Husband-Coached Childbirth: The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth

Really interesting book with many helpful tips for Mom and dad in regards to a natural birth

Was a great help for both me and my partner. Puts you in "All possible naturally" mindset.

perfect book for those pursuing a natural childbirth. this will be the only bradley reference i have as there arent any bradley classes here in Ireland (yet!) and so far ive found it wonderful. really focuses on using your instinct and believing your body knows what to do and when to do it. promotes ultimate birth partner involvement, i dont have a husband so dont be put off by the title :)

Not sure I agree with absolutely everything, but it gives me a good insight into natural birth and some really helpful tips for my husband to feel part of the birth.

Yes, there are many short cited aspects of the book. Dr. Bradley says that childbirth is completely natural and an organic process and then frequently does episiotomy's. Cutting women is a cruel, and highly abusive practice.Other than that, this is a book that supports homebirth, and is aimed to help train women to relax during child birth. According to Ina May, and surely other great birth experts, to maximize the chance of a natural child birth, a woman needs to relax. The Bradely method is a form of practicing relaxation before birth, so that during the birth, you can be relaxed.Obviously a book can never replace a class which helps prepare for birth. However it is steeped with a type of care, and a type of spiritual acceptance about life and about birth.Review is by Ramiel Nagel author of  Healing Our Children: Because Your New Baby Matters! Sacred Wisdom for Preconception, Pregnancy, Birth and Parenting (ages 0-6)  & Cure Tooth Decay: Heal and Prevent Cavities with Nutrition (First Edition) .

Much of this book read like advertising for the Bradley Method, which was frustrating and disappointing. I found it very light on practical, hands-on information, and heavy on proclaiming the wonders of the method. Many of the techniques that are taught in Bradley classes are discussed, but images would have been helpful, or at least more detailed descriptions. The author refers the reader to other publications, e.g. the Bradley Method Workbook, for many techniques, when they could have been included in this book.

I extected more from this book. I didn't find it all that helpful.

Quite a heavy read and not what I was looking for. Written by a doctor and not very accessible. I ended up not finishing it.

"Husband-Coached Childbirth" by Dr. Robert A. Bradley is an invaluable resource for expectant parents seeking a natural childbirth experience. This fifth edition continues to uphold the principles of the Bradley Method, offering comprehensive guidance and support for couples preparing for labor and delivery.What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the role of the partner as a coach and advocate during childbirth. Dr. Bradley's approach empowers couples to work together as a team, with the partner providing essential support and encouragement throughout the birthing process. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of partnership and strengthens the bond between partners during this transformative experience.The book is filled with practical information and techniques to help couples prepare for childbirth, including relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, and strategies for managing pain naturally. Dr. Bradley's clear and accessible writing style makes complex medical concepts easy to understand, ensuring that readers feel confident and informed as they approach childbirth.Furthermore, "Husband-Coached Childbirth" promotes a holistic approach to childbirth that prioritizes the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of both mother and baby. Dr. Bradley advocates for natural childbirth as a safe and empowering option for women, while also acknowledging the importance of medical interventions when necessary.One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the inclusion of real-life birth stories from couples who have successfully used the Bradley Method. These personal accounts provide inspiration and reassurance to readers, illustrating the effectiveness of the techniques and the profound impact of supportive partner involvement.In conclusion, "Husband-Coached Childbirth (Fifth Edition): The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth" is a must-read for expectant parents seeking a natural and empowering childbirth experience. Dr. Bradley's compassionate and informative approach, coupled with practical guidance and real-life stories, makes this book an indispensable resource for anyone preparing for the miracle of childbirth.

Great information and well written. Very, very helpful for anyone interested in a drug-free childbirth. The book is updated and often recommends The Bradley Method 12-week course, however, the book itself is quite useful as a birthing tools; sometimes less is more. For those wanting to get ready to the point start after page 65 or a little sooner at chapter 2.

We used this book in preparation for the birth of my first daughter in tandem with attending the Bradley Method classes. I ended having a somewhat fast labor first labor (12 hours start to finish) and a lot of the positions recommended in the book weren't really that helpful because it was so quick, but it was SO helpful for knowing emotional signposts of labor and for preparing my husband to be a supportive labor partner.With my first, my midwife wanted to actually send me home from the birthing center because I was only dilated to a three, but based on how I felt emotionally, we refused to go home. I ended up having my daughter one hour after they tried to send me home. I would have had her in the car or at my house if I had not studied this method. I had her without any pain medication, and felt AMAZING after giving birth. Birth was painful, but it was always bearable, and I was able to gage how far along I was really based on the emotional signposts and confidence the book gives you.With my second, I tried Hypnobirthing because I heard some women say birth wasn't painful at all, and that sounded quite lovely. Despite being a great student, it really didn't work for me at all, and we ended up going back to the Bradley Method guidelines when I was in the thick of labor because that is what made the most sense to me. My daughter ended up being 10.5 pounds, and I was able to have her at home with zero pain meds. So all in all, I'd say I am a tremendous success story from using this book. If anyone asks how I had my babies med free, I will always recommend this book.

Must have for husbands who are expecting. This book transformed my husband into the best birth coach I could ask for. One hospital birth and one home birth

My husband and I are reading this together. I'm an ICU nurse (I occasionally deal with the horrors of births gone wrong and know how insensitive, routine, and skeptical of natural childbirth hospitals can be) which has brought a lot of anxiety to the thought of being a patient. I've been on edge, feeling as though I have to prepare to defend myself against western medicine.This book has helped me and my husband form a deep bond & connection over our birth plan & preparation. It not only has helped him to see his role as my teammate & to have eyes opened to what awaits us, but it's helped me to feel empowered and seen. I deeply appreciate this method as someone who believes that the world of medicine would be much better off without sterilized practice.