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Books on the Bradley Method

jcookie0723jcookie0723 member
in Natural Birth

I have just started considering natural childbirth, and the Bradley Method seems most appealing to me. I am a little late in my pregnancy to be starting classes, and actually can't find any in my area that are starting before I would give birth. So now I am turning to books.

 The 2 most common ones I see pop up are "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way" and "Husband-Coached Childbirth". I wondered if any of you had read and benefited from either or both of these books. I also worry if they are a little dated- "Natural Childbirth" last edition is from 1996. Although I know natural childbirth doesn't change, I wonder if the advice and tips given won't be up to date or relevant.

My husband is completely on board and loves to read and research, so I'd like to hear what your husbands thought about these books as well! Any other books or dvds you can recommend too would be great. Thanks!

 

 

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Re: Books on the Bradley Method

  • aylafsu88aylafsu88 member
    We did the Bradley classes and loved them.  The book was part of the reading required for the class.  I thought the books were OK but not my fav.  However, my DH really liked them.  He is not into "reading" for pleasure or studying/researching things, so he found them easy to follow and staright to the point.  I liked  Ina mays "guide to childbirth" and "A thinking women's guide to better birth" by Henci Goer myself.
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  • Mrs.AmyDylanMrs.AmyDylan member

    We are currently in the middle of the Bradley classes (just finished week 5 of 12). I read the husband coached childbirth. It was good in terms of the whole Bradley philosophy. I disliked that it didn't have any pictures or diagrams, so I ended up asking a lot of questions in class last night. 

    The student workbook has a lot more pictures and "homework" that really got us thinking about being more prepared (ie food and drink we wanted to have available and on hand for labor, that my hubby should pack a swim suit to be able to join me in the shower during labor).

    We aren't interested in going the Doula route, but you might look into that since you won't have time to do the 12week class.

     The thing I'm taking away most from the Bradley classes is the expectation of what is going to happen in labor (and all the variations of what can happen). Knowledge is power!  Good luck! 

    TTC Since 3/2010
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  • abell77abell77 member

    One possibility is to search the Bradley website for instructors in your area and see if any are willing to do a condensed, "crash course" so to speak.  We had a Bradley instructor come to our home for this purpose.  

    The McCutcheon book is better than the Husband Coached Childbirth.  I do think there is worthwhile info in the Husband Coached Childbirth, but it is a bit antiquated so you have to be able to see past those moments in the book. 

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  • badbrideybadbridey member
    I have to disagree with pps.  I think 'Natural Childbirth, the Bradley Way' is a very valuable read...especially if you're not going to take a Bradley Class. I read this book in addition to taking the class, and I thought this offered so much more detailed information than the workbook.  Both were helpful, but this book has so much practical knowledge, and it's an easy read.  It also has some great relaxation & visualization exercises.  I didn't like the 'Husband-Coached Childbirth' book, I only got through 2 chapters.
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  • mrsodonnell12mrsodonnell12 member
    imagejcookie0723:

    I have just started considering natural childbirth, and the Bradley Method seems most appealing to me. I am a little late in my pregnancy to be starting classes, and actually can't find any in my area that are starting before I would give birth. So now I am turning to books.

     The 2 most common ones I see pop up are "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way" and "Husband-Coached Childbirth". I wondered if any of you had read and benefited from either or both of these books. I also worry if they are a little dated- "Natural Childbirth" last edition is from 1996. Although I know natural childbirth doesn't change, I wonder if the advice and tips given won't be up to date or relevant.

    My husband is completely on board and loves to read and research, so I'd like to hear what your husbands thought about these books as well! Any other books or dvds you can recommend too would be great. Thanks!

     

     

    I have both of these books. So far- I love them.

    Mom to Carter, Kendall, Kiersten and Baby O #4





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