Alternative Birthing Methods

The Bradley method is a husband-coached natural childbirth method developed by Robert A. Bradley, M.D. in the late 1940s. The philosophy is that childbirth is a natural process and with adequate education, preparation and supportive coaching, a woman can give birth without drugs or surgery. Classes are taught by teachers trained in the Bradley method, are conducted during the last trimester of pregnancy and last for 12 weeks. The classes focus on nutrition, the changes associated with pregnancy, role of the coach, stages of labor and developing a birth plan. Supporters of this method believe that couples who complete the training course are more likely to give birth without the use of epidural anesthesia, pain relieving medication, and surgery.