Badly needs an update!  
By A58E8BPCCP4NO on 2003-01-17
Let me start this review by saying that the two stars are meant for the book as a whole, and not for The Bradley Method itself. I was pleased to find a book that encourages mothers to take control of their birthing experience by relaxing, rather than medicating away the pain. The exercises are helpful, even though they largely rely on illustrations to explain how the exercises are done. I wish they would have written out what to do with more detail. Even so, I definitely plan to use the Bradley Method when preparing for my next pregnancy.Other than the actual method, this book is completely outdated. The most recent publication listed in the bibliography is 1987, which is light years away when you consider the advancement of medical technology. Most of the references were published in the mid-70's. So the statistics stated cannot possibly be current and correct. Even the photographs (which, by the way, almost always show the women nude) are obviously from the 70's. I think the thing that bothered me the most was the outdated pregnancy information. It's old news that pregnant women shouldn't restrict their diets, shouldn't take drugs, and shouldn't smoke. Doesn't everyone already know this? The section where it talks about selecting your doctor actually states that you can reduce your risk of toxemia by choosing a well informed physician. As if what the doctor knows is more influential on your body than your own health and health choices! How ridiculous. The information about the actual birth and ways to relax is beneficial. I especially appreciated the section on how to avoid episiotomies. However, since the rest of the book is so completely outdated, the author and publishers should make a MAJOR revision before this book is worth the money.
An Excellent Resource For The Bradley Method
By A1IU5P856I6JYV on 2000-06-02
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way is an excellent resource on the Bradley Method. Author, Susan McCutcheon introduces you to the Bradley Method, explains how it differs from Lamaze, discusses how to choose your childbirth educator and your doctor, explains the importance of nutrition and how to prepare yourself for this life transforming experience.In addition to the general information she provides in helping you to prepare, she thoroughly walks you through the Bradley Method. Through exercise, illustration, nutrition, and practice, McCutcheon completely covers how you should prepare and deal with both First and Second Stage of Childbirth. Finally, she closes the text with a discussion of various childbirth controversies -- episiotomies, caesarean sections and homebirth. This book excels in preparing you for a Natural Childbirth, as defined by the American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth -- a birth that is without unnecessary medical intervention. However, some view her tone as "fear tactics" or "outdated" ideas. I disagree. Rather, she educates you on the principles of Bradley and provides you with the ability to recognize when the medical personnel are undertaking a procedure for their convenience or for your best interest. In short, she provides you with information and proven tools to make informed decisions and take responsibility for your birth. Despite the strengths of this book, I highly recommend that, whenever physically possible, the reader enroll in a Bradley class to supplement the reading in this book. If you *really* desire a Natural Childbirth, the class will provide you with the knowledge, practice and support you need to achieve your goals. Though this book is excellent, your instructor is almost essential -- she can guide you in recognizing when you need medical assistance and when you do not!
good labor and relaxation info, dated hospital info
By A1UMKACLC2AFW4 on 1999-12-21
For a book that was revised in 1996, the information about hospital practices is very dated, and the author is antagonistic towards hospital personnel. As a labor and delivery nurse I know of no hospital (in my area at least) that straps a woman to a delivery table or condones the "routine" use of episiotomies and assisted births (forceps or vacuum). Also, rooming in (mom and baby not being separated) is the norm, rather than the exception. The descriptions of what happens pysiologically during labor and delivery are good and I find the relaxation information helpful, not only for my next birth, but to help the mom's I'm working with relax. Get the book, skip the skewed views on hospitals and medical personnel or get the low down on the hospital you'll birth in from several people who have birthed in the same hospital
Lots of help, skip the scary parts
By AUVZYC0NAWRAU on 1999-11-04
I found this book extremely informative on Bradley technique but kind of scary when talking about alternatives and hospitals. After having two babies using medications, I was desperate to find another option. The book is extremely good about detailing the feelings you have during pregnancy and childbirth. Working on the birthing techniques with my husband was priceless and helped create a special bond between us. After having our third child without medication I have got to tell everyone how much better a drug free birthing experience can be! I only paniced once. I had praticed the pushing visualization so well it only took three pushes for our daughter to be born! The scary part can be avoided by skipping the information on Lamaze, hospitals, and doctors. It is out-dated and frightening. Move on to the excercises and have a wonderful birth experience!
