Bradley Method

chevronseven · February 2014

Hi! I'm new to this board but figured I may as well venture over since my goal is to have a natural birth. I think it is the best thing for both me and the baby. DH and I are starting Bradley Method classes on Monday and I'm so excited! Has anyone ever been to one before? Are they fun/useful? Anything I should be aware of in advance?

Side note: I'm REALLY determined to do this natural (unless complications arise, of course, I'm flexible). No one thinks I can do it, which makes me want to even more so I can prove them wrong and prove to myself how strong I am. I do get scared quite often when I think about it and I'm just hoping that it isn't really as dramatic as movies and TV would have me believe. I don't want to cave and go for the drugs just because the pain is too much. Any encouragement?

mb314 · February 2014

DH and I did Bradley, and I thought it was great for us. I did have an un-medicated, natural birth in a hospital with no doula - just DH as my coach. I did use a midwife, and gave birth at a hospital that was supportive of natural births, so that made a difference.

What I really liked about Bradley was how it really prepared DH for the birth and helped him understand my choice. DH is not the type just to read up on Natural Birth - the classes were essential for him. The "informed consent" lessons were also useful for us - I had complications towards the end of my pregnancy and my midwife recommended an induction. The Bradley classes taught us what questions to ask to help us make a decision about whether or not the recommended induction was the best thing (we asked "what are the risks of the induction? What are the risks of not having the induction? etc). Also, because the classes are several weeks, we really got to know the other couples and I am now good friends with many of them. I had an awesome instructor, so hopefully you'll have a good one too.

I had a lot of negative reactions from people when I told them I was aiming for a natural birth. The one thing I learned to do was not really tell people of my birth choice unless they asked. Just know going into your birth, that every birth is different, and the more prepared you are for different situations and complications, the better (The Bradley classes helped with this a lot). Go in with an open mind. My hospital had a labor tub, and that was amazing for pain management. I also labored at home in the shower, which helped me deal with the pain.

Good luck! I hope you enjoy the classes and I hope you have a fast, easy, un-medicated birth!

sschwege · February 2014

Welcome! I did not do Bradley but I know there are girls on here who have had great experiences.

I know it's hard, but try not to talk about your birth wishes unless you believe the person will be supportive. Try your best to surround yourself with positive, supportive people and read birth stories that are more in line with what you are hoping for. "Ina May's Guide To Childbirth" is a great one! The first half of the book has all these beautiful, inspirational birth stories. I've actually read the first section twice, it's that good!

Just keep doing what you are doing, reading, researching, going to your classes, you will do great!

jmknox · February 2014

We are signing up to do Bradley classes too

. I'm pretty pumped. I have already found out that most of my family is not supportive of an unmedicated birth... I've already gotten... "Don't turn into one of those weird people." Shake them haters off.

PoppySeedWindsor · February 2014

We are doing Bradley Method too. It's really empowering to know that the experience of labor and delivery truly is in your control. We are also going to birth in the hospital and we have an OBGYN who totally supports our decision, which is rare here in Kentucky.

Make sure that you write out your birth plan. I'd recommend working with your course instructor and midwife to ensure that you get the type of experience you and your husband want. One of the ways we're empowering ourselves to be able to follow through with the Bradley Method and natural birth is by doing most of the laboring at home (we won't go to the hospital until the transition stage).

I'd love to hear about how your classes are going. Make sure to keep up with your kegels, tailor sits and squats!

It's really exciting and I'm so stoked to have such an intimate experience with my husband. I don't think there is anything that could bring us so close. And honestly, I don't think that there is anyone better to have as my coach -- I mean, who else knows you better than your husband?

One of the big keys we're learning and prepping is having the Bradley Method expressions and exercises down in our own language. I think there's a lot of great things about the Bradley Method, but some of it can seem dated and/or not personalized. Every birth is different and every couple is different, so my recommendation is to make sure to practice the exercises in your own language.

