DH and I are preparing for a med-free natural childbirth, and want to do everything in our power to avoid interventions, that way, if we do need any interventions, we can be confident that it is absolutely necessary for healthy baby & mommy! Our birth center requires we take their birth class (4 weeks), a breastfeeding class (1 day), and a newborn care class (1 day), which we have already signed up for. Our original plan was to do that AND get a doula, which was highly recommended to us. However, after doing some research, it appears that the price range for doulas in our area is a lot more expensive than we thought, so that is looking like it will not be a comfortable option. Now, I've started reading a book on the Bradley method, and I'm wondering if going through those classes could be a good alternative to hiring a doula (at less than half the cost!). Does anyone have experience with the Bradley method or doulas and can offer some advice? If we are going to do Bradley, we should sign up very soon, since the class we'd do begins in mid-October.
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Following. I am also having this same debate, though I'm delivering in a hospital setting. I have looked into Bradley classes but no one seems to be having classes at the time that I would need them (going into holidays), which is very frustrating! At this point, I'm thinking of taking the hospital birth classes, buying the Bradley books for myself and hubby, and still debating the doula issue.
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we had a med-free hospital birth, and did both doula and Bradley. if I had to pick just one (both are expensive!) I would pick Bradley . . . we learned so much and it opened up a whole new mindset. we also had a really good doula experience and found it valuable to have that third person, but I think you could get through it just with DH if he is well trained! I think one of the biggest things is just knowing what to expect at each stage and understanding the interventions, so that neither of you panic (or at least only one at a time, ha!)
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@drjolene: if you can't take a class, I would say the books are a great start - I'd also set aside time to discuss them section by section. we were driving 20-30min each way to our Bradley class and that discussion time was at least as valuable as the class itself. I'd also suggest trying to find birth videos (which you would watch in the class) - we saw a lot and it really helped normalize things for DH. the Bradley made ones are also hilariously old school if they are around on the web!
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If DH attends all the classes with you, then I would say no doula. But he has to be just as up to speed and ready to help you for 24 hours straight. Otherwise get a doula.
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Can you read the Bradley books and get a doula? We did both, and I'm really glad we did. If you are committed enough (and your SO is committed enough) to do the Bradley exercises and practice on your own, I think you could get away with not doing the formal class. My husband froze up when my birth got complicated, and at that point my doula was key.
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We did both the bradley classes and a doula, and if I had to choose one over the other I would choose the doula, and self-study the bradley method, watch videos (on youtube, "the business of being born" documentary, etc), and learn the relaxation techniques. If you self-study the bradley classes though you really want to make sure that DH is completely in on it with you since he will need to help you labor through the pain, and know what methods to use to help support you when the time comes.
Doula was the single best investment we made with our first born. We ended up not hiring a doula again the 2nd time around because we thought we could do it again on our own, and while we did, our experience wasn't as good as it had been the first time. It was really nice to have someone be our voice and advocate during and post-labor when I was so tired and out of it.
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There's no option for no classes but YES to doula! You won't remember what you learn in class anyway - the doula is right there with you. Do that.
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My due date is on Friday, so I can only speak theoretically for now...
We are delivering in a hospital, but did Bradley classes and have a doula. We didn't have the additional birth center class requirement that you have. The Bradley classes gave us tons of information, and I'm sure a book would be similarly informative. However, we are really happy with our choice of a doula, and know that she will keep us from panicking, and help us to remember everything from the classes - it is a lot of information to remember, and even with lots of practice we're not confident that we'll recall it all in the heat of the moment. @Boheme's comment that her husband froze when things got complicated is exactly why we wanted a doula too.
If cost prevented me from doing both, I would feel most confident picking the doula and skipping the official class. Instead, I would read the book and do the hw on our own. Knowing that my doula will be there is giving us both confidence and peace of mind. That said, I'm still waiting to go into labor (come on baby - we are ready for you!!), so I"ll have to update you after the fact to see if I still feel that way.
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We took a class and had a doula but she ended up my being able to attend my birth due to a medical issue. I was able to have a med free birth without her, but it wouldn't have been possible without the birthing class and a super supportive, helpful DH. I plan on having another med free birth this time and am forgoing a doula.
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@bushelandapeck: This is a little about why I'm leaning more toward just the classes... what if she's unable to attend anyway? Or worse, what if we spend all that money on her and she turns out to not really help that much?
