What is The Bradley Method?

The Bradley Childbirth Method was developed by Robert Bradley, an American obstetrician, in the late 1940s. Bradley’s belief is that childbirth is a natural process, and women can prepare themselves mentally, physically, and emotionally to avoid routine medical interventions and pain medication during labor and delivery. The duration of the Bradley Childbirth Method program is 12 weeks, making it longer and more intensive than most other childbirth education programs. It is a comprehensive program that includes instruction on pregnancy, birth, and postpartum issues. One of the other primary goals of the Bradley Childbirth Method program is to educate partners to be supportive and effective labor coaches.

Classes are usually limited to eight couples in order to provide a more intimate, interactive learning experience. The topics covered include prenatal nutrition and its impact on a healthy pregnancy, exercise during pregnancy, pregnancy symptoms and complaints and how to cope with them, and relaxation techniques during labor and birth. Relaxed and natural breathing methods are emphasized as a coping mechanism to deal with the intense pain of labor. Mothers are taught to “tune in” and manage pain, instead of distracting themselves from it as other methods teach. The Bradley Childbirth Method class also instructs partners in effective labor coaching. Couples also learn about the different stages of labor and how to cope with the transitions between them.

The Bradley Method®: From the official site:

The Bradley Method® teaches natural childbirth and views birth as a natural process. It is our belief that most women with proper education, preparation, and the help of a loving and supportive coach can be taught to give birth naturally. The Bradley Method® is a system of natural labor techniques in which a woman and her coach play an active part. It is a simple method of increasing self-awareness, teaching a woman how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning in to her own body. The Bradley Method® encourages mothers to trust their bodies using natural breathing, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education.

What are the goals of The Bradley Method®?

1. Natural childbirth.

2. Active participation by the husband as coach.

3. Excellent nutrition (the foundation of a healthy pregnancy and baby).

4. Avoidance of drugs during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, unless absolutely necessary. No drug has been proven safe for an unborn baby.

5. Training: "Early Bird" classes followed by weekly classes starting in the 5th month and continuing until the birth.

6. Relaxation and NATURAL breathing - can be effective pain management techniques with training according to the National Institutes of Health.

7. "Tuning-in" to your own body and trusting the natural process.

8. Immediate and continuous contact with your new baby.

9. Breastfeeding, beginning at birth provides immunities and nutrition.

10. Consumerism and positive communications.

11. Parents taking responsibility for the safety of the birth place, procedures, attendants, and emergency back-up.

12. Parents being prepared for unexpected situations such as emergency childbirth and cesarean section.