Lamaze vs. Bradley: What are the similarities and differences?

Question

We need to start taking chuildbirth education classes and love the Bradley method but it is very pricey ($315). We heard about Lamaze and I am unsure of what it teaches, how long sessions are (6 classes, 8 classes, 12 classes???), and how much it costs. I have heard that Lamaze is cheaper. Any info would be helpful!

Answer 1

The only info I know about Lamaze is in the Bradley book, so I don't know how helpful it will be, but here goes:

According to Bradley, Lamaze prepares women for a more intervention based hospital birth experience (whereas, as you probably know, Bradley is completely natural).  Lamaze also teaches breathing techniques that are not usually that useful in labor.  

If it were me, I would shell out the extra money for Bradley.  Personally I probably won't do either because I want a home birth (and Bradley, while it coaches you on natural childbirth, prepares you for birth in a hospital) but would pay for the classes I wanted, regardless of price.  Unless it was like, $500.  

Good luck!

Answer 2

the similarity that basically, it will all go out the window once that baby is coming. youre not going to really sit and remember every thing you learn in lamaze or whatever. I took lamaze class at 31 weeks and now, i hardley remember anything at all. you should just listen to the nurses that are there when you deliver, they know what theyre doing and they do it every day. and what if you have to have a c section? all that bradley wont mean squat and youll have wasted 315 bucks you could have used on something more useful. i dont mean to be a buzzkill, its a good idea, really but pointless.