I finished reading Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way... still not a huge fan.
The term "husband coached" birthing really bugs me. A woman does not need coaching to give birth, she needs a supportive husband not a coaching one! I do think for the woman who might not be very comfortable with birthing, wants the father to be heavily involved, or the couple who want to birth as a unit that it would be helpful and a good read. But not for a mother who likes to birth alone and be left alone. Overall the information was good, they lay out the truth on many hospital procedures such as the IV, AROM, induction, pain meds, caesarian, ect. as well as the stages of labor, easy to understand explanation on how the birthing process happens and good birthing positions. I dont agree with the breathing technique they use, BUT again like the coaching some mothers need that during birth, while some do not. For a couple birthing in a hospital it would be very beneficial to read, Im just not sure I would recommend it to those birthing outside of the hospital. I would love to be able to see the structure of an actual Bradley childbirth class, the book was written a while ago and im interested in the difference (if there is any) between the book and the class.
We used Bradley method with Cassidy's birth in 1991. Even tho it was a hospital birth, the CNM stood back and said, "Show me a Bradley Birth." (I think she knew we would do it our way no matter what she said!) All in all, it was a wonderful experience. We both felt so informed and fully present every minute. While I agree with your comments about the "husband coached" wording of the book, after the fully intervened experience I'd had with Trey's birth, I needed an advocate in order to have my birth my way in a hospital setting. Although the book was studied extensively, the class was what really empowered us as a couple. Looking back, I did have an attitude going into the hospital, like "I DARE anyone to tell me how to birth this baby!!" I wouldn't sit in a wheelchair. "I'm not sick, leave me alone!" lol And we were only there 45 minutes. Bradley classes gave me that confidence and knowledge. In retrospect, a home birth is so much less stressful. Why would anyone want to go into such a hostile environment as a hospital to give birth? Our last two were born at home, Young's birth was unassisted, Cade's was with a midwife and surrounded by many friends. We did not take the Bradley classes again, I felt I needed to go deeper into a more personal version of the experience, if that makes sense.
ReplyDeleteHey! I just shared your birth story on my blog today! Had to say- since I teach Bradley- I think that I don't even love the term "husband coached" but I think that it works well for dads. Bradley is really focused on preparing the partner. Dr B was really training dad to be the doula. Some couples really LOVE to have dad in that huge role and it can really help them grow together. So- I think some of the sports type words that are used are more for the benefit of appealing to dad. I really work in class on preparing dad for the birth and think it is really important. Largely this is the case because even if mama births quietly and without touch and talk (as I do) it is hugely helpful to her to simply have a partner who is not afraid. As I see my couples learn- dad is no longer fearful of birth. Bradley is also very practical which really appeals to fathers. HB midwives send people to me regularly because simply- their couples do so well, work well together, and manage labor better, in part because they know so many hands on techniques.
ReplyDeleteAs far as class structure- I think most teachers really have updated things more than the Academy has. We are out there in the trenches and approach things as they are now- not in 1970-
Hope that helps!