Birthing Options--lamanze, Bradley, Etc.

I went to both Bradley and Lamaze classes before my daughter was born and I have to say that I was definitely more comfortable with Bradley. I remember my Lamaze instructor saying one time that, for fear of lawsuits, Doctors tended to be more "conservative" and do more c-sections. I actually thought that was extreme-- not conservative. I also didn't like that so much of lamaze was touching and panting (I am a never married mother and was taking the class with my sister).

Honestly, there were a lot of similarities between the two-- birthing/labor positions, general health, what to expect. The Bradley method is basically a relaxation technique that teaches deep breathing and the value of a well-timed bath/rocking chair/birthing ball during labor. A lot of it focused on things you can do before your due date that help you have a more pleasant pregnancy, labor, and delivery. Mine was taught by my doula, which was great.

If you decide to take only one, I would suggest taking Bradley, but doing a lot of self education on your pain medication options. Also, be very open and honest with your doctor well before hand about what you want your childbirth experience to be like. Let her know under what circumstances you would be willing to give in on (i.e., having a c-section if your/your child's well-being is/are in danger, etc.). Then, during labor and delivery, pay the most attention to what your gut is telling you. Congratulations! You already are a mommy, so listen to what your mommy instinct tells you and you can't go wrong. Congrats again!

For the record: I read about 500 childbirth/ parenting books (which some doctors might say is conservative-- LOL) before my daughter was born. I ended up been induced due to pre-eclempsia. They used cytotec to induce me (which I was more comfortable with because it meant I didn't have to be hooked up to a bunch of tubes). I had a completely natural (other than induction) childbirth and labored for twleve hours. I pushed my daughter out in 2 contractions/ 7 pushes. I truly beleive having a doula who knew what I wanted in my childbirth experience was the best investment I ever made, and if I get married and have more children, I'll do it that way again. In the end I used a combo lamaze/bradley technique that was truly my own. I encourage all women to do the same.

As far as lamanze or bradley goes, I can't help you out there but if you're looking for personal experience with the medication I can tell you what worked for me. I wanted to go as natural as possible as long as possible but my first labor experience was a bit of an eye opener. When the contractions became more than I could handle I figured I'd ask for the IV drugs and try to avoid the epidural. They worked quickly but all they really did was relax my body between contractions. I was able to relax but it was almost a little more difficult that way because I was so relieved when they stopped and I could relax that when they started back up again a few minutes later it was even harder to get through them.

Another side affect of the IV drugs was that I was loopy. They give you that out if it, sleepy feel and I can hardly remember much of anything.

So when the IV drugs didn't do what I wanted I asked for the epidural. I've had an epidural with all three of my children and plan on keeping the option open with this one, who is due any day now. When I think about the needle and all that could go wrong it makes me wonder why people do it, why I did it. But when you're in the middle of a long, painful contraction a needle in the back doesn't seem like a big deal. In fact, what little pain that's involved with the epidural gets drowned out by the contractions and it's just such a relief to know that in a few minutes you won't feel them anymore.

I like the epidural because I'm alert and awake if I want to be or I can rest and sleep and prepare for pushing. The last epidural I had was probably the best, I could still feel a hint of the contractions and when it came time to push I could feel the baby moving down the birth canal. The best thing to do is not to get it too soon and not to overuse it. They give you the little push button thing and if you're careful you can still feel all the "joys" of labor without so much of the pain.

I have friends who've gone both ways, natural and medicated. I like to keep my options open when I go into labor. If I can get through it naturally then great, but if I get in there and they get really bad or my body is too wore out to weather them then I get the epidural. I felt really guilty the first time because I felt like I wimped out but labor is hard on body and mind and you shouldn't feel guilty about wanting the medication.

I hope this helps. Good luck.

Birthing from Within is a great resource, as another poster mentioned. I found the book a little too artsy for me, a non artist. BUt I found Erika Harding's classes, based in BfW to be VERY down to earth and practical. They are meant for any kind of birth (home, water, hospital) and how to deal with changes in your plan. I had a hospital transfer when my home birth stalled, a home birth and am planning another homebirth. Check out Erika's classes at
http://www.bodymindandspiritabq.com
One thing I like about the BfW idea is that when you are in the middle of a contraction thinking "what kind of breathing should I do now and how many counts?" goes out the window! Their pain coping ideas are very basic and intuitive. Also a lot of focus on the birth partner.

