Bradley Method

Troy and I recently decided to sign up for Bradley Method classes. Well...I found out about it and Troy signed us up for the class. Okay...he had to drag me there kicking and screaming (but whatever). I come up with brilliant ideas and he follows through with them, we're the perfect team.

Anyway, the Bradley Method was created around the idea that we should let nature take it's course and that we should interfere as little as possible with modern medicine. We took our first class Wednesday and though I fully expected the atmosphere to be a cross between 80's favorite The Miracle of Life and Woodstock....everyone was pretty normal. These were middle class working professionals and expectant mothers who are just looking for information and a bit of education regarding child birth. I still don't know if I am going to try to avoid an epidural altogether or if I will plan to have one if it is an especially difficult or very long delivery. But at least I know all of my options! Before we joined this class, it felt like the doctor dictates your options to you...induce on your due date...be open to medication...c-section is a last resort (in the sense that I have to be home for dinner..stat!). There is no education, no options, and they provide cures, not preventative methods that help before, during or after labor. This is not specific to my doctor who I personally like a lot....fyi.

Bradley method encourages good nutrition and exercise during pregnancy. This method encourages women to be prepared for labor ahead of time, it is important to do more than just show up for the delivery.

We definitely watched a birthing video that I will never forget. I think I was more squeamish than half of the men in the room...and I made a lot of awkward jokes to make myself feel better. I didn't know that a woman's body could stretch that way....yikes! But ladies...this method encourages the spouse to administer daily back rubs and relaxation sessions that are focused around the mom....something to think about!

Oh...and I think I found my happy medium between a home birth and a medical birth (for lack of a better term). St. Luke's has a program that consists of 4 midwives and 7 doctors. You consult with a midwife during pregnancy and then a midwife delivers your baby IN A HOSPITAL. But you wouldn't see a doctor unless there are complications. But if something does happen, you are immediately in touch with a doctor and you are as close as anyone to an OR.

Good stuff....