Antenatal classes - The Bradley Method
After much investigation and consideration we
decided to attend a 12wk program called "The Bradley Method", the
three (3) key things that attracted us to the Bradley Method over other classes
were:
1. A childbirth education and labour-management
process, created to help women experience a natural, drug-free childbirth
2. The emphasis on educating partners (the
baby's father) to be effective coaches e.g. to be an active participant in
the birth, rather than a bewildered bystander
3. The range of subjects/information covered
I will make this disclaimer… if you Google
"Bradley Method" you will notice that 99% of the results are US-based,
and the information may seem a little American-preachy (which is not my cup
of tea at all). But after completing the classes, although we have not yet given
birth, I would highly recommend attending Bradley Method classes.
We now feel informed, confident, a team… truly empowered to embrace and
manage our baby's birth!
Types of things covered in the classes:
- Nutrition and how it affects a growing foetus
- The importance of exercise during pregnancy
- Common pregnancy symptoms and complaints,
and how to cope with them
- Techniques for relaxation during labour and
birth, with an emphasis on breathing methods to help you "tune-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 labour day
- The stages of labour, and how to cope with
the changes your body will experience during each one
- 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
More information:
Birth Steps (Dulwich Hill, Sydney, NSW)
Lea Mason