The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth
A Viable Childbirth Option
Most expecting parents are not always aware of the variety of childbirth classes available. Lamaze classes are the most common, however, another method of natural childbirth that was created around the same time as Lamaze is the Bradley Method®, which was developed in the late 1940’s by Dr. Robert A. Bradley.
The Bradley Method® promotes the use of relaxation, natural breathing, balanced nutrition, exercise, and education to help expecting mothers have a natural childbirth experience. It also promotes the use of a coach (husband, partner, friend, doula and/or family member) to support the mother during her pregnancy and labor. These classes teach the mother how to stay low risk during pregnancy. According to the Bradley Method® website, “Nearly 90% of Bradley® moms having vaginal births do so without pain medication”.
Over a twelve week period, the mother will learn exercise, nutrition, being comfortable during pregnancy, stages of labor, techniques for labor and delivery, complications, breastfeeding, postpartum care, how to communicate with providers, how to create a birth plan, and more. The time commitment is necessary to master all of these skills. It would be difficult to retain this information in a one-day course. The students participate in hands on practice sessions and often develop long-term friendships.
Exercise
Bradley Method® students prepare for the labor process by executing pregnancy exercises that strengthen muscle, increase stamina, and encourage flexibility. Additionally the exercises can help to provide comfort for common pregnancy related discomforts. The instructor will teach the benefits of each exercise and ensure that they are performed properly.
Nutrition
Using the knowledge of Dr. Tom Brewer, USDA and the California Department of Health, the Bradley Method® creates an optimum diet that expecting moms should achieve. During his research in the 1950’s and 1960’s, Dr. Brewer found that expecting mothers should increase their protein intake and eat a variety of foods to reduce the risk of nutritional diseases such as toxemia and pregnancy induced hypertension. It is recommended that expecting mothers consume 80 to 100 grams of protein daily.
Relaxation
Relaxation techniques are taught to help mothers tune into their bodies during the pregnancy and labor. Students will learn the three types of relaxations: physical, mental, and emotional, which will be mastered over the twelve-week period. Techniques need to be practiced during the course to help the body learn the skills. The goal is to help the mother find out which techniques work best for her prior to labor and refine them through practice.
The Bradley Method® is taught by highly trained instructors who have gone through training with the American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth®. Affiliated instructors are required to recertify annually. Each instructor teaches small classes to provide individual attention to students. Most instructors have given birth previously or attended a number of natural births.
The Bradley Method® is a valuable childbirth education series that should be considered as an option to expecting mothers. The course will enhance communication skills, help the mother and coach evaluate their priorities for the pregnancy and labor, and learn to advocate for the baby.
