Doula? Bradley method?

Question

I am trying for an unmedicated birth (FTM) and have heard great things about hiring a doula and about the Bradley method. They are both major commitments either financially or time so I want to make sure it's worth it; what are your thoughts on one verse the other or both? My husband doesn't think a doula is necessary and wants to just read about Bradley method verse classes... Advice much appreciated!

Answer

It's funny, the most glowing reviews I've heard about doulas have come from the dads. My male coworker was even like 'GET A DOULA.'  I think they are especially helpful for directing dads during labor and making them feel helpful and needed instead of freaked out. But I won't be able to tell you for sure until June when I get to see mine in action.

Answer

I did the Bradley method with our first baby 2 years ago and then had the teacher be my doula. Both of these decisions made my birth so so much better! The classes were amazing, very informative and eye opening. My husband was able to fully support me emotionally and physically and gained a lot of the support techniques from the class. Definitely recommend both! Well worth the investment and the time spent. 😊

Answer

We had an all natural L&D with our 1st and it was a wonderful experience! We had a hospital birth and my husband was my doula. I wouldn't have it any other way! We'll do it the exact same way all over again in June. I personally didn't want a doula. When I was in the most difficult and vulnerable place in my life, the last thing I wanted was (more or less) a stranger telling me "you can do it" for 19 hours. I know people argue that they know their doula very well and trust them completely (which is great!) but knowing a doula for a few months vs. knowing and trusting my husband for 13 years just didn't compute for me. He did a TON of research on labor and delivery and he was absolutley amazing! I told him he should write a book!! I know people who've had doulas and swear by them, but *for me*, I'm all about hubby being my coach!! Hope this helps. Blessings on a happy and healthy L&D!!

Answer

We are starting our classes next week and have been seeing a  midwife who supports us totally! I think you should educate yourself and prepare yourself as much as possible. I have heard of people who think they would have never made it without their dula and some people who say they wasted their money on a dula! You just need to make sure you interview and make the best decision for you and your family! Good luck!

Answer

Go with books and watch bradley YouTube births as well as YouTube hypnobirths!

Answer

I am doing natural birth in hospital with hypnobabies.

Answer

We are doing Bradley and really enjoying the classes - very informative. I like that it teaches the dad (or birth partner) to be a very active coach. I've gone back and forth about having a doula. I have a number of friends that have had doulas and never heard any of them say anything but wonderful things about their experience. The cost is the deterrent for me (everyone I've talked to has said it was totally worth it, we just don't have room in our budget). My husband and I are both in health care and very comfortable in the medical setting, so we feel confident in our ability to advocate for ourselves, but that's not always an easy thing to do and I think the support of a doula can be extremely valuable.

Answer

I read the Bradley method book and hypnobabies (which I actually preferred) and opted for a doula. I thought that combo was super helpful! It took some convincing about the doula with my husband but I am SO glad we had her. We actually contacted a local doula training program and then sent our info out to new doulas trying to get experience so we got a heavy discount which is how I finally convinced the husband.

And yes, I had a successful unmediated birth! The doula and the principles in hypnobirthing were truly most helpful.

Answer

We are doing Bradley and we love it!! It's been great for my husband to learn about what I'm going through and he has really enjoyed being so involved.

We are also considering a doula but will make that call after we finish the course in three weeks.

Answer

We are hiring a doula due to the high c-section rate at our hospital. After our initial meeting I believe our doula will be a huge support for my husband since this is our first child. I thought about reading up on various methods and techniques for having an unmediated birth but once we are in the heat of birth I believe it will be hard to remember and put into practice something so unfamiliar and new.

Doula? Bradley method?

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