would love to avoid a C-section, if at all possible).

[viola]

Feb 5, 2015 12:49:35 GMT -5 grapefruits said:

Please don't flame me for posting this (actually, from the UO thread, it seems like people are hungering for some snark, so if it helps, flame away). I know I can google this question, and there may even be a thread about this on a different board, but since it's a matter of opinion, I'd rather hear from people I've gotten to "know" over the past few weeks.

It's time for me to sign up for a birthing class, and DH and I are feeling overwhelmed by the options. Do any of you swear by any particular classes or pain management techniques (e.g. Lamaze, Bradley, hypnobirthing, etc.?). Do you think it's worth taking a class? Do you recommend having a doula to help you implement the technique during your actual labor?

I asked my OB about it this morning, and her response was basically, "in my experience, none of them work. Childbirth hurts. Period." I understand that, but it seems like there might be practices that help to some extent. I'm also worried because I found out my hospital has a relatively high C-section rate, so I get the feeling they may not be so into natural births (I don't feel strongly about having a natural birth, but I would love to avoid a C-section, if at all possible).

To the bolded: Okay, Negative Nancy. Thanks for all the help *eye roll*

To answer your question, I think doulas are invaluable 

[Starbuck128]

I like Bradley, but it is a 12 week course. I'm not sure if you'll be able to finish the class in time. I think in your case, a doula would be very helpful. If you want a med free birth, and from what you've said it sounds like your hospital and OB may not be completely on board with that, an actual physical person in the room with you helping and advocating might be the best thing you can do to reach your goal. However, it's also crunch time for finding a doula, so I'd get on that today.

Also, shame on your OB for being so rude. Yes, probably 99% of births are painful, but not all. Mine wasn't. Blowing off your question and trying to scare you was really rude and unprofessional. I'm honestly worried you may not feel supported during labor by this doctor. Again, please consider a doula.

[kj808]

If anything, taking a general childbirth class is definitely helpful. It was only one night for a couple hours. I took one with my first pregnancy and it was very informative and I learned a ton. So if you are still undecided which route you want to take in regards to Bradley, Hypno, Lamaze, etc... that might be the way to go.

[mpiemont]

Feb 5, 2015 12:49:35 GMT -5 grapefruits said:

Please don't flame me for posting this (actually, from the UO thread, it seems like people are hungering for some snark, so if it helps, flame away). I know I can google this question, and there may even be a thread about this on a different board, but since it's a matter of opinion, I'd rather hear from people I've gotten to "know" over the past few weeks.

It's time for me to sign up for a birthing class, and DH and I are feeling overwhelmed by the options. Do any of you swear by any particular classes or pain management techniques (e.g. Lamaze, Bradley, hypnobirthing, etc.?). Do you think it's worth taking a class? Do you recommend having a doula to help you implement the technique during your actual labor?

I asked my OB about it this morning, and her response was basically, "in my experience, none of them work. Childbirth hurts. Period." I understand that, but it seems like there might be practices that help to some extent. I'm also worried because I found out my hospital has a relatively high C-section rate, so I get the feeling they may not be so into natural births (I don't feel strongly about having a natural birth, but I would love to avoid a C-section, if at all possible).

Translation- "I will probably bully you into a C section at the first sign of weakness so don't waste your money or time preparing."

I will add more later but I have to get my kids down for nap.

[CTri17]

Feb 5, 2015 12:52:43 GMT -5 viola said:

Feb 5, 2015 12:49:35 GMT -5 grapefruits said:

Please don't flame me for posting this (actually, from the UO thread, it seems like people are hungering for some snark, so if it helps, flame away). I know I can google this question, and there may even be a thread about this on a different board, but since it's a matter of opinion, I'd rather hear from people I've gotten to "know" over the past few weeks.

It's time for me to sign up for a birthing class, and DH and I are feeling overwhelmed by the options. Do any of you swear by any particular classes or pain management techniques (e.g. Lamaze, Bradley, hypnobirthing, etc.?). Do you think it's worth taking a class? Do you recommend having a doula to help you implement the technique during your actual labor?

I asked my OB about it this morning, and her response was basically, "in my experience, none of them work. Childbirth hurts. Period." I understand that, but it seems like there might be practices that help to some extent. I'm also worried because I found out my hospital has a relatively high C-section rate, so I get the feeling they may not be so into natural births (I don't feel strongly about having a natural birth, but I would love to avoid a C-section, if at all possible).

To the bolded: Okay, Negative Nancy. Thanks for all the help *eye roll*

To answer your question, I think doulas are invaluable 

yes pretty much what viola said.

your OB can suck on a toe, well yes it hurts but you can be prepared to manage the pain (which it IS manageable) I would suggest a class (or at the very least some books if that is more your style)

Personally I love Bradley and though we didn't do a class (Because I read/research a lot) but I did Ready Natural Childbirth the Bradley way by Susan McCutcheon and I think it is a great book. As well as anything by Ina May Gaskin.

it does take practice, a doula can be SO helpful especially if your OB isn't super helpful when it comes to natural birth.

