See Bradley method (disambiguation) for other uses of the term Bradley method.

The Bradley Method® of natural childbirth (also known as "husband-coached childbirth") teaches that childbirth is a natural process. 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. To achieve that primary goal, twelve basic principles are taught in Bradley® classes, including natural (drug-free) childbirth, a goal achieved by over 86% of Bradley® moms having vaginal births; active participation of the husband as coach; excellent nutrition; relaxation and natural breathing as pain management techniques; and the concept that the parents-to-be are consumers of birth services and as such have a responsibility to make informed decisions regarding procedures, attendants and the birth place.

The method was created by Dr. Robert A. Bradley (1917-1998) and popularized by his book Husband-Coached Childbirth. 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 even general anesthesia were popularly used in hospital deliveries. Having been raised on a farm and having witnessed many animal births as a normal part of farm life, Dr. Bradley believed that human women, like the animals he had observed growing up, could give birth peacefully and joyfully, without drugs that are potentially harmful to the fetus. He carefully observed how perspiring mammals conducted themselves during labor and birth and developed a childbirth method based on teaching human women what animal mothers know instinctively. Soon after starting to implement his new childbirth method with pregnant nurses as a trial, Dr. Bradley realized the importance of the presence of the father during labor and birth and became a pioneer in including fathers in the birth process. He 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.

External links

• official website

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