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What is The Bradley
Method®?
The Bradley
Method® of Natural Childbirth is a 12 week course focusing on
staying low risk through exercise, nutrition and the avoidance of
harmful substances, as well as relaxation, responsible consumerism,
informed consent, labor support, comfort measures for labor, breastfeeding,
postpartum, baby care and much, much more. It is our goal to educate
and empower parents to make informed decisions for themselves and
their baby.
Relaxation is
the key to The Bradley Method® during labor. It is the safest
and most effective way to reduce unnecessary pain and to handle
any pain that you do experience. The Bradley Method® encourages
mothers to trust their bodies (emphasizing normal abdominal breathing
and relaxation throughout labor) and the natural process of birth.
I'm
on the fence about natural birth. Can I still take a Bradley®
class?
Absolutely!
Although The Bradley Method® does focus on natural birth, all
the information you will learn in class will help you to stay as
healthy as possible during your pregnancy which will ensure the
most options when it comes to your labor and birth. You will learn
about the risks, benefits and alternatives to common interventions
so that you can make the best decisions for you and your baby. You
will learn how to avoid unnecessary interventions and how to deal
with interventions when they do become necessary. This class
is for anyone who wants to be an active and informed consumer!
My doctor
says all Bradley teachers are militant about natural childbirth.
Is that true?
There are many
teachers out there who are very rigid in their beliefs about natural
birth – I am not one of them. Although I do feel
that births with as little intervention as possible are generally
the safest for both mother and baby, my classes are really about
being an informed consumer. My goal is for you to have the safest
and most satisfying birth experience possible, no matter what route
you choose to get there!
I highly recommend
you call and speak directly to any teacher whose class you are considering.
This will give you a more accurate impression of who they are as
a teacher. You will get a better understanding of their personality
and philosophy. You will be spending up to 12 weeks with this person
and it is important that you feel comfortable with her. I welcome
calls about my class and will be happy to give you references from
my past students! All you need to do is ask.
What
materials are included in your class fee?
All students
will receive an AAHCC/Bradley Workbook, as well as a notebook and
special course binder filled with over 100 current, evidence-based
research articles and handouts on pregnancy, labor and birth, breastfeeding,
labor support, baby care and more. It also includes several practical,
guided relaxation exercises to help you practice at home. I have
spent the last 6 years compiling my course binder and am continually
updating the materials in it to ensure that my students have the
best and most accurate information possible in one convenient location!
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