An Introduction to the Bradley Natural Childbirth Method

The Bradley natural childbirth method was started by Dr. Robert A. Bradley over thirty years ago. The Bradley method recognized that women are mammals and should be allowed to labor such as other animals do. The role of the Doctor is minimized and the father steps in to help coach with the delivery. The mother can follow her natural instincts and give birth without much pain.

If you desire a natural childbirth consider taking a Bradley childbirth class and read as much information as you can about the method. There has been an increase of interest in the Bradley way of birth so you should be able to easily find a certified teacher in your area. The classes are generally longer than other childbirth education courses because you are learning a variety of things from pregnancy, labor and birth plus helpful information on becoming a family. It is possible to teach yourself similar methods but if possible take a course so you don't miss any important information and have the added benefit of discussion and question asking with your trained instructor.

Dr. Bradley was a pioneer in that he helped normalize natural childbirth and take away many of the misconceptions people tend to have about the pain of having a baby. He also was one of the first to strongly encourage fathers to not only be present during the birth but to be an active participant as well. This is important for a variety of reasons and it's likely that men who see and assist their laboring wife and witness their child coming into the world are more likely to have a better bond and stronger relationship with both of them. A well educated partner also helps increase your chances of a positive labor and delivery as you will find out that nurses are often very busy and the doctor will likely show up just in time to catch the baby. There's a lot more work involved with giving birth then what your other care providers will assist with so your husband can be your biggest support.

Natural childbirth is beneficial to both the mother and the baby. Even when you are drugged, birth isn't necessarily pain free. Medication tends to mask some discomfort and prolong the pain until later. It is harder to listen to your body when you are not able to feel what is going on. There are other ways to get some relief and the Bradley method will help teach you how to manage your pain and use if to your advantage.

So what's the difference between well known Lamaze childbirth and the Bradley Method? The main thing is the general attitude. The Bradley method emphasizes the women taking control of her body and labor whereas the Lamaze method is more laid back in the sense that you learn to expect the hospital staff to assist you and that your Doctor knows what's best. Bradley is more family focused instead of Doctor oriented. The Bradley way teaches the laboring woman to completely relax and work thru her pain not tense up and fight it off as Lamaze tends to. Both approaches teach breathing exercises but the Bradley method encourages helpful breathing to get thru contractions where Lamaze has a three part breathing routine that is meant to be a distraction from the birthing process. The two childbirth trainings differ on their opinion and advice about pain medication. Bradley strongly advocates for natural childbirth while Lamaze is much more accepting of pain medications and medical interventions. It is commonly known in the childbirth field that parents who are educated The Bradley Way have a higher chance of obtaining the birth they desire especially when talking about drug free deliveries.

If The Bradley Method of Childbirth interests you the first step is to find a Doctor or Midwife who respects your views on labor and delivery. Also important is the hospital policies and their birth statistics. Next find a certified Bradley trained childbirth educator and set up a class sometime around your 6 month of pregnancy. Make sure it's at a time when both you and your partner are available as this is a key element in the success of your birth. Read books such as "Husband Coached Childbirth" and "Natural Childbirth - The Bradley Way" so that you have access to practice the techniques anytime. For more information and resources to find a class near you visit bradleybirth.com