The Bradley Method^® of Husband-Coached Childbirth

Personal Experiences

My husband and I have 2 beautiful daughters ages 9 and 12.  They were both born without the use of drugs, and their births were the most awesome experiences of our lives.  I left these experiences feeling privileged to be a woman and recognizing childbirth as the gift it truly is.  The information and skill we acquired from The Bradley Method^®  was essential to our joyful experiences.

There were 3 major reasons why I was drawn to The Bradley Method^®.  The first was my appreciation of nature, including the natural process of birth. This appreciation has been strengthened with the births of my daughters. 

The second evolved with my first pregnancy.  I was very curious about the childbirth experiences of other women.  Each time pregnancy or childbirth would come up in a conversation, I would inquire about the personal childbirth experiences of that woman.  I received a multitude of responses and attitudes, but the accounts of childbirth drug side effects became a common point of discussion.  These women talked more of suffering and trauma from the side effects than they did of the incredible arrival of their baby.  Many of them complained of side effects continuing for many years after the birth.  It seemed to me that instead of enhancing the experience, these drugs were causing physical and emotional trauma.  I questioned if all this suffering was necessary. 

The third reason came in the form of a “light bulb moment” during a visit with a friend and her newborn baby (born by c-section).  Before the birth of her child, we had both discussed our desire to “go natural” and we had both signed up for a hospital class to learn how.  Luckily for me, she had her baby about 5 months before I had mine.  While visiting with her in the hospital that day, she commented with exasperation “How are you supposed to relax through that?”  At that very moment I knew I needed more than the hospital class we had attended.  When I explained the “light bulb moment” to another of my friends who had recently had a Bradley^® baby, she firmly resolved “you’ve got to go Bradley^®”.  It was at that point we shifted gears and my husband and I started educating ourselves.  Each night before bed my husband would read at least a chapter out loud while I did my stretches and exercises.  Wow... the more we learned, the more questions we had. 

I am extremely thankful for our Obstetrician.   She was very patient with our questions, open minded, carefully considered all of our requests, and worked with us by making compromises with which we all felt comfortable.  She gave us wise advice and needless to say both births of our daughters were incredible for both me and my husband.

Through my experiences I have become passionate about natural childbirth, and I firmly believe The Bradley Method^® is the best childbirth education program available.  I have been certified as a childbirth educator and doula  through the American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth for the past 7 years and a Registered Dietitian for the past 15 years.  Teaching these classes allow me to share my knowledge and help others who are seeking a positive birth experience.  It is one of the most rewarding things I have ever done.    Local class information   

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Bradley Method^® instructors

Your local Bradley Method^® instructor is a professional person or couple trained to help pregnant couples obtain the birth experience they desire.  These instructors have gone through intensive training by the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth and are required to reaffiliate each year in order to continue teaching The Bradley Method^®.

More Information

To learn more about The Bradley Method^® visit the official website www.bradleybirth.com.