The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth
The Bradley Method of natural childbirth, developed by Dr. Robert A. Bradley in the 1940s, advocates both partners taking an active role in ensuring a safe and healthy childbirth, benefiting both mother and baby and facilitating bonding between parents and infant. Today, the Bradley Method is taught through a 12-week childbirth education course during the mother's last trimester. Bradley Method courses teach couples about pregnancy and labor, pre- and post-natal health, natural pain relief during labor and how to handle unexpected events related to the pregnancy or labor.
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Healthy Lifestyle
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Bradley Method courses emphasize a healthy diet and regular exercise for expectant mothers. A woman's doctor or health care provider can help her determine which activities are appropriate during pregnancy. Mothers are encouraged to breast-feed infants, if possible, to pass on valuable immunities and nutrition. A healthy diet and lifestyle should be maintained while breast-feeding, including taking only necessary medications, to ensure the health of the infant.
Labor and Delivery
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Bradley Method students learn to trust their body's instinctive knowledge of the labor process, which can help lessen the anxiety of labor. The Bradley Method also teaches relaxation and natural breathing techniques to manage the pain of labor and vaginal delivery without drugs. After delivery, parents are encouraged to establish immediate and continuous contact with the new baby to facilitate healthy bonding.
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Preparedness and Participation
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The Bradley Method encourages both parents to take an active role in all aspects of parenting. The spouse or partner is trained as a labor coach to help the mother relieve pain and anxiety throughout the labor process. Both partners participate in the childbirth education classes, preparing them for what to expect during the pregnancy, labor and delivery and after the child's birth. Partners are also educated on potential emergency situations, including early labor, complications and the need for medical interventions, such as cesarean section delivery.
Other Considerations
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There are a number of childbirth methods and education courses available. Your doctor or health care provider can give you with more information on these options. Choose a delivery method and program that meets your individual needs. Before you go into labor, inform your doctor of the delivery method you have chosen.
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References
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