Need more 'details' on the Bradley method

[VTnurse]

Hi ladies! I'm 28 weeks pregnant and planning a HB. This is child #2 for me. My first was born (with several unnecessary interventions) in the hospital. I attempted a Hypnobirth, but not as successfully as I would have liked.
My midwife has suggested taking Bradley classes. Since we only have 12 weeks until I'm due and since money and time are tight, I'm opting not to do a class.
However, I'd love to know ALL the great info on the Bradley method. If you used it, was it successful? What are the 'key' points to know? Is there any good literature you could suggest?
Thanks in advance!

[grcelizabeth]

We took the Bradley Method with our first two and it completely changed our lives.... I'm also positive I would have ended up with a c-section w/my 1st if we didn't take the class. With you already knowing to go in that deep relaxation state and much info. of natural birthing, then it's a different field of birthing, so-to-speak. The bradley method focuses on the husband/partner learning your ins and outs and how to help you relax. The class has you do exercises with your partner and at home, to help prepare for the big day on what you like/dislike for your partner to recognize. Birth is amazing and empowering, but the bradley method helps it to be a large connection with your spouse.

I have never felt so close to my husband and so connected than through our births. Bradley is extremely informative, unlike other info. you'll get, but you may already know quite a bit of natural birth due to the hypobirthing. I HIGHLY HIGHLY recommend Bradley classes to anyone. The classes are 12wks. long but some instructors teach it in 10wks., you can call around to the instructors in your area (found here: http://www.bradleybirth.com/RequestedInfo.aspx) and ask if they have classes going on right now you can join and give a partial fee because of it.

Read "Husband-Coached Childbirth: The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth" by Dr.Robert Bradley, "The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth" by Henci Goer, "Active Birth" by Janet Balaskas and "Gentle Birth, Gentle Mothering" by Dr. Sarah Buckley is good too.

PM if you have any questions or want to talk further about it. I also considered becoming an instructor afterwards but I'm a student midwife instead.

Originally Posted by VTnurse

Hi ladies! I'm 28 weeks pregnant and planning a HB. This is child #2 for me. My first was born (with several unnecessary interventions) in the hospital. I attempted a Hypnobirth, but not as successfully as I would have liked.
My midwife has suggested taking Bradley classes. Since we only have 12 weeks until I'm due and since money and time are tight, I'm opting not to do a class.
However, I'd love to know ALL the great info on the Bradley method. If you used it, was it successful? What are the 'key' points to know? Is there any good literature you could suggest?
Thanks in advance!

[kathan12904]

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way has most of what you get out of Bradley labor support in it. The classes are beneficial and would offer a lot more info like one on one conversations with the instructor and good nutrition information, but the book should be enough.

[sunflowergrrl]

I also recommend the book Natural Childbirth The Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon. I read this before my first birth and it got me in the proper mindset - it's an awesome book. Have your DH read as much as you can get him to read so he can help you.

[gabeyho]

Originally Posted by sunflowergrrl

I also recommend the book Natural Childbirth The Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon. I read this before my first birth and it got me in the proper mindset - it's an awesome book. Have your DH read as much as you can get him to read so he can help you.

There are not classes in my area, so I purcahsed this book for my hubby after reading a friend's copy myself. It has already changed his outlook and I am confident that he will particiapte and be more helpful this time, since he doesn't really have a choice to sit back and watch like he usually does.

[tvantol]

I totally agree with people here... highly recommend Natural Childbirth The Bradley Way and skip the class esp. if $ is tight.

[Belle]

Originally Posted by sunflowergrrl

I also recommend the book Natural Childbirth The Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon. I read this before my first birth and it got me in the proper mindset - it's an awesome book. Have your DH read as much as you can get him to read so he can help you.

A caveat on that. Its not a bad book by any means, but it concentrates on the side lying position in the book. The book emphasizes that position as the best for laboring. I happen to disagree with that small detail. When we took the Bradley class a variety of positions were suggested. Side lying was not the most comfortable for me while laboring. I'm glad the class was able to suggest more options.

You might also want to pick up a copy of The Birth Partner. It has a lot of useful hints for laboring and diagrams of different positions that you might find comfortable.

[gabeyho]

That is true, about the book focusing a lot of attention on the sidelying position, which I also can not stand, even on a normal day! It does briefly address a few others, but I overlooked that part since I'm not a first-timer and there is so much info out there for positions during labor. Just look 'em up, so you are not limiting yourself; other than that, it is an excellent book.

[JamieCatheryn]

I've attended 2 Bradley series (once as a student and once observing) and here are the key things that I remember.

Relax your muscles and your mind to avoid adding to the fear>tension>pain cycle.

Make informed choices. Find out Benefits, Risks, Alternatives...

Eat lots of protein and very little "empty" calories in pregnancy.

Practice squatting, pelvic rocks, and kegels, daily.

Practice regularly relaxing in a variety of labor positions: sitting, leaning, side-lying, etc, birth ball, chair, floor, bed, toilet.

Labor signposts: Early labor excitement, active labor seriousness and withdrawing, transition self doubt or overwhelmed. What typically happens to contraction pattern and cervical change during those phases.

That sometimes it's normal to stop dilating a while in labor, Natural Alignment Plateau, other stuff getting done that isn't measured.

Risks and benefits and indications for different painkillers, Pitocin, induction techniques, antibiotics, forceps or vacuum, cesarean surgery, etc.

In second stage push only as long as feels right, stop and breathe when you need to.

Get baby skin to skin right after birth, nurse soon as you can.

Drink some juice right away after birth.