Bradley Method Childbirth
Created by Dr. Robert A. Bradley, the Bradley Method didn’t become popular until after the release of his book titled “Husband-Coached Childbirth”. The Bradley method teaches both parents how to give birth to a healthy baby through preparation, education and help from a supportive coach, without the use of drugs or surgery. It also teaches women the steps that can be taken to help keep the pregnancy healthy and low-risk to avoid complications that could lead to medical interventions. In fact, it’s so successful that 86% of Bradley users have vaginal births without drugs or medical intervention. The classes generally last 12 weeks with up to 8 couples, and are said to be more intense than other childbirth classes such as Lamaze.
The Six Needs of the Laboring Woman
The Bradley method survives on teaching the six needs of the laboring woman during its classes. These needs include:
- Deep, complete relaxation
- Abdominal breathing
- Darkness and solitude
- Physical comfort
- Closed eyes
- Appearance of sleep
The Bradley method also relies heavily on teaching the expectant mothers partner on how to be a ‘coach’ during the labor and delivery. Different labor positions and comfort measures are practiced during the training of the Bradley method. The classes also teach things such as nutrition and pain management as ways to move forward with the delivery.
The Bradley Method Classroom
As mentioned, the classes last 12 weeks and rarely contain more than 8 couples. This allows the teacher more one-on-one interaction with each couple. During the classes, all couples will learn:
- How nutrition affects your growing baby, usually based on the Brewer diet
- The importance of exercising while you’re pregnant
- How to cope with common pregnancy symptoms
- Numerous relaxation techniques
- Numerous breathing techniques
- How your partner can be an active participant
- The stages of labor and how to cope with each change
- Which medical interventions are avoidable and unavoidable
- Helping you create a birth plan
- Breastfeeding
Advantages of the Bradley Method
There are numerous advantages for couples seeking to give birth without the use of drugs, surgery or any type of medical intervention. Besides the increasing bond that grows between both partners, the Bradley method is also a great way to help you reduce the chances of ‘giving in’ to pain relief. Plus, the techniques taught are easy to learn and very effective.
Disadvantages of the Bradley Method
Unfortunately, some critics believe it is unfair to coach husbands on how to be supportive during child birth. In fact, many practitioners believe the Bradley method is outdated, and the classes leave couples feeling alienated within the Bradley environment. Some complainers even state that they were left with a severe guilty feeling after electing to use pain medications during their delivery.
Finding a Bradley Instructor
Finding a Bradley method instructor might not be as simple as it sounds. There aren’t as many classes available compared to Lamaze or Yoga. However, if you do wish to use this method for child birth, you can go about it by either requesting a list of instructors, or by calling the Bradley Method.
Phone: 1-800-423-2397 or 1-800-422-4784
Address: The Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth P.O. Box 5224, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413
Website: www.bradleybirth.com
