The Bradley Method - Natural Childbirth Classes

One of the most important choices a new mother can make is the way she chooses to give birth to her child.  Of course there can be emergencies and unexpected events, such as c-sections, but for low risk, healthy pregnancies there are more choices available.  If you believe in being an informed consumer in other parts of your life, you might be interested in the Bradley method.  These childbirth classes, originally developed by Dr. Robert A. Bradley M.D. over 40 years ago, give the mother, father and baby the best tools for a successful natural childbirth.






When the average person thinks of childbirth, they most likely picture a woman breathing irregularly, contorting her face and screaming at her husband.  Although childbirth is not without pain, utilizing the Bradley method can help reduce the pain and anxiety for the mother without the use of dangerous drugs.  The Bradley philosophy is that any woman with the proper education, preparation and the support of a loving coach can give birth naturally.  The rate of drugged deliveries in the U.S. today is about 98%.  For Bradley “graduates” that rate is 10%. 






Why is it important to have a drug-free birth?  Almost 20 years ago, reports were surfacing linking teenage drug addiction to childbirth drugs.  If that’s not enough reason to avoid a drugged birth, consider that using drugs during childbirth is not a guarantee of pain relief.  In many cases, the drugs interrupt the body’s natural ability to react and respond to pain.  Women were made to give birth, and nature has provided them with the tools to get through the birthing process.  The Bradley method teaches that the type of pregnancy, labor and birth that children experience has a lifelong effect on their mental, emotional and physical health.  Having a natural childbirth gives the baby the best possible start, and the mother the best chance of a quick recovery.