Thoughts on the Bradley Method

CA_EAM

I don't know much about it, nor do I know anyone that has used it.  But I am curious what people think/have heard.  I know, I'm crazy, but I don't want drugs.

JCM083009

You are NOT crazy.  I recently wrote a blog about natural birth if you're interested first off.  I'd also recommend the book "Pushed".

We are taking Bradley classes and really like it.  I like that the method is about starting and staying healthy during pregnancy and trying to avoid any needs for medical interventions, relaxation techniques to help you deal w/ labor, etc. and all tha good stuff.  I'm sure there is a lot of info on their website (google, not sure off hand what it is).  My class is taught by our doula w/ over 20 yrs of experience so she adds in her own info as well, so it's not strictly Bradley. I am a huge fan of it. There is also hypnobabies which a lot of people like and I might read as well.  It's newer and they kind of "stole" a lot of the Bradley ideas and incorporated them. 

Reagan's Mommy

I've been reading Natural Childbirth the Bradley way by Susan McCutcheon.

It was on my midwives recommended reading list.

I don't know.  I really believe in the fear-pain relationship and that your beliefs and mindset can have a major impact on your physical experience.  But, I'm not sure I'm "sold" on the Bradley method yet.

ETA: I have also read Hypnobirthing.  This is one of the other methods (although, it is somewhat similar) that I am considering.

robbie3982

DH and I are taking a class right now and we both love it.  It's been a real bonding experience for us.  Even if I would need a scheduled c-section, neither of us would feel like the money spent on this class was a waste.

returnhomegnome

I was confused about all the methods (and all my friends who "swear by" one or another), so I went to the library and checked out books on Lamaze, Bradley, hypnobirthing, and a few others.  Very helpful!
Then I picked what thought would fit best with my personality/temperament, which happens to be Bradley!

smilelari

returnhomegnome:

I was confused about all the methods (and all my friends who "swear by" one or another), so I went to the library and checked out books on Lamaze, Bradley, hypnobirthing, and a few others.  Very helpful!
Then I picked what thought would fit best with my personality/temperament, which happens to be Bradley!

Was there anything in particular you liked about Bradley better?

nicolehoppe

The website is www.bradleybirth.com and it is a partner-based approach that focuses on relaxation for pain management, nutrition, and exercises to prepare your body for labor.

Courses are typically 12 weeks, but can be modified depending on your instructor.  I would highly recommend taking the classes.  I probably could have gotten by with just reading the book, but the hubs would have been clueless without the courses.

nicolehoppe

robbie3982:

DH and I are taking a class right now and we both love it.  It's been a real bonding experience for us.  Even if I would need a scheduled c-section, neither of us would feel like the money spent on this class was a waste.

The classes with DH have been an awesome bonding experience!  The classes are small (only 3 to 5 couples) so I feel you get a lot of personal attention and it is very comfortable to ask questions.  The end of the class always involves learning guided relaxation and puts you at peace after a long day.

Ours is taught in a very relaxed atmosphere with couches, pillows, yoga mats.  You are free to come in, kick off your shoes, and relax with your partner.  Some nights the relaxation includes massages for the mothers-to-be

WildHorseFeathers

I'm either way, I'd prefer to do all this naturally, but if I'm about to pass out I want my epi!

returnhomegnome

smilelari:

returnhomegnome:

I was confusedabout all the methods (and all my friends who "swear by" one oranother), so I went to the library and checked out books on Lamaze,Bradley, hypnobirthing, and a few others.? Very helpful!
Then I picked what thought would fit best with my personality/temperament, which happens to be Bradley!

Was there anything in particular you liked about Bradley better?

?

Sure! For me, when I get stressed and worn out, I naturally draw into myself in deep concentration to cope with it.? I'm not much of a "sceam the pain out" or walk-around-the-block sort of girl.

I'm hoping that Bradley's emphasis on concentration and focus will work with what I naturally prefer to do. (signed up for classes today!)

I've also practiced similar concepts in dealing with intense migraine pain: lying still and blocking out all other things, and relax, relax, relax until it's just you and the pain, and you're ok with it.

I think under pressure I would find Lamazze agrivating, even annoying. But I have other girlfirends who LOVED it!? But they tend to be more "out loud" type of people anyway.

That's just my two sense:? I think any of these methods are potentially great choices, but I think it has a lot to do with personality too.

Oh, and I thought Bradley and hypno were pretty similar.?