best natural birth techniques: the bradley method
The primary tip I received in preparation for my first natural birth was taking The Bradley Method classes. These are natural birth classes that prepare you to walk through your pregnancy and birth in the most natural way possible. My sister had three natural births, and insisted that the very best preparation was taking those classes. Here’s why I would HIGHLY recommend The Bradley Method techniques for your natural birth!
What I Did–What You Can Do Too
After three successful natural births (one in a hospital, two at home), now my husband and I are the ones telling couples to take The Bradley Method classes to prepare for their natural birth. But, it was not that way from the start. I had a hard time getting my husband on board with signing us up for the classes. I expressed how labor was something I had always dreaded, and that feeling more prepared for natural birth would calm my fears. My husband, out of love and support, reluctantly but sweetly agreed to take the classes. After 12 weeks of classes, pages of homework, tons of reading, and daily exercises–I felt mentally and physically prepared for the marathon before me. The important part was that my husband also felt prepared to support me during labor. We were ready to do labor as a team and knowing that helped me so much! 
Natural Birth Method–What It Is
The way I like to explain this class is that it isn't so much about one specific method. Rather, it is an in-depth course to learn alongside your partner what your body will experience throughout pregnancy and labor. The 12-week class educates the parents in a deeper knowledge of the key elements in pregnancy labor. This includes exercise, nutrition, and finally, the stages of birth. Here’s how The Bradley Method puts it:“The Bradley Method is a system of natural labor techniques in which a woman and her coach play an active part. It is a simple method of increasing self-awareness, teaching a woman how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning in to her own body. The Bradley Method encourages mothers to trust their bodies using natural breathing, relaxation, nutrition, exercise, and education.”
Simply put, it teaches you HOW to do birth naturally in a way that is safe (for you and the baby), healthy, and not intimidating. We’ve recommended The Bradley Method techniques to so many friends and family and they always come back singing its praises! I have no doubt that the wisdom these couples gained was the greatest benefit to their birth story. Another encouraging fact is the current 87% success rate for moms who use The Bradley Method for a natural birth.
Natural Birth Method–The Many Benefits
One of the ways I love that these classes differ from other natural birth techniques is in its education for both parents. The classes give the mom and dad the knowledge and confidence they need to go through birth completely united. Other methods simply don't incorporate such pain management education and having the parents working together in birth.It is definitely possible to have a successful natural birth without taking this class–women did it for centuries! But, the biggest difference is the lack of education for parents regarding the entire pregnancy and birth process. Learning how the mother’s body is created to perform the miracle of housing and birthing a baby is so important! Regaining trust in her body and what she’s naturally capable of brings about a holistic approach to meeting her baby. The Bradley Method techniques include both the father (or other support person) and mother in this entire process.
Natural Birth Method–Hesitations
If you are on the fence about taking this class I’m telling you that you have NOTHING to lose. If you truly want to learn about your body’s capabilities and attempt a holistic and natural approach to birth, The Bradley Method is your best choice. You will have to do the homework, show up at every class, and do the exercises in order for the techniques to be effective. But, you have a very high chance at succeeding in your natural birth. Learning about your body in pregnancy feeds into your confidence all the way to those final hours in labor.
Natural Birth Method–What I Learned
We were actually sitting in our 12th and final class when I started experiencing contractions and realized I was in labor! Following 12 hours of labor, we sat quietly together holding our newborn son. It was a natural birth success and beautiful in every way! It was then that my husband turned to me smiling and said, “I'm SO glad we took that Bradley Class." The techniques my husband and I learned in taking The Bradley Method classes were so invaluable to all three of my natural births. The course was truly life-changing. And I sincerely believe this is the reason why I've had three successful and textbook natural births. Are you unsure about your first natural birth? I would love to answer any questions you may have!
