How to Use the Bradley Method for Childbirth

When a woman seeks natural childbirth, she has a few natural pain-relieving methods available. The Bradley Method of natural childbirth is a method of reducing the mother's pain through concentrated relaxation. The specific methods of relaxing the body are helpful with reducing pain and allowing the mother to avoid pain medications during childbirth.

Instructions

1. Start practicing the Bradley Method well in advance of labor. Practice the techniques often so that the pain of labor doesn't distract you from remembering how to use the method.

2. Start with large muscle groups, such as the arms and legs. Contract the entire muscle group tightly. Relax the muscles from the contraction and notice how the relaxed muscles feel.

3. Move on to other major muscle groups. Contract and relax each one. Do the same with the smaller muscle groups, such as the face, neck and hands.

4. Sit or lie down and concentrate on relaxing the entire body. Remember how each muscle group feels when it is relaxed. Contract and relax any muscle group if you are not sure it is relaxed.

5. Keep all of the muscles relaxed for as long as possible. Change positions and go through the same relaxation procedure to prepare for the position changing that may happen during labor.

6. Remember the techniques and use them during labor to keep muscles from tensing up and creating more pain. Use the relaxation method for a natural childbirth and avoid the use of medications.

7. Rely on your labor coach to remind you to use the Bradley Method during labor.