Welcome to The Bradley Method®!
If you're getting ready for a new baby, my classes will give you the information and practical help you need to have the best birth possible.
My name's Mimi Desjarlais and I love teaching couples how to have natural, joyful births. The Bradley Method has the highest rate of unmedicated births, which is healthiest for Mom and Baby.
You and your baby deserve the best birth, free from unnecessary drugs and their side effects; taking classes now can make that a reality. Of the 85 - 90% of Bradley students who avoid C-sections, 86% have completely natural births, and you can, too! Whether you're preparing for your first or a subsequent birth, the Bradley Method ® gets you ready for a miracle!
"If a mother truly wants a natural childbirth and wants to deliver in the hospital, Bradley classes give her the best odds of achieving the birth she wants", according to Dr. Williams Sears,M.D. and Martha Sears,R.N in their bestseller, The Birth Book (p. 56).
A normal pregnancy usually leads to a healthy mom and baby - unless it gets complicated at the birth. Many Americans see birth as a crisis -- something that the baby and mother must be "saved" from. Frankly this is just not the truth. Although it makes for exciting drama on TV, it sets up frightening expectations and poor results in real life.
The Bradley Method® teaches you how to make the best decisions for you and your baby. There are appropriate times and uses for medications during some labors; once you know what the benefits and risks are, then you have "informed consent." But nearly 90% of Bradley® students simply don't need drugs because they've learned so many other ways to deal with labor's challenges! R.I.'s C-section rate is 34.9% --about the national average-- and my classes help protect you from an unnecessary surgical birth, giving you the knowledge and encouragement you need.
Here's a quote from Pushed, an excellent, well-referenced book by Jennifer Block on modern childbirth:
"In her qualitative study of childbirth today, Morton found that with the exception of the Bradley method, which encourages women to "be an advocate for yourself and what you want," most (childbirth classes) are focused on a similar acceptance of medical routines." (p. 166) [that is, preparing for typical hospital interventions]
Upcoming Class Dates
Generally I start a new series every six weeks. Upcoming start dates are February 27, April 22, and May 21. Classes run 5:30-7:30.
When to Start Classes
The ideal time to start classes is in the fifth month of pregnancy, around 12-16 weeks before your estimated due date. Birth is a major physical event, and mother and coach need time and practice to get ready. Many people spend more time and effort shopping for a car than preparing for a baby's birth, but you'll love the kid more! There's so much to learn, and it's fun and interesting! Twelve weeks give you time to take it all in and feel excited and ready. If someone told you that in 9 months you'd be thrown into deep water, you'd spend some of that time learning to swim, wouldn't you? Well, let me teach you how to "swim" through your labor!
The key to your best birth is relaxation, and you'll learn many techniques in my class. Your body was made to birth naturally, and you really CAN do it! I'll help you prepare for these new challenges, increasing your courage and confidence in yourself, knowing that Mother Nature is on your side.
Cost
The class fee is $350, which includes your workbook, many handouts, and my library of books and videos for borrowing. Payments may be made in thirds or partly bartered for. Some of my students have traded photography, carpentry and electrical skills, guitar and drawing lessons, even the use of a vacation home to lower their costs.
I've been asked why hospital childbirth classes cost less than Bradley classes. The answer is that the hospital is getting value from you taking their classes. They get a compliant patient, and that can translate into big bucks. But I have no hidden agenda. You are getting the value from my classes, and you really get your money's worth.
Classes are kept small, usually 4-6 couples, to be certain everyone's getting the attention they need. They're usually held on Sunday or Monday evenings. Private classes are available, which cost more and can be in a different location. Please contact me with any questions, and you can learn more at www.bradleybirth.com. If you decide to take my classes, please e-mail or call me to be sure there's room in the class and the start date hasn't changed.
Students
Most of the students who take Bradley classes are married couples, but any pregnant woman with or without a partner is definitely welcome. Some bring an additional support person with them to a few classes; that's fine; there's no extra charge.
Early Pregnancy Classes
I also offer Bradley EPC for only $40 for the 2 classes. Contact me for more info.
I hope this has answered most of your questions. I look forward to hearing from you so I can answer the rest of them!
Some links you may find helpful:
