Jessica James / Bridget Baker birth classes - experiences?

[jumblequeen]

Hello,

Just trying to work out which might be best for me... has anyone had experience with either teacher?

(Also, quite an amazing use of alliteration, re their names! )

[minad]

I can recommend Bridget's classes. She's very thorough and she's been doing it for years. She also has a very cosy living room! It was Jessica who recommended her to me (my dates didn't work for her classes) so I imagine the two are pretty similar in their approach. I've also met a very nice group of mothers through the classes which is a lifeline.

[BelgradeGirl]

Hi

I can highly recommend Bridget's classes too! I was pregnant last summer with identical twin boys and after thinking I wouldn't do an ante-natal course and save the money, at the very last minute emailed Bridget, who kindly slotted me into her 'August births' course. I found the whole thing very friendly, relaxed and hugely helpful in preparing for the birth. I look back at those classes as a very special time - meeting new people, getting excited about what lies ahead. You can ask all the questions you like, and her living room is a great place for lots of huge bellies! I found it very reassuring to listen to someone with lots of experience and a very 'can-do' and empowering attitude for women. I had an elective C-section as I was having twins, although everyone else was preparing for natural deliveries and I found Bridget covered all eventualities thoroughly. I meet people all the time who have been to Bridget and I always hear very positive things. Plus she helped me after the birth several times when I realised I needed to find someone to help me look after my two premature babies from time to time! So all in all above the call of duty! Our group of mums is lovely too and such a help in the crazy aftermath of having a baby/babies.

[valbona]

we also really enjoyed the classes with bridget - very relaxed and cosy atmosphere, met some great people and definitely gave us all the knowledge we needed to deal with labour. it made us brave enough to argue with midwives about the timing of induction, how much monitoring to have, what positions I wanted to use etc - all of which really helped the birth and none of which we'd have dared do without the classes. she's also just a really nice woman!

[Blakey1]

We recently did Bridget's classes and found them to be brilliant. They were very thorough, but also were lighthearted in all the right places and this was good for partners. We met a great set of people too, who we continue to see. Its nice to go to a lovely house and have tea and biscuits as well. On a more serious note, Bridget is very experienced and is a lifeline during and after pregnancy if you find yourself needing advice. She's super busy but will find time to e-mail or call you with help and suggestions. Her network of friends are also all at the top of their field, i.e Ruth Tamir for breast feeding support.
She's the person I would have chosen to be there at the birth of my baby - if only that was something she offered !