The Bradley Method
An Option in Natural Childbirth Education
Hollywood spends millions of dollars portraying expecting moms on the large screen. If childbirth classes are involved it is usually Dr. Fernand Lamaze’s method of breathing techniques. We are not shown the variety of classes that are available to families. Another method of natural childbirth that was created around the same time as Lamaze was The Bradley Method® which was developed in the late 1940’s. You rarely hear about Dr. Robert A. Bradley’s method of natural childbirth on the big screen or television.
The Bradley Method® promotes the use of exercise, balanced nutrition, relaxation, natural breathing 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 mothers having vaginal births do so without pain medication.
Students participate in a twelve-week series of two-hour classes starting at the fifth month of their pregnancy. The Bradley Method® uses a student workbook, labor rehearsals, relaxation techniques and well-documented data, to teach students to explore their options for labor and delivery. They will also view birth films; discuss interventions, goals and ways to enhance their birth experience. Through full participation in the series, the student increases their chances of having a desired natural childbirth experience.
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.
Balanced Nutrition
Nutrition is evaluated through worksheets to help the mother to create a balanced diet. The Bradley Method® uses the knowledge of Dr. Tom Brewer, USDA and the California Department of Health to create an optimum diet that expecting moms should achieve. Dr. Brewer promoted the need for expecting mothers to increase their protein intake and eat a variety of foods to reduce the risk of nutritional diseases such as toxemia, pregnancy induced hypertension, during his research in the 1950’s and 1960’s. It is recommended that expecting mothers consume 80 to 100 grams of protein daily.
Relaxation
Relaxation is the key to The Bradley Method®. Natural 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 help the mother to find which techniques work best for her prior to labor and refine them through practice.
Education
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.
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, learn to advocate for the baby and practice consumerism. Women are becoming savvier about their desire to have more input on their birth experience.