Excellent Method of Chilbirth and Great Book!
By AAWKRCVTIV27L on 1999-10-22
My first child was born after we attended Lamaze classes. Nothing in that birth was as I 'planned' and everything I did not want to happen...happened. I was an observer of a process that did not feel related to me.During my second pregnancy we bought this book and attended the Bradley classes. This birth was excellent and wonderful!! I delivered a 10lb 3oz. baby boy with absolutely NO interventions (IV, drugs, epesiotomy etc.) and LOVED every minute of it. It was MY birth! This book and the associated classes made all the difference in the world!! This book is not meant for those looking for the 'middle ground'. Bradley childbirth is NOT the 'middle ground'. If you are looking for reassurrance, practical relaxation techniques and guidance for your coach AND you are planning for a natural, personal childbirth THEN this is the book for you!!
- excellent guide for couples wanting a natural birth
By on 2000-09-19
i find the formatting of this book makes it an easy read. some pregnancy books i have read are overwhelming. the author takes the basic facts and makes them clear and simple, and i like the notations for the dads (birth partner) to zero in on. i noticed the dated photos but the birth process hasn't changed so i don't know why reviewers bother to mention it. i found her nutrition information to correlate with dr. tom brewer's studies on protein (author of "what every pregnant woman should know")and followed them in my pregnancy and did quite well. we found the relaxation information to be extremely helpful when we were in labor.i wish that i had discovered this book (and taken a bradley class) when i was pregnant the first two times. it would've saved me from unnecessary interventions and provided me with the know-how to communicate with the doctors, and know that i had other alternatives in my births and didn't have to follow suit with routine procedures. this book has a very common sense approach and even though some people disagree with the author's statements regarding doctors because they didn't have a negative experience, i am glad that this information was in the book when i read it. if i had this information previously, i would've have had better birth experiences. i highly recommend you put this book on your list. it really helps you to understand the importance of trusting your body's ability to give birth and how to manage your labor. bonus points for teaching our partners how to read our body signals, emotionally and physically! there really aren't books out there that are geared toward our partners (dads) helping us in labor. and this book really made a difference for us in our birth.
- Condescending, inaccurate, and outdated
By AB1L7X96TLASU on 2003-02-28
I purchased this book expecting to learn about the Bradley method and how it differed from Lamaze. What I learned is that Dr. Bradley practiced decades ago and that the author hasn't updated the book to remove criticisms of doctors, hospitals, and practices that are no longer true. McCutcheon, for example, suggests that ultrasounds may harm the fetus, and that ALL [medications] are bad (forget your Tylenol, ladies - you should suffer with that headache unless your life depends on it). The bias is so overwhelming that I found the book difficult to read - it made me mad. Total control of the pregnancy is placed on the mother and doctors are portrayed as bad guys who only want to [medicate] you to make their own lives easier.
I'm all for natural childbirth, but this book makes it sound easy (I've had two kids naturally - it wasn't easy). The book insults the medical profession and diminishes the life-saving potential of medical intervention. The drawings look like flower children from the 70's, and the distrust of authority matches that era.
- Bradley Worked For My Three Births
By A3ASVZXJNBJ3AU on 2000-05-15
If you are commited to natural childbirth, or even if you are only considering it, this book is a MUST read. The text presents a very detailed and easy to understand description of labor and birth - including many accurate illustrations and photographs. In addition, it provides a wealth of information for the husband (or birth "coach") - in far greater detail than I have found in any other resource. Many husbands today, are nothing more than "observers" in the delivery room. But with the Bradley Method, your husband will learn to be your advocate, your encouragement, and will have an active role in the birth of your child.All three of my children were delivered (using the Bradley Method) without any medication or intervention, and I can ASSURE you that the techniques in this book are practical, logical and very effective. And my husband cherishes his important role in all of the births (as do I!).
