So here is THE post about our childbirth class and why we are choosing this method. I really like to talk about this but because of "certain" reactions I have gotten, David and I have decided that unless someone else brings up the topic, we are not going to talk about this anymore. And if you are that someone who brings up the topic, please be understanding to why we are choosing this method and don't be critical. You don't have to agree with us for why we are doing it this way.
So first of all, a little background on the Bradley method. It was developed by Dr. Robert Bradley and a quick google search will get you any information on him or his theories that you could ever imagine. Not to mention his book, Husband-Coached Childbirth. The main ideas are that he believes in the husband having a "coach" role and being just as much a part of the birth as the mother. The method focuses on natural childbirth and as Dr. Bradley explains "that's how animals do it". Instead of Lamaze classes that teach distraction and focal points, the Bradley method teaches you to focus on the pain and relax. Most of the pain caused in labor is actually a result of your body tensing up. To relax, you can use exercises, breathing techniques, and teaching your body to relax on command. This is where the husband comes in. He can "train" your body using his voice and touch to relax so that you can let yourself do what you are supposed to do during birth.
The method also emphasizes laboring at home (or having a home birth) and using little or no interventions. First of all, we do not plan on having a home birth. We plan 100% to give birth at a hospital, St. Clare to be specific. We would like to labor at home for as long as possible, since that makes it easier to relax and resist the use of drugs. Once we do get to the hospital, I don't necessarily have a problem with fetal monitoring and IV's. I would, however, like to avoid any drugs as well as a C-section. Obviously there is a time when I may have to choose between these options, and while not ideal, it's just something we'll have to deal with at the time.
We had our first class last night and I feel very confident in myself and David that we can do this. I just hope now that our doctor, who isn't exactly a Bradley friendly doctor, but not really anti-Bradley either, will be on the same page with all of this and that Noah will come out as planned. I don't know what else to say about it right now, but maybe I'll elaborate more in the future as we go through more classes. I hope everyone can understand where we are coming from and just be supportive of us. Thanks!
2 comments:
Sorry to hear you are getting negative comments, Beth. :( I think moms choosing natural birth get negative comments from those who chose otherwise because they feel threatened or like you are judging the choice they made as 'bad for the baby'. That is not it at all, and I am right there with you. My choice has a lot to do with what I want for MYSELF in my future births... I do believe there are benefits to the baby, but am well aware that there are plenty of epi and C-section babies just as healthy as any other. I especially hate the condecension if you haven't done it before... "You say that now, but you'll see!" type comments. UGH. I don't see myself talking about it much, either! Anyway, I hope things go how you hope... just remember to be prepared for anything! The scariest thing to me about birth is how totally unpredictable it is. But if you are at peace with all the possibilities before labor starts, you are going to fly through it! :) Can't wait for Noah to get here!!!
Thank you for the comment, Mandy! I certainly don't look down at anyone that chooses a different birth than me. I think everyone should be able to choose whatever they feel is right for them and their baby. Honestly, most of my decision comes from the fact that I don't like the way drugs affect me. I don't think drugs will hurt my baby or at least that's not one of my top fears as I know lots of babies are born with epi's and drugs and they are just fine. Just like you said, you have to make the right decision for yourself.
Post a Comment