How far along are you in your pregnancy, btw?

aylafsu88 · February 2014

I did Bradley and loved it. My H is not the type to read a book or research child birth on his own so the classes were great. My H learned a lot in the classes and it really did pay off when I was in labor. The biggest thing that I loved about the class was the amount of education we got and the confidence to question the doctor if something came up. It was great to be educated ahead of time so that we could avoid panicking or fear driven reactions in L&D. In the class we went through lots of positions for first stage and second stage labor, which came in really handy for me. I will say that the one thing I did not like was the time we spent in the side lying position for early labor. Bradley found that laying in the side position in early labor is helpful for the woman to relax. I actually found the opposite. For me I moved or was on my hands and knees my entire labor. I did not lay down and the one time I tried it, I was miserable. Some woman may find it helpful but for me I found it to be uncomfortable.
Bradley also focuses on diet and exercises to prepare for L&D. I did them pretty regularly and found them to be helpful when it came time to deliver.

PoppySeedWindsor · February 2014

Oh yeah! The nutrition and diet is really interesting. It suggests getting 80-100 grams of protein every day. I'd love to hear how other women are getting that much protein everyday!

Chichigo · February 2014

We had a wonderful experience using Bradley. My husband knew exactly what to do as both coach and advocate. My son's birth was very peaceful. It impressed my OB, the nurses, and my MIL. My mom wasn't so impressed-she always knew I could do it. She was still proud.

chevronseven · February 2014

Wow, thank you guys for all the info and encouragement! I'm glad to know that it's such a good experience for partners too; DH is not looking forward to it because he thinks it will just be a bunch of silly breathing exercises and role playing, so now I have hope that he will take something from it too.

@PoppySeedWindsor I will be 21 weeks when we start the class in a few days. :-)

aylafsu88 · February 2014

I tracked it when I was pregnant and got 60-80 grams of proteins a day. The diet is intense and recommends eating a ton of food. Our Instructor told us that as long as we were eating the rainbow and getting protein that was fine. There was not way I could eat everything they recommend in one day.

brooklynesque · February 2014

I'm doing Bradley classes starting in early May. So happy to read the experiences of those who have posted here. I'm hoping the classes will help draw DH into the process and give me the coping skills I need to have an unmedicated childbirth.

I do notice many people seem curious when I tell them about my plans, along the lines of "why would you want to do that?" But I have to admit my natural reaction is, why would I want to drug myself (and my baby) if I didn't need to? To each her own I guess.

PoppySeedWindsor · February 2014

Congrats! Way to get an early start on your classes.

I think you'll find your hubby will probably think it's freaking awesome. My hubster is really empowered and loves that he is such an integral part of this process. I know it's been harder for him so far because I'm doing all the work (aka growing our little poppyseed) so the fact that he has a job during labor is really exciting for him.

And if you guys find the exercises goody -- which they can seem that way -- I'd recommend figuring out how to make them really meaningful for you two (changing the language, practicing at your home, listening to music, etc.).

Can't wait to hear out it goes for you!

Chichigo · February 2014

My husband was reluctant at first. He read Husband Coached Childbirth, and didn't like it. He wasn't thrilled after our first class session, either. But he got more into it as time passed.

Regarding people's opinions, I've decided to use a need to know basis. There are so many decisions you will make regarding your children that everyone will have an opinion on, including your birth choices, vaccinations, circumcision, and if/how long you choose to breastfeed. My husband
and I researched these topics and discussed them with appropriate healthcare providers before making our decisions. I follow my grandmother's advice regarding politics and religion on all of these topics-i avoid discussing them.

mysticl · February 2014

livelaughlove88 said:

Hi! I'm new to this board but figured I may as well venture over since my goal is to have a natural birth. I think it is the best thing for both me and the baby. DH and I are starting Bradley Method classes on Monday and I'm so excited! Has anyone ever been to one before? Are they fun/useful? Anything I should be aware of in advance?