- Buy this book, not Bradley's
By A28CS4BX43FMZ7 on 2003-11-27
If you really want a "How To" style book, then go for McCutcheon's "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way". I liked the structure and the illustrations and found it much more practical, to the point, and helpful than Bradley's "Husband-Coached Childbirth". Yes, it has lots of photos of completely nude women being coached by male partners clad only in short shorts. And you may ask, "Was it necessary to show the women nude?" And then you may ask, "Hey, why aren't the men completely nude, too? How sexist!" But let's be realistic about the time frame that McCutcheon's book was originally published and what might have been allowable from a legal standpoint. (Just kidding, folks, I don't really want the men to be depicted in the buff, too.) Maybe the photos in McCutcheon's book need updating, but I found their outdatedness amusing, not offensive. And it's not like the female anatomy has changed since it was published. I personally don't want a childbirth book devoid of realistic photos. I found it useful to see photos and diagrams of what to do and what really happens. In any case, birthing a baby involves a lot of nudity, blood, and guts. If you're too squeamish to look at fairly clean pictures of nude women in the various stages of giving birth, maybe you should reconsider having children. Parenthood is not for prudes."Husband-Coached Childbirth", on the other hand, has absolutely no diagrams, no photos, no outline, no charts, no helpful visual aids, and nothing to give structure to all the endless prose. My husband and I found it boring and hard to follow. Go ahead and buy it if you want a rather smarmy history lesson, but you don't need it. Don't reject McCutcheon's book just because of photos that show it like it is (and all those great `80s hairstyles!). If you really intend to use the Bradley method, buy this book and sign up for some classes.
- Great info... keep the "grain of salt" handy
By A227FHMUKXOZQI on 2006-03-20
After having tried the Lamaze method and ending up with an epidural and feeling very "out of control" during my first delivery, I went in search of more information to help me through my second delivery. I happened upon this book at a garage sale and decided it was worth a gander.
While I agree with other reviewers that the book had some dated photos and information, this did not interfere with my personal purposes for buying the book.
Having gone through the process once, I was seeking a method which:
*informed me in detail about what my body was doing through the birthing process and how I could work "with it" (rather than "escape" from it)
*gave me natural alternatives for relaxation and bearing the pain (rather than "panting techniques," how to balance on a birthing ball, focusing on imaginary "special places," getting an epidural when I couldn't take it anymore, etc.)
*gave me exercises to prepare my body ahead of time for the physical demands of labor
*gave my husband information so he could be part of the process and feel confident in his ability to coach me through
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way proved to be the book that would meet these needs. Putting this information to use during my second labor was amazing. I was able to use the relaxation techniques at home for as long as possible. My husband was able to correctly judge when to get me to the hospital. We were able to get through the transition stage, knowing what the signposts were and that I was "almost there." I was only at the hospital an hour before my son was born. I felt great afterwards without drugs and was more than ready to go home the next day.
Having read this book "with a grain of salt," overlooking the harsh opinions about the medical profession, my husband and I used it as a tool to educate ourselves about my body. It gave us the confidence that with God's help and with an understanding of the design for birth, we could make it through. I was personally also grateful to have a very capable doctor and nurses who were very willing to work with me, and actually stated that they were very refreshed to see my husband and I working together for a "natural" birth.
In conclusion, every birth is different, but I see this book as a great tool to be used with an open mind, not knowing exactly what your personal labor will be like. It is important, however, to invest time in learning and practicing the methods in the book if you really want to reap the benefits.
- The good parts are very good; the bad parts are horrid.
By on 1999-06-16
I'm about 6 weeks away from my due date, and am using this book as a tool for exercise information breathing information and info about the stages of labor; I wanted to use it for insight about labor practices, what to expect in the delivery room, and guidelines about what a laboring woman needs to do and know if she wants to try natural childbirth, but it is so out of date, at least in terms of my hospital's practices, that all those sections are completely useless. I don't mind the criticisms of Lamaze - as someone who can't hyperventilate while jogging, and doesn't expect to be able to while laboring, and as someone who has no visual-mind connection and can't see how she'll get something out of the Hang A Picture On The Wall Or Visualize Something concept, I think there are some well deserved criticisms of the method. BUT theorizing that in 20 years doctors may discover hazards of ultrasounds may've made sense in the 1983 version, but in the 1996 revision, those sections should have been revised; by the way it's written, you can tell that it wasn't. Also, even though I understand the Bradley people's views about epidurals, the way epidurals are done has changed over the past 20 years, but since the Method is against it entirely, they didn't seem to care enough to correct the now-inaccurate sections on how they are given and what the effects are. Plus, it's all fine & dandy to recommend eating 2 eggs each day, but that's pretty useless if you, like me, have a serious pregnancy-related food aversion to eggs. I can't even be in the same room as someone cooking them. And of course, there's no substitute or replacement suggested. All in all, if you're buying it because you, like me, want to have more info about breathing the BRadley way, or about the exercises, it's worth a few bucks. If you're buying it because you want it to be the be-all-and-end-all of your labor education experience, you risk going into the hospital with a lot of scary misinformation. ps - in terms of c-section ratio, it's more useful to learn what your doctor's is for your specific kind of situation (i.e. if you're a first time mother in her 20's, versus a second time mother who had an emergency caesarean the first time, and is in her 40's) than their overall rate.
