Lamaz Method vs. Bradley Method for Natural Childbirth?

M

Manmohini

Cathlete
Veterans of past labor,
I need to decide quickly which classes to take this month and next. I am very confused over which of these two methods works better and will suit me best. If all goes well, I will be having natural vaginal birth, but in the hospital. Please share experiences. A few women have told me that the Lamaz method doesn't really teach you how to deal with pain, but just to deny it, and that this inclined them to reach for the epidural when the pain became unbearable. Anyways, I want whichever method will achieve better results with relaxation, pain control, and mind control.
Manmohini
 
Lamaze is more breathing/concentration focused, and Bradley is more about changing position and having a partner seriously involved in your labor, though breathing and concentration are important parts of Bradley as well. I prefered the Bradley method myself, even though my mom is a labor and delivery nurse and a Lamaze instructor. However, both of my natural, unmedicated labors ended in caesareans. Nothing else to do when that baby gets in trouble. I will tell you that from my experience, labor REALLY hurts, but you can handle it if you're prepared!

I have a few friends who do hypnobirthing, and their labors and deliveries were unbelievable. I don't know how to explain how amazing it was that they felt little or no pain. They were totally calm and quiet and in control. AMAZING!! You might want to check it out.
 
I forgot to mention a really great pain control and relaxation method from Bradley.

It's really important to keep your face and hands relaxed during labor, otherwise everything else tenses up and hurts more. You will notice that your hands want to go into fists and squeeze. This is a wonderful way if relieving pain IF YOU LET SOMEONE ELSE DO IT. Relax your hands and arms, just let them go limp, and let your husband or labor partner firmly squeeze or massage your palms. It is magic!
One thing to remember is to do what feels good and right during labor. Ignore all the nurses who want you to sit perfectly still in your bed, unless the baby is having problems and needs to be monitored. Otherwise, do what feels natural. If lying in bed feels the best, then go for it. I loved sitting on a stability ball and lying over the bedside-it felt wonderful to my sore hips and back. This is why I loved Bradley so much. It gives you lots of positions to try and lots of things for your partner to do to help you. You are given the tools and confidence that your body can do this job.

But, as I said earlier, my labors ended in caesareans, and that is okay. Obviously I would have preferred a vaginal birth, but the goal is a healthy baby.

I mentioned the hypnobirthing because it seems like something you would like considering the holistic approach you seem to take with most things. I wish I had known about it when I was pregnant.
 
Thanks, Natalie, for your informative replies. I decided to go ahead and start with the Bradley series. I had my first class last night, and you're right, this method suits me better than Lamaz would. I've read through half of one of the books they give out, and I am satisfied with the choice. My husband really likes the philosophy too. The woman who teaches the class had one medicated birth and three Bradley births, and the joy she experienced from the Bradley births made her want to start teaching the method. I've heard some power testimonials; I'm hoping I'll be able to connect to the method the way some of these women have. It's almost like a religion for them. Thanks again for taking the time to reply.
Manmohini
 
Hi Manmohini!

First of all I want to start out saying that every labor is different and every person has different levels of pain they can tolerate. What works for one person may not be the right choice for another. Some labors will last a couple of hours to 24 hours. With that said.....

I think you made a wise choice. My first pregnancy was very invasive (stripping membranes, drugs, breaking my water, pitocin, epidural) and it was not a positive experience for me. It wound up being 25 hours of labor with 3 hours of pushing. Not so good.

Second time around (12 weeks ago), I did the Bradley method and it went so much more smoothly. Granted, this was number 2, so she should come out easier, but my entire experience was so much better. I used different positions...on a big ball, a jacuzzi tub, lunges, and just laying on my side (Bradley method). My hubby was great and really helped by pushing on my back once the labor really got intense. Labor still took 14 hours, but only the last hour was really hard. I had a mid-wife second time around (at the hospital) and I delivered laying on my side. I was never on my back for the entire labor which was huge. I remember reading in the book that some women say that it really wasn't pain. I can honestly say I experienced pain. Real pain, but it was so much better because I could feel what my body was doing and was able to work with my body, where with the epidural, I had no idea what to do because I couldn't feel it.

Either way, you will have a beautiful baby at the end!
 
My sister took the bradley courses when she was pregnant with her first. She delivered without drugs, but when i asked how much the bradley course helped she said 'it didn't do much for the pain'. she almost gave in and went for the epidural, but by that time, it was too late.

I personally am going to order the hypnobabies home study course (http://www.hypnobabies.com/product_...id=29&osCsid=1a541ccd90c408b701825e061312f09e) I've read good things about it, and it's mostly about pain management as opposed to 'just hang in there, the pain won't kill you, just change positions if your uncomfortable....' philosophy that sis got from her bradley classes
 
My sister took the bradley courses when she was pregnant with her first. She delivered without drugs, but when i asked how much the bradley course helped she said 'it didn't do much for the pain'. she almost gave in and went for the epidural, but by that time, it was too late.

I personally am going to order the hypnobabies home study course (http://www.hypnobabies.com/product_...id=29&osCsid=1a541ccd90c408b701825e061312f09e) I've read good things about it, and it's mostly about pain management as opposed to 'just hang in there, the pain won't kill you, just change positions if your uncomfortable....' philosophy that sis got from her bradley classes
 
RE: Lamaz Method vs. Bradley Method for Natural Childbi...

Tonilah,

Thanks so much for posting this! I've been looking for a positive affirmations CD about a smooth delivery, I'm a big believer in positive visualization and its power and they have a new CD available that looks great (just $17). And I may get the "Birth Partners Be Calm and Confident" for my hubby. http://www.hypnobabies.com/default.php?cPath=22&osCsid=1a541ccd90c408b701825e061312f09e

If you get the full course I'd love to hear your thoughts about it, if you think it's worth $135.

Best of luck to you!

Steph
 
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