What is the Bradley childbirth method?

Question

I've heard of it, but don't really know what it is...how is it the same/different from Lamaze? What does Bradley teach that Lamaze doesn't?

Answer 1

Bradley is husband-led childbirth and it is very much different than Lamaze.

Here is some information:
http://www.bradleybirth.com/WhyBradley.aspx

Though I don't find that website explains it as well as it could.
I have this book though I think the classes certainly might be helpful:
http://www.amazon.com/Husband-Coached-Childbirth-Bradley-Method-Natural/dp/0553375563

You can read some of the book online.

FYI personally I think Lamaze is not helpful, though I took neither class. Everyone knows the patterned lamaze breathing, wheras I believe after my studies that keeping your face, and mouth in particular relaxed keeps your vagina relaxed, which is very important. And low slow moans work best of all. It worked for me anyway I had three days of labour without pain.

I do regret however that I didn't study more as I arrogantly assumed that my baby wouldn't be malpositioned in spite of my poor posture, and that I wouldn't end up in the hospital so I didn't need to educate my husband. I regret that because the few turning techniques I remembered didn't work which ultimately ended with me in the hospital. Where after no sleep I could barely advocate for myself, let alone my baby. And I certainly had no control of what happened to my baby after they whisked him off.

Then I allowed them to threaten me with into going along with their plans, partly because you can't understand how the hormones of birth effect you, partly because I have trouble standing up for myself and partly because I thought if I was a "good" patient I would get out sooner.

Well it wasn't true, I won't get into the abuse I suffered including being denied a key to the special care nursery, but there was a lot. So in retrospect it is very important to involve you partner, no matter which method or methods or classes you take or don't take. Husband involvement is key to the Bradley method so maybe it is right for you.

Congrats.

Answer 2

My mans name is Bradley and the method he chose when I was giving birth to our son was to run to the toilet and throw up!