If you truly want to go med free then do the reading and consider a doula (or a student doula if money is a concern).

LMK if you have more questions, I was actually going to see about doing a check in thread for those who are hoping to go Med - free if some people would be interested

[rels09]

I think you have to first zero in a bit more on how important it is to you to try and go natural. If it's at all important to you, then yes, I think classes like Bradley really help, and a doula is probably the biggest help of all. If you are completely fine with an epi, then I don't think very much preparation is required - a hospital-sponsored birth class would probably be just fine. I know a lot of people go into the birth thinking, "well, we'll just wait and see" about pain meds, but while that may work for a few people, I think for most it ultimately results in an epi because frankly, it IS quite painful for most people and it takes some resolve/reason for doing it to get through it.

[grapefruits]

Feb 5, 2015 13:28:02 GMT -5 rels09 said:

I think you have to first zero in a bit more on how important it is to you to try and go natural. If it's at all important to you, then yes, I think classes like Bradley really help, and a doula is probably the biggest help of all. If you are completely fine with an epi, then I don't think very much preparation is required - a hospital-sponsored birth class would probably be just fine. I know a lot of people go into the birth thinking, "well, we'll just wait and see" about pain meds, but while that may work for a few people, I think for most it ultimately results in an epi because frankly, it IS quite painful for most people and it takes some resolve/reason for doing it to get through it.

It is tough because while I think I would love to go med-free, in the back of my head, I keep thinking, "but I've never done this before, so what do I know?" I think ultimately it would be great to go med-free, but if I end up needing an epi, I don't want to beat myself up over it. On the flip side, I realize that if you don't go in completely resolved to go med-free, you're much more likely to get the epi. This is why I think having a doula will help. This is also why we're intrigued by the hypnobirthing classes. I've also heard they can lower the chances of needing a c-section. Unlike Bradley, it's only 5 weeks of classes, so we have time (I'm due at the end of May). But has anyone on this board tried hypnobirthing? And if so, what was your experience?

Thank you all so much for your help!

[hotcoconuts82]

I did not have great experiences with the epidural and have always planed to go med free but didn't really commit to it. This time I am reading a ton of books and having dh read them also. One of the books I really liked was Natural Hospital Birth: the best of both worlds. The say to pick at least 5 relaxation/pain management techniques that you will be willing to try at the hospital and practice them with your partner. I would get a doula in a heartbeat if we weren't in a crappy financial spot at the moment.

[CTri17]

Feb 5, 2015 13:43:33 GMT -5 grapefruits said:

Feb 5, 2015 13:28:02 GMT -5 rels09 said:

I think you have to first zero in a bit more on how important it is to you to try and go natural. If it's at all important to you, then yes, I think classes like Bradley really help, and a doula is probably the biggest help of all. If you are completely fine with an epi, then I don't think very much preparation is required - a hospital-sponsored birth class would probably be just fine. I know a lot of people go into the birth thinking, "well, we'll just wait and see" about pain meds, but while that may work for a few people, I think for most it ultimately results in an epi because frankly, it IS quite painful for most people and it takes some resolve/reason for doing it to get through it.

It is tough because while I think I would love to go med-free, in the back of my head, I keep thinking, "but I've never done this before, so what do I know?" I think ultimately it would be great to go med-free, but if I end up needing an epi, I don't want to beat myself up over it. On the flip side, I realize that if you don't go in completely resolved to go med-free, you're much more likely to get the epi. This is why I think having a doula will help. This is also why we're intrigued by the hypnobirthing classes. I've also heard they can lower the chances of needing a c-section. Unlike Bradley, it's only 5 weeks of classes, so we have time (I'm due at the end of May). But has anyone on this board tried hypnobirthing? And if so, what was your experience?

Thank you all so much for your help!

are you good at meditation etc? If not I'd probably work just more on controlled breathing exercises vs hypnobirthing

[mrstwiddy]

I'm not much help here because we took every damn class they offered and I still wound up with a c section.....but your doctor sounds like a dick. Sorry he/she doesn't have a better bedside manner than that!

[brittneysandra]

CTri17 Id be interested in a med-free thread

[grapefruits]

The cost is definitely an issue, but we just keep telling ourselves that one doesn't do this very often (this is our first and we plan to have no more than two), so if it really does help and makes us feel more comfortable and in control of the birthing process, then it could be worth it.