If you are really dedicated to avoiding medication, make sure your OB know and your husband knows. It is VERY important you and he be on the same page so he can advocate for you. Good luck!

Hi K.,
I am a mother of 3. My first two children I had without any medications and my 3rd was a C-section (not by choice). What worked for me at the hospital was a birth ball. You sit on the ball during contractions and slightly bounce on it. It eases the pain that sometimes lying on the bed can cause on your back. It absolutely worked for me. And I also focused on an object on the wall and did my best to breathe through it all. Best wishes to you and your husband.

K.,
As a labor and delivery nurse in a local hospital may I please make one request of you? Don't get so caught up in the Bradley method that you forget that you choose to deliver in a hospital. There are some classes and instructors that are really good at giving you the information and empowering you. Then there are other instructors that are really good at trying to turn you against the hospital staff. Remember that you came to birth in a hospital because you feel like that is where you and your baby will be safe. We have chosen to work in a hospital because that is where we can help women deliver babies. We are not your enemy, but your advocate, your ally, your defender. In short, we are on your side. We only suggest things that we feel are necessary. Your healthcare is ultimately up to you, if you refuse care we listen. Please keep this in mind as you decide what to do about your labor.

I delivered both of my children without pain meds and I only took a hospital offered childbirth class. The power comes from within you, not from the classes that you take.

For other women I have seen hypnobirthing be especially effective (there is a CD if you can't go to classes), and most of the doula's I have worked with have been really great too. As far as midwives go. . . that depends on who you go with. Most of the midwives do as many epidurals as the doctors.

If you do need something to help you out with pain control the epidural is the better choice as far as side effects on the baby. Since the epidural medication never enters your blood stream, it cannot possibly cross the placenta. You get pain relief without feeling dopey and you and the baby are able to bond immediately. It is the way to go as far as I am concerned (if you get to the point where you can't take it anymore).

Keep in mind that this is your birth experience. Don't let anyone try to tell you what you should do, feel, ect. The ultimate goal is a healthy baby and mom. No matter how that goal is achieved you did the right thing!

Sorry this is so long, birth is a favorite topic of mine. Please let me know how it goes. I would love to hear from you in February and tell me how it goes.

Kim

Hello,
I am the mother of a 4-month old baby girl.I was supposed to have a difficult labor and delivery and one thing that helps with the pain is the birthing tubs or pools. I know they have them at pres but not sure at other locations. The way a tub works is the heat lessens the pain and relaxes the muscles much like someone with back or joint or muscle pain who eases pain with a heating pad.
C.

YOU CAN DO IT!! You will find it to be precious rewarding experience where you learn just how AMAZING your body is! Don't let anyone tell you otherwise!
We used Bradley Method and I loved the book Birthing from Within. Especially the chapter about the husbands role. You'll do great! ENJOY!!

Hi K.,
The best and most effective way of avoiding medication is having a care provider who agrees with your point of view. Some OB's are great in regard to natural labor- but usually the best way to achieve one is to hire a midwife. They are the experts at natural labor and do their best to encourage you to obtain your goals. Most hospital have Certified Nurse Midwives that work there and are great. If this is an option for you, I highly suggest researching midwives who catch babies at the hospital you are delivering at. It is never too late to switch care providers- remember- YOU are the consumer- YOU are paying them- Find someone who is going to use your money the way you want it to be spent.

I took a bradley class with my first child and I found it very useful. The class is 12 weeks and covers a ton of information. I also wanted to have my baby in the hospital but wanted to have natural non-medicated birth. I would say that the bradley class gave me the knowledge and confidence to have my son without any interventions. It was a long labor...36 hours and if I hadn't taken the class I think I would have thought things like pitocin that were suggested by the hosiptal staff were a necessary part of labor. Before you make a decision though I would talk to your OB and make sure she/he is receptive to the bradley method. L.

