Childbirth

Bradley Method of Childbirth

The natural childbirth method developed by American obstetrician Robert Bradley in the late 1940s, is the renowned Bradley Method, also known as "husband-coached childbirth". The goal of this method is teach couples that childbirth is a natural process, and 90% of pregnant women are able to avoid pain and medication during labor and delivery.

The Bradley Method emphasizes prenatal measures that should be taken to stay healthy during pregnancy, maintaining a low-risk profile that helps avoid complications leading to medical intervention. This method was popularized by Dr. Bradley's book "Husband-Coached Childbirth", the reason why this method is also known by the book's name.

Dr. Bradley developed his method after have been raised on a farm, where he was witness to many animal births as a normal part of the farm life. In the belief that human women could give birth peacefully and joyfully like those animals that he observed, the considerations of suppressing drugs that are potentially harmful to the developing baby, encouraged his work.

Shortly after the implementation of his natural childbirth method, Dr. Bradley realized the importance of the presence of the father during labor and delivery. He was the pioneer in the inclusion of fathers as an integral part of the birth process, and eventually expanded his childbirth method to include them in labor coaching.

Classes to learn Bradley method of childbirth are more intensive than other childbirth classes. The Bradley program lasts 12 weeks covering different areas such as:

• Natural childbirth teaching as an important goal to avoid side effects of drugs given during labor and birth, based on information about how the human body works during labor, having natural births with simple and effective techniques.
• Couples receive a student Workbook containing the class curriculum, study guides, vocabulary, and general information on pregnancy through the different trimesters, with assignments, birth plans, labor rehearsals, and relaxation exercises to make labor more efficient.
• Classes provide coaching training to face some special challenges in labor for both fathers-to-be and mothers-to-be, because men need to understand the importance of special training, in helping to avoid unnecessary pain in labor.
• Bradley method of childbirth offers comprehensive education covering nutrition and exercising, plus the information on the coaching role, introductory information and advance techniques about labor and delivery.
• The method also provides you with information about complications, cesarean sections, postpartum care, breastfeeding and caring for your new baby, keeping the classes small enough for individual attention.

The Bradley Method of Childbirth offers the opportunity of an extensive training program through the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth, to accredit Certified Bradley instructors, trained professionals and experts in the field of childbirth education.