Honestly, childbirth has been a big fear of mine ever since I was a little girl. Perhaps I have heard too many horror stories about birth from other women or seen too many dramatic renditions of birth from Hollywood.
Of course, my greatest encouragement is knowing that God will be with me. And my next greatest encouragement is knowing that my husband will be with me! But I also have to say that taking the Bradley Method comprehensive 12-week childbirth education course has given me a HUGE boost of confidence--along with a wealth of information.
You can read about the Bradley Method here.
http://www.bradleybirth.com/
It is a method based on the principles of Dr. Robert A. Bradley, who lived from 1917-1998. His book Husband-Coached Childbirth, first published in 1965, is one of the most well-known books on natural childbirth. Dr. Bradley advocated two main concepts: that childbirth is safest, most efficient, and most fulfilling without the use of pain medication, and that trained husbands make the best labor coaches.
I read the book from cover to cover, and I would recommend it. However, the Bradley course itself was even more helpful than the book. Ben and I met at our instructor's home one evening per week for 12 sessions. There were two other couples in our class. We studied everything from proper nutrition and exercise during pregnancy, to how the process of labor works, to the benefits and risks of common hospital procedures, to relaxation techniques and pushing positions to use during labor, to caring for a newborn. Our instructor presented information in class in an interesting way, took time to answer our questions, and then gave us various articles to read at home. Occasionally we had to research a topic and give a presentation in class. We even had to go through a "labor rehearsal" during one of the last classes!A few evenings ago was our last Bradley class, so Ben and I can now say that we are graduates of the Bradley Method! I am so glad that we took the course together so that we could learn everything together. I truly believe that knowledge is power. I feel so much more confident about the labor and birth now that I know what to expect and what I want!
Still, several questions remain. Will Ben and I be able to remember everything that we have learned? Will I be able to give birth without pain medication as I hope to do? And WHEN will our sweet baby arrive??? We are ready for you, Baby Boo!