Bradley Method® Childbirth Classes

About The Bradley Method® of Natural Childbirth

Some FAQ's &

Christina Barkley's Course Content

What is The Bradley Method®?

The Bradley Method® teaches natural childbirth and views birth as a natural process.  It is our belief that most women with proper education, preparation, and the help of a loving and supportive coach can be taught to give birth naturally.  The Bradley Method® is a system of natural labor techniques in which a woman and her coach play an active part.  It is a simple method of increasing self-awareness, teaching a woman how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning in to her own body.  The Bradley Method® encourages mothers to trust their bodies using natural breathing, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education.

What are the goals of The Bradley Method®?

1. Natural childbirth.  

2. Active participation by the husband as coach.

3. Excellent nutrition (the foundation of a healthy pregnancy and baby).

4. Avoidance of drugs during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding, unless absolutely necessary.  No drug has been proven safe for an unborn baby.

5. Training: "Early Bird" classes followed by weekly classes starting in the 5th month and continuing until the birth.

6. Relaxation and NATURAL breathing - can be effective pain management techniques with training according to the National Institutes of Health.

7. "Tuning-in" to your own body and trusting the natural process.

8. Immediate and continuous contact with your new baby.

9. Breastfeeding, beginning at birth provides immunities and nutrition.

10. Consumerism and positive communications.

11. Parents taking responsibility for the safety of the birth place, procedures, attendants, and emergency back-up.

12. Parents being prepared for unexpected situations such as emergency childbirth and cesarean section.

Why should I choose a Bradley® instructor?

Your local Bradley® instructor is a professional trained to help pregnant couples obtain the birth experience they desire.  The Bradley Method® instructors are experts in the field of natural childbirth.  All Bradley® instructors have gone through intensive training with the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth® and are required to re-affiliate each year in order to continue teaching The Bradley Method®.  The American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth® is proud of its affiliated teachers for their personal attention and outstanding success in training natural childbirth students.

When should I start Bradley® classes?

For most couples, the fifth month is the suggested time to begin a Bradley class series as they seriously start training for labor and for their upcoming role as parents.  The earlier you start, the better prepared you'll be physically, emotionally, and mentally. 

Christina's Course Content:

Class 1:
Introduction to the Bradley Method® / Pregnancy Exercise
This class deals with the Bradley Method® history, philosophy, and goals.  It is a time to get to know us and the members of your class.  During this class, we will begin to study things you can do to keep yourself healthy and low-risk during your pregnancy.  We will introduce important pregnancy exercises and we will lead a discussion on how to avoid unnecessary pain in labor.  

Class 2:
Nutrition in Pregnancy
The primary focus of this class is on nutrition.  We will discuss good nutrition during pregnancy so that you will understand which nutrients are important and what quantities are necessary.  Suggestions for nutritional journaling will also be offered.  We will start the process of examining our labor and birth priorities and talk about the importance of researching your options during pregnancy.  Breastfeeding advantages will be covered as well as suggestions for a successful breastfeeding relationship.

Class 3:
Pregnancy / Coach's Role
We will be discussing the many changes your body goes through during pregnancy.  We will look at anatomy and physiology and the built-in protection for mom and baby.  Common pregnancy discomforts are addressed and suggestions are offered for handling them naturally.  We will focus on the importance of the coach's role, including being an understanding coach during pregnancy and coaching basics for labor.

Class 4:
Introduction to First Stage Labor
This class deals with how your body works in first stage labor.  We examine the natural process and learn techniques that help us to work with our bodies during 1st stage.  We will learn essentials for mom and coach for 1st stage and have our first labor rehearsal.  A short DVD will also be presented.

Class 5:
Introduction to Second Stage Labor
We will learn how your body works in second stage labor.  Guidelines for second stage are discussed as well as the basics for effective pushing.  Second stage positions will be demonstrated and couples will participate in a 2nd stage labor rehearsal. 

Class 6:
Planning Your Birth
Couples will learn how to further identify their priorities for birth.  Steps to creating a positive and realistic birth plan will be discussed.  Guidance on creating the rough draft of your birth plan will be offered.  Common labor and birth options, as well as their pro's and con's, are identified.  Couples will view a short DVD.

Class 7:
Variations/Complications and Unexpected Situations
We will cover common variations to the natural process of labor and how to manage them effectively.  Various labor complications are touched on and couples will learn how to decide when medical interventions are appropriate and how to handle interventions that do become necessary.  Option for safe, natural alternatives to medical interventions will also be presented.  Cesarean section (surgery, choices, and recovery) will be addressed.

Class 8:
Advanced First Stage Techniques / Second and Third Stage Review
This class includes another 1st stage labor rehearsal and advanced techniques for managing 1st stage naturally.  Comfort measures for 1st stage will be discussed, demonstrated, and practiced.  We will review physical, emotional, and mental relaxation techniques and have a discussion on how to decide the best time to leave for your birth place.

Class 9:
Being a Great Coach / Are You Ready?
At this point in our series, we will review the B.E.S.T. techniques for your labor.  Coaches will review effective ways for handling challenges in labor.  Emergency childbirth will be covered, just in case baby comes before you get to your birth place!  

Class 10:
Preparing For Your New Family
The last of our 10-week series will cover common newborn procedures in hospitals, breastfeeding information and tips, newborn care, ways to soothe a crying baby, and adjusting to the many changes you will face during this time.          

To find out more about the Bradley Method^® of Natural Childbirth visit http://www.bradleybirth.com.

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.