@MrsLonghorn: @JoJoGirl: @Mrs. High Heels: @Boheme: I'm planning to call my birth center today to ask if they can recommend some lower-cost doulas, but I'm just concerned that since we're not willing to spend $1000+ that the doula we can afford may not have as much of a positive impact as we expect. Since you all seemed to have really wonderful experiences with your doulas, how did you find them?
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@Circusbee: I found her through the bradley method website - and she was the one nearest to me! I liked the doula experience so much I wrote an entire post on it... http://www.hellobee.com/2012/07/16/the-case-for-a-doula/
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@Circusbee: I found mine online. I expected to interview a bunch, but got lucky and really clicked with the first one. She runs a practice of 6 doulas here in town, so if the one you hired can't attend for some reason, there is always a backup available.
It turns out that our Bradley instructor is also a doula. I would bet that whoever teaches your local Bradley classes and some local midwives can both recommend different doulas in your town.
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Is there a way you could contact a doula education place? Doulas have to attend multiple births to become certified - maybe they have some near you looking for experience!
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I am SO GLAD we went with a doula. Classes can only prepare you so much, and having someone I could call at 3am because I didn't know what to do was invaluable. If you can at all swing it, I would definitely do the doula. Some doulas will work on a sliding pay-scale, and some need experience for certification. Maybe your birth center midwives/ob can recommend soneone. Whatever you decide, good luck and congratulations!
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Also, ours didn't require the whole fee up front, so maybe you can find someone who will do a payment plan?
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@Circusbee: Our doula was recommended by our birth instructor. She needed a birth to finish her DONA certification, so she was free of charge.
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@Circusbee: "Or worse, what if we spend all that money on her and she turns out to not really help that much?"
This was unfortunately our doula experience. I had a really quick labor, as first births go (6.5 hours), and she arrived at the hospital about the time I was in transition. She helped me labor for about 20 minutes before it was time to start pushing, and my DH and midwife did most of the helping from there. Anytime I was with it enough to notice, I saw her basically sitting on the couch. She did take some (sort of blurry) photos when DD was being born, so at least that's something... I think if I'd had a long or complicated labor, it might have been a different story, but I do feel like the doula ended up being a waste of money for us. Thing is, you just don't know going into it what your experience will be like, so it's kind of a gamble either way.
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@AmandaB8: @Boheme: I agree with these ladies. Call around and see if there are any doulas providing lower cost services while they're certifying. That's what I'm doing as a doula now. I'm trained but need to attend a certain # of births to get my official DONA certification. See if you can get some recommendations/references for doulas in training from some of the more established doulas in the area!
In terms of the doula not being able to attend, I find that odd, since most doulas (in my experience) line up a backup doula for that purpose. I wouldn't let that worry hold you back!
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Having a doula for me was so valuable and I could not have made it though my labor without her. Doulas dont just provide support during labor but also support at prenatal visits and most do at least one postpartum visit so I think for the money they are well worth it. Please remeber a husband is not a doula no matter how supportive he is. I would encourage you to meet with a few doulas to see if you can find one you like and go from there.
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I studied the bradley method and I wish I'd spent the money for a doula as well.
I really needed an advocate in the hospital and I didn't have that
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I did both the Bradley method class and had a doula. I found the class to be helpful enough, but I think you could learn many of the things on your own reading the book. Our doula was invaluable and awesome, so I definitely recommend getting one! She was there for me, supported my husband, and even made sure to run and grab my mom out of the waiting room right before the birth. If we hadn't of moved I would hire her again in a heartbeat for #2
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We did the Bradley classes and a doula. I found my doula just by asking other women who I knew had had natural births, and found a very affordable doula. The Bradley classes were excellent for educating me and my husband about birth, and I'm very glad we took the classes. It was good to know what the different stages of labor looked like, especially. But if we hadn't had my doula, I know I wouldn't have achieved my goal of a pain med-free birth. My husband just was not very supportive when I was in labor. It was too much for him to handle. My doula was so calm, knowledgable, and help me stay focused.
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@Circusbee: Just wanted to follow up since I ended up delivering on Wednesday 9/24.
Without a doubt, my doula was 100% worth it!! The Bradley class helped me feel prepared, but we forgot a lot of options and techniques in the heat of the moment. I think I would have felt equally prepared if I just read a book and did the "homework"/practice. The doula, on the other hand, was amazing for both me and my husband.
Whatever you decide, good luck! You will be amazing.
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@Circusbee: In regard to finding a doula, check doulamatch.net for your area.
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