- Generally an excellent summation of the Bradley Method
By A3FJAY5LKN0DOM on 1999-09-10
I was a Bradley Method instructor and I think that this book is an excellent summary of the material I taught in the class. The illustrations clearly show what is happening physiologically during labor and I just love the photographs. The best thing about this book is that it clearly shows that a totally natural birth is really possible. For many of us, when we first decided to "go natural" we got no support from our friends and family. This book will reassure you that you aren't "crazy!"
The down side of this book is that it can seem hysterically negative about the medical profession and about Lamaze. To me, that isn't productive. I am afraid that the tone can be something of a turnoff, especially for people who are undecided about natural birth. And for those already committed to the idea of going without drugs, they don't need further convincing!
All in all, worth the money if you are interested in natural birth. I had a son with the Bradley Method and it was a wonderful experience.
- Good but needs updating
By on 2000-08-01
This is an informative book about natural childbirth, and if you don't already have a stock of such books, but all means buy it. However, the tone regarding hospitals and medical procedures is somewhat extreme and outdated. Those of us who are committed to natural childbirth don't need to read exaggerated criticisms of doctors. Take some of it with a pinch of salt and question your doctor carefully. Hospital classes are not all designed to persuade women to conform to being given IVs, pitocin, drugs and episiotomies - in fact, my hospital class did the opposite. It's a shame that the author makes such sweeping generalisations about hospitals, as it tends to detract from the valid arguments that she makes. For example, I've not heard of anyone strapped to the table to give birth these days! It's time that this book was updated. Skip the exaggerated descriptions of hospitals and Lamaze, and read the book for the positive information about natural birth.
- Read my Review I read the entire book
By A3SCXMDSSOAANO on 2000-02-06
I read this book cover to cover and can say that I would recomend it to my expectant friends. The information about what is actually happening during the labor and delivery is excellent. The excercise chapter is great, using mental imagery and the pictures of various birthing positions are wonderfully vivid as well.
On page 182 Ms. McCutcheon states that after giving birth, Breastfeeding while laying down is almost impossible. It was only after reading the chapter on Breastfeeding, that I suspected she meant that you couldn't breastfeed laying down with the umbilical cord still intact.- but this is not made clear for those who might only read that chapter as a reference.
There is an entire chapter devoted to why an episiotomy is completly not needed and harmful to the mother. However, there is wording throughout the book that would lend one to believe that she is not completely convinced, such as listing three prerequisites for having a pressure episiotomy, and asking your doctor, "Do you know about the pressure episiotomy in the unlikely event that a cut should be necessary?" This type of thinking completly goes against Ms. McCutcheons own Bradley philosopy when it comes to every other unnecesary medical procedure spoken of in the book. Clearly, the intent of the book is to educate you on every aspect of childbirth, and enable you to make competent decisions for you and babys health and well-being, before you go into the delivery room.
There was an "us against the establishment (and Lamaze)" mentality in the book.
- A Must Have!
By on 2003-07-06
I have given birth naturally (no drugs or interventions) twice, and I don't think I could have done it without this book along with a supportive husband and The Bradley Method classes! Oh, not to mention my midwife and her interns. My first child was born in the birthing center, my second at home. I started out with an OB planning on a traditional hospital birth minus the drugs, but the more I learned (from this book & class) and talked to my OB I realized this was not likely to happen... at least not the way I invisioned.The book is great at teaching you relaxing techniques and reading about and rereading and rereading different birth senarios so you'll know what to expect... although yours could be completely different. It gives you confidence in making choices for your birth! I don't think this book is outdated... have you listened to anyone's birth story lately... they were in labor, they got the epidural, everything stopped, they had their water broken, they had to get petocin... then they finally had the baby OR they ended up with a C-section because "there was no way the baby was coming out!" or "The baby would have died if they hadn't been in the hospital." Give me a break... there is NO WAY that I know all of the 3% of women who cannot give birth vaginally! I loved my birth experiences. It was hard work, but this book made it possible! It is excellent even though the pictures are dated.
