Thoughts on the Bradley method

[Koroviev]

Not sure how many other people have looked into Dr. Bradley's birth method, but if you haven't and are planning on having children (ever) I definitely recommend looking into it. The idea is based around creating strong family bonds and emphasizes not using, and ways to prevent having to use any kind of intervention (any drugs, medicine, induction, etc., etc.). It is also known as The Husband Coached Childbirth and makes the husband an integral part of the entire process strengthening the mother-father bond and parents baby bond. If you have any inclination toward peaceful parenting I don't know of a better way to get off on the right foot.

 

The one downside (if you can even call it that) is that Dr. Bradley was quite religious and most of the teachers we've seen are quite religious as well. However, at least from what we've seen so far the information we are getting is way worth the occasional religious references.

 

Anyway, just wanted to get the word out there and am interested in your thoughts. For more info see:

http://www.bradleybirth.com/

and definitely check out his book 

Husband-Coached Childbirth: The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth by Robert A. Bradley

 

 

[Koroviev]

I definitely know what you mean but.....definitely have to check out the Bradley method at least up to this point there's no other way my wife or I could imagine wanting to do this. Also, we looked into a doula and thought it would be a nice convenience but as an extra support. For the husband you get a 12 week course on everything to expect and how to handle everything that comes up. Before reading the books and starting the classes I would have been in 100% agreement with you and wouldn't really have wanted anything to do with it, but since then I wouldn't want to do it any other way.

[Koroviev]

Thanks for the info!

 

If I can add another point, I dont want to leave the misconception that there has to be a choice between doula and bradley method. Both works great, and I think many doulas who have seen bradley births recommend it since it can be such an intimate time. The doula simply becomes a second more experienced set of hands to back up the husband and/or to take over if the husband gets overwhelmed. I heard one story about how the doula spent her time massaging the husband So he could continue massaging and supporting his wife.

[Jaeger]

Me and my wife had 5 of our 8 children at home with a midwife.  The midwife encouraged me to take an active part in the birthing process for which I'm so grateful.  There is a special bond that develops between me, my wife and the infant at the moment of birth that is very hard to explain.  I highly recommend doing a natural birth at home or in the hospital.  All I have to say the more you do as a father the better it is.  I was able to catch a few of the babies myself which is an experience all of itself.

 

As far as them being religious I wouldn't sweat it.  They aren't there to convert you just help you have a healthy baby.

 

I wish you and your wife good luck.

[Tyne]

Yes! My husband and I studied the Bradley method. We had a home birth with a midwife and a Doulah. It all went fantastically well, and I don't think I would have done anything differently. I had no idea my husband could be such an amazing partner in parenting until that day, and he continues to surprise me almost two years later. I think the experience had a positive impact on him, too, giving him an active role in bringing our child gently into the world. There were times when he needed a break or it was all getting to be too overwhelming for him, so the Doulah would step in, lend a hand, give advice to both of us, and reassure us that all was well. She even took photos for us, which I'm glad she did so everyone could stay involved in the process and it could still all be documented.

 

We didn't find anything particularly religious about the Bradley Method; perhaps that part was glanced over by the teacher. If there was any religious undertones, it didn't effect how we wanted to go about the labor. My one criticism would be that the dietary advice might be a bit out dated. I would recommend talking to nutrition expert or refer to your midwife or OB GYN since information on nutrition seems to be constantly changing.