Hi K.,
My name is K. and I have a 6yr old that I delivered at UMC using the Bradley method and no pain medications. I highly recommend it. I still use some of the relaxtion methods now when I'm anxious or can't sleep. Its easy for your husband to be involved as well. I'd be happy to answer any questions you might have. Take care

Hi K.,
I did the Bradley Method when my first son was born 3 years ago and plan on doing it again with my child that is due in December. The classes are long they take 12 weeks and require a commitment from both you and your husband because in the Bradley Method he is (almost) just as involved in the birth process (and all of the preparation) as you are. But the classes are extremely informative and go over everything from nutrition to relaxation to simulating labor etc. Basically I felt very empowered and very informed when the classes were over. I felt prepared and knew what to expect. In addition to that they were a great bonding time for my husband and I. We looked forward to the night of the class each week.
I had a completely drug free spontaneous birth with my son. I labored the first 6-7 hours at home using techniques taught in Bradley and by the time that I got to the hospital I was already dialated to a 6. My labor lasted a total (from the very first contraction to when my son was born) of 13 hours. It was very hard work and yes it hurts, but my son was born completely coherant and he did not go to sleep for about the first 6 hours. He was alert (unlike the babies that were born at the same time whose mothers had epiderals and other pain medication) and just looked around at his new world with such intent interest. He didn't really cry, he just looked around in wonder. It was quite amazing. Also I was not all drugged up and was able to immediately start breast feeding and enjoying our new little gift from God. I would definatley recommend the Bradley method. I don't know anything about the Lamaze method. If you would like any more information or would like to discuss how it worked for me further please feel free to send me a message. Good luck in whatever you choose and with your new baby.
S.

I wanted no meds also and was successful for a number of reasons. Probably the biggest was that my daughter was only 4# 14oz!! (5 weeks early). Also, I was 90% effaced for 2 weeks. Anyway, I did use some methods that really helped. #1 was walking/moving. anytime I sat or lied down my contractions became nearly unbearable. #2, use a TENS unit. Most hospitals have them for use during labor (i had my daughter at PVH and they had them). I was skeptical, but it was vERY helpful. and lastly, I requested a room with a tub which also really helped. good luck!!

PS I also recommend making a birth plan and print several copies. have them put one in your chart and keep one handy. you can find websites to assist you in what all you should include. I found one where I just had to answer multiple choice type questions on my preferences.

I went to a lamaze class when I had my first son and I didnt think that it helped that much. The breathing techniques were not fitting for me. I didnt enjoy the class and didnt go to it again with my second son. I did end up having an epidural after 25 hours in labor with my son and did deliver naturally. Before I got the epidural I sat in the tub that was in my room and that helped more then anything with the pain. well besides the epidural. It helped keep the edge off. I was still in a lot of pain but it was tolerable when I sat in the water. If you are going to a hospital that has tubs that you can sit in it helps a lot. You usually cant deliver in them in most places. But just sitting in the tub during your labor really helps take off the pressure and some of the pain.hope this helps for you

Dear K.,
Congratulations on the upcoming birth of your first baby! I have had all three of my children at Lovelace hospital in Albuquerque. Two of my children (1st and 3rd bothe girls) were delivered with the assistance of nurse midwives and they were both great experiences. Not that childbirth is a walk aound the park, but the midwives were very helpful, caring and knowledgeable, and not afraid to let my husband and family know when I needed rest. With my first daughter was born she came more quickly than they expected, but they got everything ready just in time and prepped me so that I didn't need to have an epesiotomy. With my second daughter the labor was very long and intense. The midwives helped with support and suggestions to control the pain. I ended up deciding to have an epidural and they were very helpful getting the anethesiologist there at just the right time. When it came time to deliver the midwife included our oldest (who was 9) in the birth (she got to cut the cord). I took lamanze classes through the hospital when my younger sister was expecting and it did help tremendously when my children were born. the classes taught me how to focus my mind on relaxing through the contractions.
God bless you and your husband as you prepare for this event.
C. T.