- Simply, it is the truth, and it works!!
By A28PGNH7JZXGNG on 2002-04-07
I decided, that, once I got pregnant, I wanted a natural birth... I live in Iowa. I may have well been an alien!! I was told "we'll see, once your in labor", or, "yeah, SURE you do!" Well, with the help of this book... and then I signed up for a Bradley childbirth class... I am not only living proof that this gives you the BEST most truthful infomation on the birth process and experience, but my son is proof that the benefits of taking these steps, and HAVING an unmedicated, but EDUCATED AND PREPARED birth is of benefit to you AND your child!! Why is this such and "out there" concept? People need to get back to basics!! EPIDURAL MEDICATIONS DO REACH YOUR BABY, and effect them for as much as DAYS from the time they are born!! Every nurse says it, the difference between babies born naturally vs. those via epidural, or other medication, is REMARKABLE! YOU CAN DO IT (naturally) !! If I can make it through transition, ANYONE can! (32 hours after membranes broke... 10 hours of true labor - one hour pushing...):) Do yourself a favor... educate yourself!! I also suggest the book written by Dr. Bradly himself (Husband Coached Childbirth) and to sign up for the class, to "practice the relaxation techniques! (also recommend "Good Birth, Safe Birth"
Good Luck!!
- This book helped me a lot
By on 2000-03-21
I couldn't take a Bradley class, so I got this book, among others, and read and practiced the techniques. When my first birth got complicated, I knew enough not to be afraid. My second birth was easy and drug-free, using this method. You don't need to be afraid of hospital personnel, as this book implies-- just get an idea of what to talk to your doctor about. This book helped me feel well-informed and able to take charge of our health care.
- A guild to you body and labor
By A20QDJPS9HRJKT on 2000-09-26
Reading this book during my third pregnancy taught me more about childbirth than I had learned from all of my medical care and birth experiences from my first two childern. Although I delivered all three naturally, I finally understood what my body was doing and how to work with my labor, not fight it. I wish I had read this before my first child was born. I would not have been so frightened or felt so unsure of myself. I buy a copy of this book as a gift for all my close friends and family.
- This book helped me give birth without medication.
By A3HMMT6QJHC6TL on 2001-05-25
I took the 12-week Bradley Method childbirth class, but I found that this book was even more helpful to me than the class. When I gave birth to my first child I felt very well-prepared. One of the nurses at the hospital even asked me if I was a nurse -- she thought maybe I was because I knew so much about childbirth. No, I do not have a medical background, but I learned a great deal from the books I read during my pregnancy.I was able to give birth to my daughter without medication, and the next day I felt great. I don't know if I could have done it without medication if I had not read this book. I am definitely planning to use the Bradley techniques in future births.
- this book is a jewel!!
By A1OBNUPD8A7OG9 on 2006-03-13
Nine years ago I found myself pregnant with our second child. After attempting (and failing) a natural childbirth with my first chid I was desperate for anything that would help. The hospital taught "birthing" classes were usesless and spent more time talking about what to expect from an epidural. I had heard about the Bradley method but unfortunately the nearest class was 3 hours away. Then I found this book. My husband and I read it cover to cover and religiously practiced the exercises. That is the key. When you are in the midst of labor, you have to be able to instinctively do these relaxation/breathing techniques. It won't work well if you do not practice. A few minutes every night is good. My son's birth was amazing and nearly pain free- or at least it seemed that way because I was able to deal with the intensity of the contractions instead of being overwhelmed by them. I used this method with my 3rd child as well, again with the same results. This book is a must for any pregnant woman, whether you intend to go all natural or not. It will help you deal with the contractions and not feel so scared, and out of control. It will help you birth your baby by giving you confidence in yourself and your body's abilities. Buy this book!!
- The best pregnancy and childbirth book currently available.
By on 1997-04-22
If I was pregnant and stuck on a desert island, this is the one book I would wish to have. Every woman should pick this one up before she even becomes pregnant. Reading this book gives one a wonderful sense of empowerment.
