https://boards.hellobee.com/ Pregnancy, Baby and Parenting blog, by Hellobee en Sat, 04 Apr 2026 14:05:22 +0000 https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1881892 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 17:42:44 +0000 Arden 1881892@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Circusbee: In regard to finding a doula, check doulamatch.net for your area. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1881887 Mon, 29 Sep 2014 17:38:00 +0000 MrsLonghorn 1881887@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Circusbee: Just wanted to follow up since I ended up delivering on Wednesday 9/24. </p> <p>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.</p> <p>Whatever you decide, good luck! You will be amazing. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874470 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 13:16:58 +0000 LomaLinda 1874470@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874424 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 12:57:20 +0000 Mrs. Deer 1874424@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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 </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874420 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 12:54:59 +0000 wheres_c 1874420@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I studied the bradley method and I wish I'd spent the money for a doula as well.<br /> I really needed an advocate in the hospital and I didn't have that :( </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874415 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 12:52:45 +0000 spartysammy 1874415@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874411 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 12:50:06 +0000 IRunForFun 1874411@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@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! </p> <p>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! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874390 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 12:42:02 +0000 PurplePeony 1874390@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Circusbee: "Or worse, what if we spend all that money on her and she turns out to not really help that much?"</p> <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874308 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 12:06:16 +0000 Boheme 1874308@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Circusbee: Our doula was recommended by our birth instructor. She needed a birth to finish her DONA certification, so she was free of charge. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874258 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 11:41:00 +0000 mrsrain 1874258@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>Also, ours didn't require the whole fee up front, so maybe you can find someone who will do a payment plan? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874255 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 11:39:33 +0000 mrsrain 1874255@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874241 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 11:32:33 +0000 AmandaB8 1874241@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874227 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 11:24:54 +0000 MrsLonghorn 1874227@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@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.</p> <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874190 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 11:11:12 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1874190@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@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... <a href="http://www.hellobee.com/2012/07/16/the-case-for-a-doula/" rel="nofollow">http://www.hellobee.com/2012/07/16/the-case-for-a-doula/</a> </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874177 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 11:06:24 +0000 Circusbee 1874177@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@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?</p> <p>@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? </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874153 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 10:57:50 +0000 bushelandapeck 1874153@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874152 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 10:57:40 +0000 MrsLonghorn 1874152@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>My due date is on Friday, so I can only speak theoretically for now...</p> <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874142 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 10:53:23 +0000 JoJoGirl 1874142@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874135 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 10:50:25 +0000 Mrs. High Heels 1874135@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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.</p> <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874101 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 10:32:44 +0000 Boheme 1874101@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874068 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 10:21:34 +0000 MrsBeluga 1874068@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874058 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 10:19:00 +0000 bhbee 1874058@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@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! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874048 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 10:15:02 +0000 bhbee 1874048@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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!) </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1874021 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 10:01:56 +0000 drjolene 1874021@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/bradley-method-classes-vs-doula#post-1873872 Tue, 23 Sep 2014 08:39:30 +0000 Circusbee 1873872@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>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 &amp; 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. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1717215 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 18:39:28 +0000 Greentea 1717215@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@lamariniere: "no amount of prep can prepare you for the real thing," haha! YES! </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1716566 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 13:11:14 +0000 lamariniere 1716566@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>What class did you take?<br /> General at the hospital. It was taught by a doula. </p> <p>How many hours was it??<br /> 5 weeks, 2 hours each time </p> <p>Did you feel equipped/prepared?<br /> Maybe? My 1st labor was very different from what I was expecting and I ended up with an epi, which I was fine with. But I feel that no amount of prep can prepare you for the real thing. With my 2nd LO, the L&amp;D all happened so fast that I couldn't have an epi, but I manage to cull what I remembered from the birth class to at least get me through the contractions. </p> <p>What would you have done differently?<br /> I'm glad I took it and was informed. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1716328 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 12:00:21 +0000 Sunderling 1716328@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>I didn't end up taking any classes. We were supposed to go to classes put on by our doula but they were cancelled due to low attendance, and the class they suggested instead was so close to my due date that I decided to just not go.</p> <p>I still felt prepared for the birth. I did quite a bit of research beforehand, and had a very experienced doula. My husband is a pretty level-headed guy and I wasn't worried about him.</p> <p>It turned out really well, so I wouldn't do anything differently if I have another baby. My personality doesn't really lend itself to classes anyways, and I learn well by reading about things. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1716093 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 10:42:21 +0000 Mrs.Someone 1716093@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@grizz: Glad I'm not the only one! I actually spoke out that getting practical info from a book or the internet wasn't as useful and we needed it in class more than art projects. </p> https://boards.hellobee.com/topic/natural-birth-classes-need-advice#post-1716057 Mon, 23 Jun 2014 10:31:09 +0000 Boheme 1716057@https://boards.hellobee.com/ <p>@Greentea: YES! My husband was decently comfortable, but my labor was so long it was tremendously helpful for him and our doula to tag in and out, and take breaks. </p>