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I studied the Bradley method with my 3rd pregnancy. I found it to be awesome! I also read a great deal about lamaze again too.

I ended up using primarily the Bradley method to naturally birth a 10 lb 2 ounce baby boy. It was the most awesome, incredible memorable birth out of all four kids.

I was wondering if anyone else would like to discuss the techniques they used and how they felt about them?

I was in a birthing room (at a hospital) with my husband, a nurse/midwife and an OB/Gyn around (just in case).

The room was (new) decorated like a livingroom/bedroom combination. No equipment, stirrups, IVs or anything. I took Lamaze, but I am unfamiliar with the Bradley method. I would love to discuss it with you!

I had a gall bladder attack at the end of my labor and gave in to an epidural. I delivered about 25 minutes after the epidural. So, things were a bit screwy for me, but I did enjoy the experience (no, really!) and I was awake, well and ready to go (adrenalin still pumping) not too much after the birth.

Tell me more about the Bradley method, please..

Kitty

The Bradley Method is often times called Husband Coached Child Birth. It's really an art for a birthing woman. It's learning to work with your body during contractions and using deep breathing and relaxation.

Most people say "oh that's Lamaze" but it's really very different. In Lamaze you have complicated breathing techniques and in Bradley you only have one. Women who are going to use the Bradley method usually start "lessons" earlier in the pregnacy and spend a lot of time practicing relaxing. They also learn the importance of changing positions during labor.

Now the husbands are really more involved in the Bradley technique because they learn different masssage points and just really work more closely with their wives. Most of the coaches who are involved in a Bradley birthing are usually more worn out than the Mom. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" />

The Bradley method notes that there are three sign posts during labor and urge the father's to be very aware of these signs and watch for them. It's a whole lot more couple oriented than any other class I've been in.

90% of all women who study Bradley go through labor and delivery without medication.

The Bradley women work closely with the Instructors usually. The instructor consults on lots of different aspects during pregnancy in addition to the birthing lessons. They talk about nutrition, resting, etc. They really encourage the Mom's to take care of themselves.

I seriously considered learning to be a Bradley instructor even before using the method. Once I used it I LOVED it! That baby was 10 lbs 2 ounces born all natural and it was the most wonderful labor and delivery I've ever experienced.

My son was 9lbs and 10ozs and my husband was VERY much a part of the labor, though we worked out our own "method".

Sadly, our Lamaze class was sorely lacking. And, my husband was very nervous as his other two children (now 30 and 28!) came at a time when Dads did not participate in the birth.

My husband and I took meditation early on in our pregnancy. My husband spent lots of time with me, my changing body and our developing baby. I swear the baby knew his voice even in the womb!

When I began labor my poor husband had just gotten home from working 3rd shift (of course) and I proceeded through labor rather quickly. My hubby is not a shy person around me or medical staff, so when I was too uncomfortable, he helped me move into what my family called more "traditional" (Italian/Irish folks) positions.

My only regret is that towards the very end of the labor - I had a gall bladder attack and accepted an epidural. My husband was standing close by my side and as a contraction came on he was in firing range as my knee flew up and hit him square in the jaw!!! LOL, poor man. Bloody lip, exhausted, laboring, bitchy wife.

We all survived the birth - and my husband was exhilarated to have participated. It was well worth it and the Bradley method sounds like it might have helped us out.

Kitty

Kitty I don't know if even the Bradley technique would have done much good for what you went through during labor.

Although I do think that Bradley would have really been more your cup of tea than the Lamaze. It sounds like your husband was extremely supportive and a very active participant during your labor. <img src="/images/graemlins/wink.gif" alt="" /> I'd be willing to bet that you both would have really enjoyed the classes.

I saw today where a local Bradley instructor was recommending that couples start around the fifth month.

I can honestly say that the birth using the Bradley method was actually very enjoyable. I tend to have really fast labors (4 hours the longest, 28 minutes the shortest) so the Bradley technique really gave me a chance to experience a relaxing birth.