Congradulations on your up coming arrival. I wish I had known of all the options when I had my babies. All I knew for sure was that I did not want an epodural. I didn't like the idea of having a needle stuck in my back and I wanted to be able to push and feel it. When it I went into labor I felt it all in my low back. At the hospital I let them give me Stadal and when I maxed out on that they gave me Demerol. Don't get me wrong, I love Demerol :), but it did nothing for my back labor. I was so drugged (and had been awake for over 24 hours) that I had NO self control. So I would fall asleep between contractions and wake up "verbalizing" loudly for the next contraction, I couldn't even remember the breathing techniques. It was aweful and embarrassing to think back on. Finally, when I could get no more drugs, I ask to speak the the Anesthesiaologist. After talking with him I found out that I did not have to be completly numb, they could titrate the medication so I could still feel the contractions. Who knew!?!? At 9 1/2 cm I got an epidural. I could feel the contractions coming and I was able to deliver my daughter in about 6 pushes. Needless to say, when I had my second daughter I refused all drugs and had an epidural when the back labor got to intense to handle any longer. My advice is that IF you decide to use any drugs during labor, skip the injections and have a titrated epidural. I think it is great that you are exploring options for your delivery.

I recommend the Bradley Method for sure!! It has almost a 90% success rate of having a natural birth. My husband and I used the Bradley Method and had a wonderful experience. Yes, labor hurts, but understanding WHY it hurts, the entire process of labor, and how to manage stress and pain during it is what got me through it drug-free. I gave birth at the birthing center with a Certified Nurse Midwife. I had 9 hours of intense active labor, most of which I spent at home, and had my daughter was born in the water! It was AMAZING and I felt so empowered doing it naturally. We chose to do it without drugs simply because we didn't feel the risks of epidurals, narcotics, etc... were worth the risk. Despite the fact that drugs are used in almost every birth and doctors will tell you they are FINE to use, NO DRUG has ever been proven safe for the unborn baby. I would recommend discussing using the Bradley Method with your OB. A lot of OB's don't like the method because it teaches YOU to be in control of the birth, not them. Most doctors will use all kinds of intervention techniques like induction, breaking the bag of waters, stripping the membranes because it's convenient for them. The problem with that is that no two labors are alike, so these interventions (unless truly medically necessary, and few of them are) cause more PROBLEMS than help. If you decide to go with the Bradley Method, be sure you have a doctor that spports your coice to use it- they're hard to find, but they do exist.

If you are in the Tucson or nearby surrounding area, check out Nancy Capo's website and give her a call- she and her husband are EXCELLENT teachers and she's had 3 unmedicated homebirths. They are starting a class I think this month:
http://yoursnaturally.net/bradley_home.html

Also, check out the book "Hey, Who's Having This Baby Anyway?" by Breck Hawk. There's a lot of really helpful information in there and it's a little less biased than most of the other books out there. Good luck and congrats!

Hi There -

Well, I had my son in a hospital, no doula. I just took a regular birthing class but prepared by doing the exercises in Birthing From Within. They were good and his birth was med free.

I had my daughter at home with a midwife. I used the Hypnobabies program which was WONDERFUL. Doing these exercise was such a treat and her birth was not only med free but a complete pleasure. I also read Spiritual Midwifery by Ina May Gaskin which was a good read and offered a lot of useful techniques and insights.

Good luck to you and congratulations!

I planned on having natural childbirth and my husband and I took lamaze classes. When the actual labor came, HE WAS NO HELP AT ALL! He was supportive and tried to make me comfortable but he didnt remember and of the breathing techniques or anything like that. So good for you that you are having a doula, they will help keep you on track because they are trained professionals. In the end after about 20 hours of labor I had my epidural, and ending up having an emergency c-section after about 24 hour of labor. My son had the cord wrapped around his neck and his heart rate kept dropping. The best thing to keep in mind is that things won't go according to your ideal plan, learn all you can about everything including the drugs you want to avoid so that if you want to change your mind during the painful experience you know what your options are and what the Drs are talking about when they mention drugs.
Good luck!