I'm not sure how good I'd be at meditating, to be honest, since I've never really tried. One thing I have been told is that it's a good idea to stay at home for as long as possible after I go into labor (particularly with my hospital), because the longer I'm at the hospital before giving birth, the higher the chances of being pushed into a c-section. So I think it would be helpful to have pain management techniques that we can use at home, just so we're not itching to go to the hospital at the first contraction.

[CTri17]

Feb 5, 2015 14:09:47 GMT -5 grapefruits said:

The cost is definitely an issue, but we just keep telling ourselves that one doesn't do this very often (this is our first and we plan to have no more than two), so if it really does help and makes us feel more comfortable and in control of the birthing process, then it could be worth it.

I'm not sure how good I'd be at meditating, to be honest, since I've never really tried. One thing I have been told is that it's a good idea to stay at home for as long as possible after I go into labor (particularly with my hospital), because the longer I'm at the hospital before giving birth, the higher the chances of being pushed into a c-section. So I think it would be helpful to have pain management techniques that we can use at home, just so we're not itching to go to the hospital at the first contraction.

which is true, a doula will come to your house and help you decide when to go as well

[mpiemont]

CTri17 I would be interested in a med free/natural birth check in as well

[rels09]

Pain management at home: warm water (getting in the shower or bath), counterpressure on your lower back, distraction (music, TV, etc.). I agree that a doula will have a lot more tricks, should you choose to hire one.

[lgsdesigner]

Just like wearing a raincoat when it rains: You want to be as prepared as possible. I do recommend some sort of pre-education.

I plan to take the Hypnobirthing/Hypobabies classes, this round. I was told they can lessen your pain by up to 70%, and you also can have a shorter labor and delivery. I plan to labor at home as long as possible, when arriving to the hospital I will labor in the tub for a while too.

I have never used a doula, but I have heard from many they are amazing.

[brittneysandra]

grapefruits I've been watching some documentaries on Netflix, Hulu & Youtube, I've learned ALOT!
I just type in things like natural birth, pregnancy, birth, parenting ect..
and @honeylemon gave me a website called birthwithoutfearblog.com where i've also read some amazing stories of home births and hospital births! (and a few videos)..
I just figured Id watch all different views and be able to make my own decision based off of those!

[staccajaye]

Im a FTM
So we actually signed up for a weekend 2 day prenatal course a the hospital my OB works from.
It was run by a doula who was AMAZING!!!! FI and I learned so much from the class in regards to making a wish list, skin to skin, cord clamping, epidurals, PPD, how you know your in labour, how your partner can help put pressure on my hips to even how he can time the contractions for when he needs to call the hospital.
I would recommend a general course to any FTM.

[mpiemont]

Ok boys are down for a nap- I have SO MUCH to say on this thread.

First off, that comment from your OB has me seeing red. Does he/she recommend that instead you should be totally unprepared and uninformed about a huge event in your life? All joking and sarcasm aside, it sounds like your dr would rather you be drugged up, vulnerable and weak so that they can be in control.

As far as what to actually do to prepare/what classes to take etc- I think that if you truly would like to try to have a natural birth, that a doula will be worth her weight in gold. A lot of doulas offer a "class" or some preparation ahead of time, so by hiring a doula you may also get some childbirth education out of the deal. With my 1st, we took the hospital birthing class (a 1 day thing) and it was informative as far as the stages of labor, recognizing labor, what to expect when you arrive at the hospital, etc etc. However our teacher was very pro epidural and there were women in the class who were like can I get an epidural and a scheduled C section please- I don't like pain. UM, no one LIKES pain. But the pain of childbirth is nothing like you can compare to any other kind of pain you've had- it's not like "something's wrong/hurt/injured/broken" pain.

Laboring at home is a wonderful excellent amazing thing to do if you want to have a natural birth- because if you're at home, you don't have any other option than to get through it in other ways- breathing, tub, shower, massage, changing positions etc. It's much easier to "give in" and get an epidural if there's a nurse right there saying "do you want it now? how about now? now?"

Obviously I am a little biased in my response here but let me say this- even if you know 100% ahead of time you want to get an epidural, I would still at the very least take some sort of class to prepare you for childbirth in general. You will have to go through some labor without an epidural. Your epidural may not take or may not completely numb you. You could have one of those super fast labors where there's no time, etc etc.

I did not necessarily use any particular "technique" (Bradley, Hypnobirth etc) for my 2 natural births. We hired a doula both times, I did a lot of reading, took the hospital class, did some more reading, practiced breathing, listened to some childbirth relaxation CDs...

Bottom line- you owe it to yourself to be prepared and informed. If you want to avoid a C section- you should be able to. There aren't a lot of reasons that you HAVE TO get a C section- yes there are obviously reasons, and ask any mom whose baby was born by C and they are probably thankful for their healthy baby- but there are ways to make yourself less susceptible to an unnecessary C. It can be hard to have the conversation with your dr, but I'd be really up front about your feelings about your birth and ask what his/her C section rate, reasons they perform them, etc.

