[Cassie.S]

Hi everyone! I'm Cassie and expecting my first in December. I really want to have a natural childbirth and am wanting to do the Bradley Method. The only problem is my DH does not want to spend the money on taking the classes. I tried talking him into it, but he refuses. So I told him if we just bought the books that he absolutely had to read them and understand everything I wanted for our child's birth. He agreed and he's a big reader so I'm sure he would really read them since it's important to me, so I ordered the books.

Well, then I had my OB appointment yesterday and I discussed it with my Dr. When I told her I was planning on doing the Bradley Method she asked if I was taking the classes and when I told her I just had the books she said that if I was serious about wanting to go epi-free that she highly recommended taking the classes. I told DH what she said and he brushed it off and said we'll be fine with just the books.

So now I'm torn. Is it possible to get my natural birth without the classes? Has anyone else just read the books? I don't know what to do!

[WorkerBeeMama]

How much are the classes and can you afford them? If yes, I say take em. It will give you confidence and this is YOUR birth!!

[Lala78]

Plenty of women have NCB without classed or books. You'll be fine. Just educate yourself and your partner. My mom didn't have ultrasounds or the amount of tests they do now, didn't have classes, and had a relatively pain free home birth with me. I did not get my NCB, but that's a different story.

[daneeleigh]

You can absolutely do it without classes. However I think the classes really helped my SO prepare for the labor more than me. If it were up to him, I'd deliver in a hospital strapped to a bed numb from the waist down lol. The classes helped mentally prepare for it. He still had a hard time grasping what to do during active labor. Once transition hit he really got into it and helped out. My doula coached him most of the beginning of labor. I guess it really just depends on your SO. If he fully believes in what you're doing then you probably will have no problems.

[GranolaMama]

We took the classes the second time around, and my DH who thought he knew everything about NC already, was blown away by how much he learned! He now recommends them to all his friends

Here's the thing - The classes teach you all about relaxation techniques that would be hard to grasp from just reading the books, IMO... also, nutrition and exercise is a huge aspect of Bradley Birth, and your instructor is soo helpful in keeping you accountable and on track.

So, basically, I think the classes are WELL worth the money, and you're OB is wise to recommend them.

[~~Que~~]

Personally, I really think it depends on your learning style. But I think that if you really cannot afford the classes (we could never afford the extras in pregnancy), then you should at least consider getting a doula who is familiar with the Bradly Method (many new/student doulas will work for cheap/free) so that she can help you and your husband navigate the process.

[Mod-Lady Valkyrie]

Given our temporary/transient work situations at present, I couldn't afford to book on a Hypnobirthing class, but I really wanted to do Hypnobirthing - so I purchased Marie Mongan's book and have read it cover to cover twice. My DP has read it too and we're absolutely serious about doing it that way and are practising the exercises now. I think if you're earnest about doing it (and that applies to your DP too) just reading the literature will still make a big difference for you.

But, we didn't do the class because we simply couldn't afford it. If we could afford it, I would have gone anyway regardless what my DP thought.

[Cassie.S]

We could afford the classes, he just doesn't want to spend the money on it since he thinks we'll do just fine with the books... I'm going to take someone's suggestion and look up doulas and see what that price is around here and see if he'll go for that idea.

Thanks everyone!

[Mod-Lady Valkyrie]

Good luck hon! I hope he comes around x

[Twhylite21]

I agree about getting a doula. I did Bradley while pregnant with my first. DH couldn't make the classes due to his work schedule, but my best friend did them with me instead and she was at the birth. Plus, DH went over everything with me at home. So, I had both of them to help during the birth. I also read the books on my own and did a lot of research on NCB. I think I would've been fine without taking the classes and just having done all my research. I did use Bradley techniques with my 2nd and 3rd births as well, but just refreshed by rereading my workbook.