Pregnancy Education

What’s the difference between Bradley® Natural Childbirth classes, and other types of classes?

Bradley® focuses on prevention, and healthy normality. It teaches women ways that they can stay healthy and low risk. By concentrating on what is in their control, through nutrition, exercise, and avoidance of harmful substances. They give women the power to influence their lives in a positive way. The classes are longer because it takes a human being 10 – 12 weeks to truly absorb and develop muscle memory for the different natural labor techniques, and information. They teach not only natural labor techniques, but focus on what is normal in birth, how that feels , and helps women...

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Dads/Partners at birth

Dads/Partners at birth

Bradley® Natural Childbirth classes were traditionally known as Husband Coached Childbirth®, a term coined by Dr. Robert Bradley.  He was one of the first obstetricians to bring fathers into the birthing room. He realized that women needed the support of a loving partner, and who better than the father of her child. These days not all women have a husband or male partner, but it is still important for her to have the support of someone who loves her, and is there just for her. Such emotional and physical support can make a huge difference in a woman’s sense of security. So, most families who...

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There is a better way!

There is a better way!

I recently read an incredibly sad story of a woman who was grieving her birth experience. Her gut told her that birth was a normal experience for the human body, and there should not be any reason to have to do much of anything to prepare for it.  She didn’t necessarily desire a natural birth, and trusted her careprovider and hospital to do only what was medically necessary.  And there in lies the rub. Birth in the US is not evidenced based. The ways in which laboring and birthing women are treated and cared for are not the ways that will produce the healthiest outcomes.  We have been...

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The Sociology of Birth

How our cultural socialization effects how we birth – Socialization about birth in the United States is a pervasive thing. We are, from the time we are born, receiving messages about our roles in life, and subsequently our ability to birth or be a parent. Both males and females go through this. How we are socialized by our culture and our families dictates our personal beliefs about ourselves and our respective roles. The United States is somewhat unique in this, as a great deal of disassociation from the body and cultural ritual has taken place. Mass consumerism and affluence have shifted...

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Are Bradley® Classes Right for You?

Are Bradley® Classes Right for You?

As seen in the April 2006 issue of New Health Digest The Educated Parent: Are Bradley Method® Childbirth Classes right for you? Amy V. Haas, BCCE Congratulations! You or your partner are having a baby! What next? To start with you might want to look into childbirth education classes. The good news is that parents have many different options with regard to the birth of their baby. Today’s educated parents often like to ask lots of questions, and be proactive in their health care choices. If you fall into this category then classes in the Bradley Method® of Natural Childbirth may be for you....

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The Importance of Childbirth Education

The Importance of Childbirth Education

The Educated Parent: The Importance of Childbirth Education By Amy V. Haas, BCCE  Congratulations! You and your partner are expecting a baby! What next? Well, if you have already chosen your care-provider, your next step will be to find a Childbirth Education class that fits your family’s needs. The best childbirth classes are going to ones that are the most thorough & comprehensive. Short hospital classes are offered in most communities, but remember, hospitals are in the business of making money. Hospital classes sell hospital services to the attendees of those classes. Add to that the...

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