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The Bradley Method

Back to Childbirth Education

Bradley® classes teach families how to have natural births. The techniques are simple and effective. They are based on information about how the human body works during labor. Couples are taught how they can work with their bodies to reduce pain and make their labors more efficient. Of over 200,000 Bradley®-trained couples nationwide, over 86% of them have had spontaneous, un-medicated vaginal births.

Bradley® classes average 3-6 (or 6-8) couples per class. Classes are kept small so that your instructor can get to know you and present a class that meets your needs. Small classes are also important so that you will have the space to do plenty of practice in class.

 The course will address:

• Techniques for relaxation during labor and birth, with an emphasis on "tuning-in" and manage your pain, rather than trying to distract you from it
• Methods to help your partner be an active participant and a skilled coach on labor day
• The stages of labor and how to cope with the changes your body will experience during each one
• Nutrition and how it affects a growing fetus
• The importance of exercise (when appropriate) during pregnancy
• Common pregnancy symptoms and complaints, and how to cope with them
• Medical interventions, and how to avoid unnecessary ones
• How to reduce your risk of having a c-section and what to do if it becomes medically necessary
• Making a birth plan and how to communicate effectively with your medical team
• Breastfeeding (although La Leche League meetings are recommended)

To find a class or instructor in your area, Choose your region: Choose your region Albuquerque, NM Atlanta, GA Austin, TX Bay Area, CA Boston, MA Chicago, IL Colorado Springs, CO Connecticut Denver, CO Hawaii Las Vegas, NV Minneapolis, MN NYC/Long Island, NY Omaha, NE Philadelphia, PA Phoenix, AZ Portland, OR Sacramento, CA Seattle, WA Tucson, AZ Virginia Beach, VA