The book begins with an excellent comparison of The Bradley Method(r) versus Lamaze. It goes on to thoroughly and thoughtfully compare the differences between caregivers, i.e. obstetricians, certified nurse-midwives and direct-entry midwives. It lists very direct questions to ask your caregiver which I have not found in any other book of its kind. It describes the Brewer Medical Diet which has been shown to significantly reduce one's chances of developing toxemia. Relaxation practice is gone into in great detail. It explains why many obstetricians commonly overuse interventions and why they are potentially dangerous. The final chapter is an excellent introduction to the tremendous benefits of breastfeeding.
The only other book of its kind which comes close to this one is "The Birth Book" by William and Martha Sears. "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way" takes a no-holds-barred approach to pregnancy and childbirth preparation. Women should use this book to select a caregiver and then continue studying it throughout pregnancy (if possible, in conjunction with a Bradley(r) class) in order to have the best possible birth. experience.
- Lots of pros and cons....
By on 2001-05-20
If you are interested in natural childbirth, I highly recommend this book. Unfortunately, the first few chapters are horrible written, based primarly on anecdotal evidence. Basically they are trying to get you hooked on the Bradley technique by bashing other techniques. The chapters describing the stages of labor, however, are very, very good. The practice exercises that the book outlines are helpful though they can be presented in an overly dogmatic fashion (i.e. this is THE way to do it rather than this is one of many ways....). I would use this as a resource, not a childbirth "bible". The bottom line is that if you really want to give birth naturally you do need to prepare yourself mentally and physically. Knowing what to expect and being excited for the birth rather than afraid of it are essential and this book helps on both counts.
- thinking of a natural birth? This is the book for you
By A174XALALIX0QJ on 2001-07-08
I have three children, my first birth was a medically-managed nightmare. I learned my lesson and turned to Bradley. This book gives you (and your birth partner) specific tools to help you cope with labor. The main thing I didn't like about it was how it seems to assume that if one is relaxed, labor will never be painful (or that if it is, the woman has a low pain-tolerance). With my second birth, I was easily able to cope with contractions with relaxation and breathing. With the third, I had horrible back labor and it was very painful. Every labor is different and I wish this book acknowledged that a bit more. No matter how your birth goes, this book *will* be helpful.
- Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way
By A1J2BD1HMB24DV on 2000-08-12
This was the most recent book I purchased after receiving the standards from friends and family. Some of the suggestions and techniques are helpful, however, I found it difficult to get past the obvious distrust of medical doctors and hospitals - I felt they could have reined in the "alarmist" verbiage and focused more on the positives of natural childbirth... simply using terms like, "some doctors may..." instead of "most doctors..." would have been better. I recommend a book called "Birthing From Within" for those looking for a good middle ground.
- Best Childbirth Book Available!
By AF8H6P0QSSP0 on 2002-01-09
This book changed my life!I've given birth 7 times, the first 3 were typical, go to the doctor and do what he tells you. The 3rd was a disaster! When I found myself pregnant again, I read every book I could find. There had to be a better way! I found this book 12 weeks before giving birth, 6 weeks later I switched doctors and I ended up having a PAINLESS birth. The next three weren't quite painless, but they were definately workable and joyful. I now teach childbirth classes using this method. I've been giving this book to all my prenante friends and co-workers for 14 years. If you only read one book during your pregnancy, this should be it! (And I read 30 during 2001 alone) Happy Birthing! Happy Parenting!
- A good resource, but read other books as well
By A1001URKW36W4Z on 2002-07-26
I read Beverly Savage's "Preparation for Birth" (the Lamaze Method) before reading "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way", and if you want a totally unmedicated birth, McCutcheon's is the book you want to read. The author states that the Lamaze method encourages women to "go along" with the Dr, and according to Savage's book, this seems to be the case. However, this book has an excellent viewpoint towards all natural childbirth. They tend to take the view that if women had babies for thousands of years with out medication, why should we allow some Dr. to medicate us if we don't want it. This book spends a lot of time going over the whole Labor process, typical drugs offered/given during labor, and spends whole chapters on usually unecessary medical interventions.
This is not a book to buy the day before your due date, the exercises and relaxation practices need to be done long before you approach your due date. Ideally, it is read before you even become pregnant. Lots of information on choosing a childbirth instructor, choosing a doctor or midwife, etc.
Yes, they do tend to be overly critical of hospitals and doctors, but if you are prepared that those scenarios might occur, you will be better prepared to stand up for what you want, not what is convenient for the hospital or doctor. And if you want to have a home birth, these people actually encourage you to go for it.
