The Bradley Method

I took my first Bradley class in 1993, and I am taking a Bradley class again now. Dr. Bradley established his method of natural childbirth in the 1940s, the era of "knock 'em down, drag 'em out" obstetrics (as he calls it), and, along with Lamaze, his method became well-known as he developed a curriculum, trained instructors, and offered classes to expectant parents around the U.S.. Bradley emphasizes:

*a nutritious diet with plenty of protein

*exercises to strengthen a woman's pelvic floor muscles

*the involvement of the woman's husband (the "coach") in pre-natal care, labor, and delivery

*a drug-free, natural childbirth

*relaxation techniques in labor to reduce pain and anxiety

When Bradley first started working in obstetrics, husbands were not allowed in American labor and delivery rooms. Now they are almost universally. So he effected a radical change in the culture of hospitals that has had positive benefits for mothers and children.