Side note: I'm REALLY determined to do this natural (unless complications arise, of course, I'm flexible). No one thinks I can do it, which makes me want to even more so I can prove them wrong and prove to myself how strong I am. I do get scared quite often when I think about it and I'm just hoping that it isn't really as dramatic as movies and TV would have me believe. I don't want to cave and go for the drugs just because the pain is too much. Any encouragement?

I hate how practically every pregnancy on TV has some sort of super dramatic complication involved in it. I ended up having nightmares after watching some shows. I DVR everything so I started fast forwarding through any of the dramatic pregnancy scenes. It's possible that I have yelled at the tv a time or two since my son was born.

PoppySeedWindsor · February 2014

Great advice. I mean if you really think about it, what show would want to highlight a natural birth where all the woman does is breathe, relax and calmly push her baby out? Booooooooring. It wouldn't get the same ratings as the crazy, high strung births of terror. It's all about the ratings and money for networks, so don't give those shows too much credit (and definitely keep fast forwarding through them!!)

margaritachikita · February 2014

Loved Bradley; like PPs said it was great for DH. I would also strongly recommend hiring a doula. Doulas have been shown to reduce labor times and intervention rates, including c-section. I had one at my birth and could definitely not have done it without her, even with my super-supportive hubby there. I have since become a doula myself, and strongly believe every woman deserves one. Definitely look into it! Best of luck and enjoy the classes

chevronseven · February 2014

Starting tonight, can't wait!

Saxec89 · February 2014

We just started our Bradley classes on Thursday. We already love it! My husband and I are already thinking about becoming instructors if no complications arise at our birth and its able to be all natural

chevronseven · February 2014

First class went great! I already feel so much more informed. DH doesn't really take the relaxation exercises seriously, though, and I was mad about that but he was joking around and I couldn't stop myself from laughing and I was so embarrassed! I mean if he can make me laugh in the delivery room then by all means....

aylafsu88 · February 2014

@dearfoam The classes focus on educating the support person and teaching them how to be a great coach. They also focus on teaching you positions, relaxation techniques, and educating you on how labor will progress. The classes do not really focus on breathing in the sense that Lamazee did. What they do discuss about breathing it to remember to breath through contractions, breathe out of your mouth and to relax your jaw. This helps keep your bottom relaxed which is important during labor. We spent a lot of time learning about positions to labor in (first stage, transition, and for pushing). Your position plays a huge factor in your ability to deal with contractions. So knowing what possible positions are out there and finding the position that works for you is really important.
@livelaughlove88 I feel your H on the relaxation exercises. While I thought they were good idea I could never really get into them. When I was in labor all I wanted was peace and quiet and to be on my hands and knees. I did not want any story telling or visualization or to be in the side lying position.

PoppySeedWindsor · February 2014

The Natural Childbirth through the Bradley Method focuses on two labor positions...one laying down and an alternative half-sitting position.

The breathing isn't like the Lamaze at all. Rather, like other people said, it focuses on relaxed breathing that's done through the belly. Basically, instead of that "he-he-hoooo" breathing, you focus on breathing deeply into the belly. There are some exercises that you do with your coach to get good at this.

We are planning on doing second stage labor in the water. The Bradley Method doesn't incorporate any water birthing techniques but the focus on relaxation is key and can be adapted. The method does talk about second stage labor techniques...aka squatting...and what the best methods for pushing are.

All in all, it's informative and definitely sets you up for birthing from early first stage labor through the last stage of expelling the placenta.

Anyway, definitely keep asking questions! This thread is really supportive and informative.

PoppySeedWindsor · February 2014

@dearfoam I definitely recommend that book. It *is* a little dated but it's got great information, especially all the background info of why the Bradley Method even exists. I also really recommend Natural Childbirth the Bradley Method Way. It's a more modern take of the Bradley Method (and from a woman's view) and gives exercises, breathing techniques and tips/tricks that I'm sure you're picking up in your class.

PoppySeedWindsor · February 2014

@dearfoam My copy is the revised edition. I say 'dated' because it was written in 1965. You'll find some of Robert Bradley's copy more old-school or dated. I'd say the information is timeless though!

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