 |
|
||||||||||||||||||||||||
        |
What is the Bradley Method®?The Bradley Method® is a method of natural childbirth developed by Dr. Robert Bradley in 1947. Dr. Bradley, who grew up on a farm in Colorado, observed that animals gave birth to their babies in an extremely serene state. Dr. Bradley believed that humans skilled in relaxation and educated in the importance of proper nutrition and exercise could also achieve a natural childbirth. In 1966, Marjie and Jay Hathaway, who were pregnant with their fourth baby and had experienced medical deliveries with their previous children, wanted something different. They sought out Dr. Bradley and experienced the joy of natural childbirth. Shortly thereafter, they, along with Dr. Bradley, founded the American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth® (AAHCC®) to spread the word about the Bradley Method® and the joys of natural childbirth.The Bradley® Method is founded on the principle that, with proper education and training, expectant couples can work together as a team using simple relaxation techniques and abdominal breathing to achieve a natural birth. Mothers are taught to "tune in" to their bodies, with the aid of their coach, so that they may cooperate with their body during the process of labor. Well trained coaches are better able to help facilitate the labor process by meeting the laboring woman's needs.The Bradley Method® endorses and teaches the following ideals in class:
What is the difference between the Bradley Method® and other methods?As Bradley® instructors, we help couples find what is most comfortable for them in labor. Simply put, other methods seek to distract mom from the "sensations" (pain) of labor by using various techniques. While in early labor these techniques can distract mom from the pain, when mom begins to experience the height of labor discomfort, distractions from the pain are no longer effective - that is, at some point the pain will demand mom's full attention.Bradley® emphasizes tuning-in to your labor, remaining calm, relaxed and in control, and using regular, deep abdominal breathing throughout labor. By tuning-in to your body, a woman is in a better position to understand what is happening at each point of the process, remain in control and not become overwhelmed, and decrease her pain during labor. These techniques typically lead to faster and easier births.Why should I have Natural Childbirth?Natural childbirth is inherently safer for both mom and baby and has a more positive effect on family bonding. Natural childbirth is also, in most cases, easier and shorter than medicated births. Natural childbirth mothers recover from birth faster than medicated mothers, have (in most cases) an easier time of breastfeeding and experience postpartum depression less often.
For a complete List of Bradley®
Instructors or teacher training information contact:
About the AcademyThe American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth® was founded in 1966 by Robert A. Bradley, M.D. and Marjie and Jay Hathaway, AAHCC for the purpose of making childbirth education information available. The Academy provides films, film showings, lectures, workshops , and national accreditation for teachers. Your local Bradley Method® instructor is a professional trained to help pregnant couples obtain the birth experience they desire. Each instructor has gone through intensive training and is required to re-affiliate each year. For the protection of the consumer, the terms "Husband-Coached Childbirth" and "The Bradley Method" have been registered. Only those teachers currently affiliated with the Academy may teach The Bradley Method®. A national directory of teachers and teacher training information is available from the Academy.
©2007 AAHCC |
