Bradley method of natural childbirth
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
Background
The Bradley Method of natural childbirth (also known as "husband-coached childbirth") is a method of natural childbirth created by Dr. Robert A. Bradley (1917-1998) and popularized by his book Husband-Coached Childbirth. Teachers of the Bradley Method believe that with adequate preparation and education along with help from a loving, supportive coach, most women can give birth naturally - without drugs or surgery. The Bradley Method emphasizes measures that can be taken to stay healthy and low-risk to help avoid complications that may lead to medical intervention.
The primary goal of the Bradley Method is healthy mothers and healthy babies. The method holds that in most circumstances, a natural childbirth (drug free) is the best way to achieve that goal. Over 86% of Bradley moms having vaginal births do so without drugs. The classes teach nutrition, relaxation and natural breathing as pain management techniques, and active participation of the husband as coach. Parents-to-be are taught to be consumers of birth services and to take responsibility to make informed decisions regarding procedures, attendants and the birth place.
Dr. Bradley developed his method during the era of what he referred to as "knock-em-out, drag-em-out obstetrics," when "twilight sleep" and general anesthesia were common in hospital deliveries. Having been raised on a farm and having witnessed many animal births as a part of farm life, Dr. Bradley believed that human women, like the animals he had observed growing up, could give birth without drugs. Based on observations of perspiring mammals during labor and birth, he developed a childbirth method to teach human women to do the things that animal mothers do instinctively. Soon after starting to implement his new childbirth method with pregnant nurses as a trial, Dr. Bradley began to believe that the presence and support of the father during labor and birth was important to the mother's success in achieving a natural birth. He became a pioneer in including fathers in the birth process and eventually expanded his childbirth method to include extensive instruction of the father as labor coach.
Bradley Method instructors are certified by the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth (AAHCC). The terms "Husband-Coached Childbirth®" and "The Bradley Method®" have been registered in order to protect the consumer, ensuring that only those currently certified by the AAHCC can teach the Bradley Method.
References
- Bradley, Robert A. (1996) Husband-Coached Childbirth (4th ed.). New York, NY: Bantam Books. ISBN 0-553-37556-3.
- Hathaway, Marjie; Hathaway, Jay; Bek, Susan Hathaway; Hathaway, James (2002) The Bradley Method® Student Workbook. Sherman Oaks, CA: American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth. ISBN 0-931560-01-2.