How to Decide whether The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth is for You

When you and your partner consider the many methods for birthing your child, one option you may consider is the Bradley Method. This style of natural childbirth prepares you for a drug-free vaginal delivery with fewer medical interventions. However, you must decide if the method is right for your baby's childbirth. Because the education in the Bradley Method requires 12 weeks, you and your partner should make your decision to proceed with it by the sixth month of pregnancy.

Things You'll Need

  • A pregnancy
  • A Bradley-certified instructor
  • A labor coach
  • Money to pay for Bradley classes

Instructions

    • 1

      Find a certified instructor in your area. The Bradley Method is a very specific program, and its instructors attend training to become certified. You are more like to find Bradley instructors in larger cities. The Bradley website can provide a list of certified instructors in your area.

    • 2

      Find a committed partner to coach you through the childbirth. The Bradley Method is also known as "husband-coached childbirth" because the creator of the Bradley method decided husbands should play a more significant role in labor. Of course, you don't have to have your husband as your labor coach, but the labor coach must be committed to attending the Bradley classes with you and must be a firm support during your labor.

    • 3

      Evaluate if you can make the 12 week commitment to the course. Most childbirth classes offered through your hospital are much shorter. However, the Bradley Method claims women who attend more classes are more likely to successfully deliver naturally. The classes are a mix of information, discussion and relaxation practice.

    • 4

      Decide if you can afford the $200 to $400 cost of the instruction. Your instructor has devoted hours to her personal training and will spend many hours teaching you the Bradley Method. This amount is fair compensation for the instructor's time.

    • 5

      Determine if can handle using only your mind to deal with the pain of labor. The relaxation techniques required by the Bradley Method include visualization -- learning to allow your mind to focus on anything else but the pain; breathing -- more natural than the breathing techniques taught in Lamaze classes; birth positions and massage. If you are not the kind of person that can discipline yourself to focus intently, this may not be the method for you.

    • 6

      Be willing to modify your diet and increase your exercising. Your Bradley instructor will teach you how to get your body in the optimum condition for natural childbirth. No, it isn't like preparing for a marathon, but you are preparing for a very strenuous activity. Proper nutrition and physical preparation are important.

    • 7

      Evaluate if your are comfortable with talking openly with others about your body. You will watch graphic videos of natural childbirth and must be willing to learn the "ins and outs" of your own body in order to fully understand the stages of labor and childbirth. Since some Bradley classes are taught to small groups of couples, you will need to be comfortable with frank discussions with others you don't know well.

    • 8

      Check with your OB/GYN or midwife if she is comfortable with you using the Bradley Method. Some providers aren't familiar with the method and will not be able to assist you, while others are well-versed in the techniques. Find someone who will fully support your decision and help you achieve it.

    • 9

      Decide with your partner if natural childbirth is something you really want. Do you handle pain well? Do you have reasons for wanting to avoid medical interventions? Are you willing to take time to prepare for natural childbirth? For some, natural childbirth happens accidentally or due to a quick delivery; however, for most first-time moms, a natural delivery is something you have to be dedicated to and prepare for in order to achieve it.

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