Bradley Method vs. Hypnobirthing?

Argh, I can't make up my mind. I am really interested in taking classes to prepare Dad and me as best as possible for a natural childbirth. There are two notable methods that are taught these days, each with obvious "pros" over the other. I can't make up my mind - but have to very soon. In fact, a lot of the week-end Bradley Method classes that I have been looking into today are already fully booked up.

Anyway, I wanted to keep track of a web site with a great conversation string where mothers weigh in with their experiences with either or both of these methods. What I have gotten from these mainly is that the Bradley method is a child birthing class while the Hypnobirthing class is more about learning how to relax properly and overcome one's fears of birthing. The Bradley method classes include much more peripheral yet relevant information on, for example, proper nutrition, pre-natal exercise, developing a birth plan, and preparing for breast feeding. Although it does emphasize the *necessity* of relaxation during childbirth, many mothers write that it doesn't do such a good job of teaching it (spending only a superficial 15-20 minutes on it).

Meanwhile hypnobirthing is more of a relaxation class, which ultimately is apparently the most important factor in learning how to overcome/withstand labor contractions without feeling a need for medication. If relaxation/avoiding meds is your main objective, than the hypnobirthing class seems to be considered more effective. But if carrying out a well-rounded pregnancy - from good pre-natal health, helpful birthing techniques, and adequate preparation for breastfeeding afterwards - Bradley seems the better way to go.

Obviously there are clear advantages to learning both methods. If I were wealthy, I would just sign up and take both sets of classes. But at about $300 per registration - and with the Bradley class involving a time commitment of 12 weeks of meetings - it seems too extravagant for us to do something like that - especially given our pitiful budget. Also, while reading about the first two methods described above, I learned that their is a third method called "Birthing from Within," which lots of people are also raving about. And there is something called "hypno babies" and even "hypbirth" - which are both already different from "hypnobirthing" and, etc. etc. etc. It's all so overwhelming....

Meanwhile, Scott and I just visited some friends with a 6-week old newborn, and they warn us that we will spend months and months preparing for the actual birth, but then Boom - all of a sudden the birthing portion of having a baby is over, suddenly the parents face the arduous path of taking the baby home, adjusting to the baby, a new life of sleeplessness, and the psychological tolls of self-doubt and "good" parenting. So, in addition to the classes on birthing, it seems more classes on breastfeeding and childcare might be mandatory. ... (?)

Not to mention that I had originally wanted to hire a Doula to help us get through the whole process too...