The Bradley Method
A Natural, Healthy, Un-Medicated Birth

The bradley method of childbirth was developed in the late 1940's by Dr. Robert Bradley. He developed a program of education for expecting women that was designed to help them give birth naturally while avoiding unnecessary medical interventions and reducing unnecessary pain during labor.

Dr. Bradley believed it took months to prepare and educate a woman for birth. A normal class takes about 12 weeks. It is intensive training, but they claim that almost 90% of their students are able to give birth vaginally without the aid of any medication. So if you are looking for a way to have a natural, un-medicated childbirth, this is a good way to go!

What is unique about the bradley method?
It teaches a woman to focus inward. To understand and work with her body. To not be afraid of what is happening but to embrace it. That is my favorite idea of the bradley method. This idea is what makes it different from other childbirth methods. Other methods use distraction to help the mother deal with the pain, bradley teaches you to focus on it, understand it, and work with it. I love that! Another favorite teaching this method is breathing. It teaches you to use natural, deep, slow, abdominal breathing. Why is this so great? Relaxing is so much easier when you are breathing slowly and deeply. How much harder is it to relax when you are focusing on a certain way to breathe and being afraid to mess up? The ability to relax is the key to experiencing less pain. Normal, slow, abdominal breathing is the easiest way to achieve that.

More Bradley Ideas
Other teachings during this include good nutrition. Dr. Bradley believed a healthy mother and baby would have an easier time and less complications during childbirth. Seems like good common sense, doesn't it? Dr. Bradley also helped introduce the husband onto the birthing scene, giving him a very active role. Not only should the husband be there to support his wife, but why not make him useful as well? During the course the husband is taught to be the coach. He is an active participant and invaluable to his wife as he helps her through those really tough contractions. If you have a husband who is willing, let him do it! It's a great way to have extra support and for the both of you to work together to bring your child into the world.

Doing what is best for mother and baby
The bradley method of childbirth believes that a natural pregnancy and birth is best. It is the best way for the mother to give birth and it's the best way for your baby to begin life. Helping women to have a healthy pregnancy and birth without drugs is the bradley methods goal. You can do it, bradley can help.


Like the ideas of the bradley method?
Read more about how you can start preparing for labor today.

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