I would suggest that you read more than just this book, so you get an idea as to what is out there, but I really feel that this is an excellent book, written in such a way that if you can't take Bradley classes, you can still give birth that way. That's what I'm hoping, because my due date is fast approaching!
- A must-read for natural childbirth preparation
By A190GFPIE3Q1NR on 2003-04-20
Yes, parts of this book and pictures seem outdated, but much of the advice is sound and helpful in preparing a woman and her partner for natural childbirth. While Dr. Bradley began this many years ago, he was well ahead of his time in development of a positive approach for the pregnant and laboring woman. I took a Bradley class and this was the obvious companion to it. The book is easy to follow with sound health advice, a thorough description of the anatomy of the pregnant and laboring woman, and an invaluable discussion of the signposts of labor that many women may experience. While no woman's birth experience is truly "textbook," this book offers many of the varieties that may occur and how to handle various situations that may arise while staying in control of your labor. The imagery and relaxation exercises are helpful as well. The emphasis behind this book is that the most important thing for a laboring woman is to be well educated on what her body will do for her and feel prepared to handle it. Everyone experiences pain and discomfort differently and labor IS hard work and not easy. But, this book and the Bradley class prepared me to have a natural unmedicated birth for my first two children despite painful, long labors and an uncooperative medical staff at the hospital. I am now reviewing The Bradley Method in preparation for my 3rd child and a birth-center experience and have also ordered two other books that come recommended, "Active Birth: The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally" and "Birthing from Within: An Extra-Ordinary Guide to Childbirth Preparation."
- Great information that needs an update
By ASA8UIEY9UWPX on 2003-07-09
After reading another book about natural childbirth, I found this a refreshing alternative and that it had strategies I could actually use without feeling like I was from another planet while in the delivery room. I think the author would be more convincing if she updated her photos, that felt very much like the 70s, and had the medical profession peruse some of the risks she talks about to be sure they're as dangerous as she claims. Sometimes these are distracting and made me wonder if all of her information was current. Also, while my husband is fully supportive and wants to present in this process, I think that relying on him as a 'coach' places a responsibility on him to ease my pain....which isn't possible. Childbirth can really hurt, and it's not his fault, nor do I want him to feel that he has to 'fix' things. Having or hiring a supportive and knowledgeable doula or midwife allows him to be part of the experience without feeling like a failur. Nevertheless, for women really wanting a natural, drug-free childbirth, I think this method will be very hard to beat.
- Some good, some not so good
By A18237NE3XLM7T on 2005-03-06
Good:
Clear explanations of techniques to relax and let your body do the work. Pictures were mostly relevant and easy to follow. The theory makes a lot of sense; I guess I'll find out if it works for me in a couple months.
Bad:
One review on here complained about the naked pictures. I thought that was silly until I saw the book - now I see what she means. Never mind that (a) they're old and (b) the women are all absurdly skinny for being 9 mos pregnant. There really is no reason for nearly every single photo to be nude - it almost seeems to imply that the earth-mothers who use this method should be totally comfortable with their naked bodies, and that all the exercises have to be practiced and used that way. I don't know many heavily pregnant women who are all that confident with their bodies, and even if nobody cares what they're wearing in labor/delivery, the book could have featured women in close-fitting clothes and been just as useful and less distracting for the practice/pre-labor sections.
Also, some of the chapters before the useful ones about the techniques are preachy in places - not really condescending, but definitely opinionated.
Overall - rumor has it that the classes are a better way to go, but the book is definitely informative for anyone who wants to learn about Bradley before shelling out a lot of time and cash on a class.
- Give Birth Naturally with This Bible of Labor & Delivery
By on 2000-02-06
This book gives complete information on Natural childbirth, consumerism(choices for parents to make about the prenatal care and birth of their baby and beyond), and includes pictures of real women in real labor (graphic but educationally oriented and [beware of retro-1970's hair-dos]). It includes a section on nutrition with an extensive protein count list, and various relaxation poems, techniques and ideas for the laboring woman and her coach. A wonderful book backed by sound research and the founders of the Bradley method of natural childbirth....Dr. Robert Bradley (1917-1998) and the Executive Directors of the American Academy of Husband- Coached Childbirth-Jay & Marjie Hathaway.
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