About PREGGY BELLY

One of the first “natural” approaches out there, Lamaze birth classes are best known for their breathing instruction. In the 70-80’s, there was some controversy about the style of breathing taught by Lamaze. It was shorter, faster breaths which led some moms to hyperventilate, a big no-no in birthing!

However, Lamaze has changed some of their breathing pattern techniques and is supposed to be safe today.

Beyond breathing, their classes also focus on preparing expectant mothers with a six-step approach to enabling a safe and healthy birth. Lamaze aspires to help expectant mothers gain confidence in their bodies’ ability to give birth and prepares mom with natural pain management techniques.

Lamaze childbirth classes provide information on the benefits and drawbacks of all birth choices so that parents can make informed decisions. Some moms have criticized Lamaze as being too hospital and intervention-friendly.

Bradley Method birth classes are in-person and follow an evidence-based approach to childbirth that supports a safe and healthy birth.

Dr. Robert A. Bradley published his book Husband-Coached Childbirth in 1965, and the classes have helped couples put those principles into action.

Bradley classes are very naturally minded. They also cover information beyond labor and delivery such as nutrition, exercise and postpartum care.

Dr. Bradley emphasized the father/partner as the birthing coach (rather than a doula) and gives him defined roles throughout the pregnancy and delivery.

Informed Beginnings are in-person birth classes that seek to help families make informed choices about how they bring children into the world.

This birth class emphasizes that natural childbirth and breastfeeding are healthiest and safest for mom and baby, while being sensitive to the needs of families who require medical intervention.

Informed Beginnings also asserts the importance of the role of the partner during birth and a loving support team during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum.

Hypnobirthing teaches moms how to use hypnosis techniques to create a peaceful and relaxing childbirth experience.

Hypnobirthing takes a different approach to labor than most classes. Instead of teaching mamas how to “manage pain,” Hypnobirthing coaches moms on how to avoid a fear-tension-pain cycle.

Hynobirthing birth classes teach that childbirth could and should be comfortable. They teach that labor-related pain if often born out of fear and tension, and this can be lessened using hypnotherapy. In this course moms can also do solo.

A three-year study by Britain’s National Institute for Health Research found that self-hypnosis not only made a difference in helping women avoid pain relief during labor, but also helped them alleviate some fear around birth.