Message me anytime if you want to talk more

[viola]

FOR THE RECORD
doulas are wonderful and helpful no matter what kind of birth you'd like or end up with. They have a use in a med free birth, they have a use in a birth with medical pain relief, inductions, c-sections. They have a place in birth, period.


eta:
I hate the "oh, I'm not crunchy/planning to go med free so I don't need a doula" FALSE. A good doula will not pressure you or make you feel guilty about getting that epi if you decide you want it. They are there to support you, calm you, and help you

[katietopaz]

Feb 5, 2015 15:41:57 GMT -5 viola said:

FOR THE RECORD
doulas are wonderful and helpful no matter what kind of birth you'd like or end up with. They have a use in a med free birth, they have a use in a birth with medical pain relief, inductions, c-sections. They have a place in birth, period.


eta:
I hate the "oh, I'm not crunchy/planning to go med free so I don't need a doula" FALSE. A good doula will not pressure you or make you feel guilty about getting that epi if you decide you want it. They are there to support you, calm you, and help you

I was actually wondering about this. I'm relatively sure I'm going to get an epidural. From what I've read about doulas, I love the idea of having one there to help partner with DH and I through pain management, pushing, the whole process. Just because I might want pain medicine doesn't mean I don't want to have a good and successful birth experience, and I'm just nervous that I won't get the information (like good pain management techniques) I need from basic childbirth classes.

[grapefruits]

Thank you all for your incredibly helpful responses. You've persuaded me that, at the very least, I should get a doula. I just hope it's not too late. I sent out a bunch of inquiries yesterday, and so far all I have received is two responses from doulas saying they are fully booked for May.

I did find a doula who runs a very highly reviewed hypnobirthing class, so I may take that as well.

Thanks again!

[CTri17]

Feb 6, 2015 10:11:31 GMT -5 grapefruits said:

Thank you all for your incredibly helpful responses. You've persuaded me that, at the very least, I should get a doula. I just hope it's not too late. I sent out a bunch of inquiries yesterday, and so far all I have received is two responses from doulas saying they are fully booked for May.

I did find a doula who runs a very highly reviewed hypnobirthing class, so I may take that as well.

Thanks again!

keep looking , put some feelers out on FB, see if your state/city has a Doula/Natural birth page and get some recommendations. A trusted friend who has gone natural might be willing to be your doula as well

[grapefruits]

Update: I have now heard back from four doulas who are available (including the one we were most interested in)! We are going to do some research and maybe also speak/meet with them and see who we connect to the most. It's nice to have options.

I have also signed up for the hypnobirthing class. I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again!

[grapefruits]

CatLady That would be great! Up to you if you want to PM it or post it. Thanks!

[queenrichie]

Feb 5, 2015 14:21:56 GMT -5 mpiemont said:

CTri17 I would be interested in a med free/natural birth check in as well

Me too. I find this topic so interesting.

[yianna]

With my first, I purchased the Bradley Method book and we took the child birth prep class at the hospital. Basically what I learned is, that natural childbirth is no joke and that unless you specifically tell your nurses, DO NOT OFFER ME THE EPI OR PAIN MEDS, they will push pain management that way. The nurse doing the class said that most women (at my hospital) don't do natural birth and therefore most nurses aren't really 'versed' in it.

I also learned, by reading Bradley, is when you are contracting, you have to 'blow it away' so you don't tense up. Tensing up makes the pain 100x worse.

So, that didn't really answer your question, but, I would say, if you are on a budget, and can't afford a doula/Bradley Classes/Hypnobabies, etc, the more affordable option is to read about Bradley, and do the hospital class.

With my first, I quickly realized, though, that even though I knew I couldn't tense up, I had to find a way to get the pain off my mind. It was a mind over matter thing. It worked, I survived and I did it again with my second.

But, just remember, if your goal is a pain-med free birth, and you end up needing pain management, that you didn't fail. You had a baby and that is by far, the most amazing thing in the world.

[Deleted]

Okay, so I'm watching The Business of Birthing and I'm on the Duola episode, I need one! Do you guys have an idea of the average one's services would cost?

[Ee]

Feb 7, 2015 10:07:18 GMT -5 @ajzmommy said:

Okay, so I'm watching The Business of Birthing and I'm on the Duola episode, I need one! Do you guys have an idea of the average one's services would cost?

In my area, I found doulas ranging from just a few hundred (in training or brand new), up to a couple thousand (these were the very experienced ones who typically seem to offer a lot of different services to their clients like belly casting, encapsulation, postpartum visits, etc). We ended up picking a new-ish (but not brand new) doula who we just really clicked with for $750- includes 2 prenatal visits, birth services, 1 postpartum visit.