Bradley Method

[PinkKitten]

I'm just curious if any of you have done the Bradley method with your pregnancies. Also, what was your experience using the method?
Thanks ladies.

[thefragile7393]

I haven't, but I'm interested in it...I've tried to contact some Bradley teachers here in Tucson but I have not gotten a response yet...if there's any on MDC here please contact me!

[azjen43]

I'm a Bradley teacher and, while each teacher is unique, all Bradley classes share the same basic curriculum. The standard class is 12 weeks long, usually lasting 2 hours each week. It's really thorough, covering exercise and nutrition, anatomy and physiology of pregnancy and birth, informed consent and wise consumerism, relaxation and comfort techniques.

The original name of TBM is "Husband Coached Childbirth", which I have some issues with, but the point is that there is an emphasis on the involvement of a loving, well trained coach (be that husband, partner, mom, friend, doula, or any combination of these) who supports the babymama throughout her pregnancy and birth, helping and encouraging, and sharing the experience.

When I took Bradley classes as a pregnant mom, I felt so supported being with others who were planning a natural birth, who had already experienced natural birth, and in the class the assumption was that birth is inherantly safe and natural, and I try to create an environment in my classes that honors those beliefs.

Hope this helps. If you have any other questions, feel free to ask. I love talking about Bradley and birthing!

[annettemarie]

Moving to Birth and Beyond since the OP was asking about the Bradly Method in general

[elfinbaby]

I took Bradley w/my first, became a teacher and did Bradley with my second. It is an excellent course imo. Great for partners. Great information. Hopefully, you get a great teacher and she provides great relaxation exercises. I have a lot of respect for the program. I birthed at home w/mws and knew I could do it b/c the course gave me the confidence I needed. However, I my births were unique in that they were about 2 hrs. = very VERY intense. I was not prepared for that and actually came away from birth #2 with serious fear issues. The relaxation techniques were just not enough.

So I found Hypnobabies. My 3rd birth was awesome. Almost perfect (it got a little messy). After that I discontinued teaching and recommend Hbabies. It is founded by a previous Bradley teacher so the good info/partner support is still there but the relaxation techniques are better imo. Self hypnosis ime is just deep relaxation at the drop of a finger (finger drop technique). It works. The program also has other pluses - birthing affirmation cds, fear clearing, among other things. Even if you roll your eyes at hypnosis in birthing (I was an eye roller), it's worth checking out. Search the boards - lots of good info out there. FYI - I did the homestudy course.

gotta run

[azjen43]

Originally Posted by elfinbaby

The relaxation techniques were just not enough.

So I found Hypnobabies

I think you're right that deep relaxation is definitely the most important part of the preparation. I focus on this alot in class, and I encourage my students to explore many different techniques for relaxation, including hypnobirthing techniques. (Also yoga, meditation, prayer, visualization, massage, vocalization, accupressure, aromatherapy, hydrotherapy, etc)

Interestingly, I have had a few students who used hypnobirthing with their first births, but felt they needed more for the second time,and took Bradley and felt better prepared. I'm pretty sure that for most women, birthing the second (or third!) time around is easier because they know what to expect (even though , of course, every birth is different and unique!) especially when they educate themselves.

Peace,

[elfinbaby]

I don't think Hypnobirthing would have worked for me either. I took the class after my 2nd birth but before I found Hypnobabies. IMO, there's not even a comparison between the two. I know Hbirthing works for some women but I felt the class was lacking in every way. It was frustrating. After I took Hbirthing, I felt that hypnosis could be effective in childbirth but didn't feel the course had given me any techniques towards self hypnosis and there is NO cbe for first timers who need it most.

My second birth was actually my hardest birth. It was totally shocking because it happened so fast. But there's no doubt that experience has it's benefits. And although Bradley and Hbabies do share some similarities (I really appreciate both in trying to educate couples and encourage partner support), Hbabies approach to birth is different. It's not for everybody - it's another eye roller, lol. But, ime, Hbabies prepared me for an easy, comfortable birth - dare I say painless? That's what I got Some say I just got lucky but I believe my preparation had everything to do with it. It's not a popular philosophy but that's why Hbabies doesn't recommend students take other courses along side it (most teach to expect pain but give you options/ideas of how to deal with it) or expose yourself to those horrid birthing shows or listen to other's frightening tales of birthing.

I also liked the ease of practicing my techniques for Hbabies. Half or more of what I got (and gave out) w/Bradley required a partner which is sometimes hard to manage when time is precious. I like being able to put my headphones on, get comfy, and relax.

I benefitted from both programs but found that my preference lies with Hbabies. However, everybody is different. What works for some may not work for others.

[ameliasward]

I highly recommend Bradley to anyone who will listen. I felt very prepared for my first birth and think the information is priceless. I felt empowered throughout the pregnancy and during the delivery. My Bradley instructor was also my doula so I felt like I had boundless information/resources available should I need them. For my second birth in a new area, I found another Bradley instructor to be my doula. I reread two Bradley books and the Hypnobirthing book. While I liked the idea of hypnobirthing, I honestly didn't do any of the homework (I'm too lazy I guess). Both my babes were born naturally with very, very easy labors. I really think Bradley let me feel like I was in control and taught me the process of what was going on so that I didn't get scared while in labor. If you are considering taking a class, I would completely recommend it. I keep telling people, you have nothing to lose! Even if you end up not having a natural birth, at least you will have the tools to make informed choices.

[philomom]

Bradley was the greatest with it's required reading lists, it is very similar to taking a college level course on childbirth. My hubby was not my coach, but rather my best advocate and my comfort person. We had excellent, fast, natural births with no interventions in the hospital with my beloved CNM and it was awesome. I gave birth with a huge smile on my face and very little of the writhing pain that so many of my girlfriends went through.

Good luck.