II. Background

  1. Established by Mayo Obstetrician 1947

III. Technique

  1. Father coaches labor
    1. Bradley originated the Father's involvement
  2. No Labor Anesthesia used in 94% of patients
  3. Various labor positions
  4. Maximize health habits
    1. Good nutritional intake
    2. Antepartum Exercise program
      1. Decrease discomfort of pregnancy
      2. Prepare Muscles for birth
  5. Non-distraction oriented relaxation
    1. Interpret stimulus as Sensation other than pain
    2. Imitate sleeping position
      1. Emphasizes a comfortable and relaxing environment
    3. Imitate breathing during sleep
      1. Deep and slow abdominal breathing
  6. Imagery
    1. Visualize uterine Muscles contracting
    2. Analogy to "Birth Climax" (Birth as type of orgasm)
    3. Imagine floating the wave of a contraction

IV. Disadvantages

  1. Very critical of Lamaze Method
  2. Classes may be as expensive as $500

V. Resources

  1. American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth
    1. http://www.bradleybirth.com/
    2. Address: Box 5224, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413
    3. Phone: 800-4ABIRTH

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