One big piece of advice is to stay out of bed as much as possible (as long as it is medically safe). The bed is not a good place to labor. Your doula should be able to give you lots of info on the various ways you can do this. Staying as relaxed as possible is another big key. Your husband or doula will also be able to help you with that. Sometimes visualization is a wonderful tool. Laboring in the tub or shower is awesome! Use a birth ball. Slow deep breathing with low moaning is very effective in dealing with contractions. Having an unmedicated birth is very much a mind control issue. Educate yourself on ALL things regarding birth. The more you know the more you can make informed decisions about your birth. You are off to a good start by educating yourself, hiring a doula, and picking a good care provider. Congrats!
Also, ask your doula about tools to help make sure your baby is in a great position before you go into labor!

I recommend Lamaze... you just have to have a partner to really work with you on it. All it does is keep your mind off the contractions to concentrate on breathing but it worked for me...

Congratulations K.!
I had my first child just over a year ago in LUH with the St Vrain Mid wives and the birth was completley non medicated. Those three midwives were amazing. I labored for ten hours at home in the shower, in the bathtub or just walking around the house. And I was in transition when I arrived at the hospital and I had my son 45 minutes later.

I took Bradley classes before hand through the instructor that the midwives recommended. The classes covered everything from relaxation to common medications and their intended uses. I felt that the class in Boulder was less anti-medicine than the books were. This class was actually taught by a retired nurse who is now a practicing doula.

I would highly recommend researching as much as you can about labor practices and I would also recommend using a labor coach for your birth. I think the biggest job that your husband and coach will have is standing up for you. I had a VERY BAD experience with the nurses at LUH and I would not recommend LUH at all now that the Midwives have chosen to leave Longmont. I can tell you from my experience though that childbirth can be a very confusing time for new parents, but you need to stand up for what you believe or at very least have a coach who can give you clear unbiased advice. I really believe that the nurses are trying to do what they think is best for you and your baby, but their opinion may not co-incide with yours and what is more important....they are human and therefore, not always correct.

Sorry if this post is dramatic : ) I had a wonderful baby boy and everything turned out fine in the end. I just wanted to encourage you to get informed and then make whatever decision you feel is right for you based on your now educated opinion : ) Good Luck and enjoy the wonderful new edition to your life.

Ideally giving birth naturally is what we all hope for. The reality of childbirth can be a different story and every body is different. I personally had an anesthesiologist on call to give me an epiidural with my first because the contractions were too painful. And with my second I had an epidural the minute I was hospitalized after my water broke. I never felt the birth of my second child and I didn't want to. I got to enjoy the process and not the pain.

An epidural is God's gift to women in my opinion. And I think the birthing process is far more enjoyable. I was told with my first child they couldn't give the epidural until I was 4 cm dilated. That turned out to be untrue. At my second birth, as I mentioned, I got an epidural right away and the rest was a pleasant experience.

So if I were you, be open to other methods because you haven't experienced giving birth before and I only tell you this so you have a pleasant experience.

Hope that helps!

Many moms find that hospital based classes that teach "prepared" childbirth are simply "preparing" you to do exactly what the hospital wants - huff and puff and roll over and be a good patient. I love The Bradley Method, so much so that I became a certified teacher. Classes give you honest information so that you can make informed decisions in the best interest of you and your family. They offers many tools for mom to have a natural birth and teach dad/partner how to help. So much of the information is helpful in pregnancy, labor, birth, parenthood, and in life in general.
That being said, all the information in the world won't help if a careprovider is on a different page. Find a care provider worthy of your trust (and this can be very tricky!), then trust them.
Good luck to you!
~M., AAHCC
www.BellyBeginnings.com

Hello K.,
I am sorry to say but the Lamaze or the bradley is over rated. I have two health wonderful children that both weighed 8 pounds 14 ounces. I didn't go through lamaze or use any breathing treatments. It only took me less than five minutes to push out my first child the second one I was enjoying the contractions but had to have an emergency c-section because the umbilical cord was over his head. I think it all depends on who you talk to and what they think. I think you should do what you feel comfortable with.
Jennifer