Bradley Birth of Richmond

     Heather A. Hannon RN, MSN, AAHCC

Why Choose The Bradley Method

With so much information out there about childbirth it is easy to understand why you might feel uncertain when you first find out you are pregnant.  Misconceptions exist, and this is especially true when it comes to natural childbirth.  The reasuring news, however, is that our bodies aren't broken.  The natural process of birth still works, and this process works best when you learn how to work with it. 


The birth of your child is one of the most significant moments in your life, and how you choose to prepare for this event can have a profound impact on your birth experience and the well-being of your family.  The Bradley Method® of Natural Childbirth lays the foundation for a healthy family by preparing you and your partner to take an active role in pregnancy, childbirth, and beyond. 


The Bradley Method®  of Natural Childbirth is designed to help you and your partner prepare for a natural, un-medicated childbirth by teaching you what to expect during labor and helping you tune into and work with your body to have the safest, most rewarding birth possible. 




I am often asked what sets Bradley apart from other childbirth education methods:


  • Bradley understands that every couple is unique.  Rather than offering a one-size fits all approach, Bradley classes provide recognize individual variation and provide you and your partner with multiple tools for coping with labor


 


  • Bradley classes help you tap into your innate wisdom and instinct.  Bradley teaches you and your partner how to tune into and work with your body throughout the birthing process.  Tuning into what is comfortable for you during the birth process helps to both ease and speed labor. 


 


  • The Bradley Method® helps you and your partner understand the full picture when it comes to assessing and assisting a woman in labor, including learning about the emotional signposts of labor (a much better and more accurate way of determining where a woman is at in labor). 


 


  • Bradley recognizes the value a loving, encouraging partner plays during labor.  As a result, special attention is given to preparing your partner to be fully present and able to support you throughout the birthing process.  Bradley classes help couples come together during the birth experience and create an unbreakable bond between partners.  Bradley stands out as the best way for both mom and dad to prepare for a natural birth.

  • The Bradley Method® believes it takes time to prepare for birth and parenting, and as a result classes are usually longer and more intense than other childbirth education courses. As a result, couples are often better prepared and experience an easier recovery postpartum and a smoother transition into parenthood.  Bradley classes form friendships and bonds that stand the test of time.  Classes often go on to have playgroups and support one another through the ups and downs of not only pregnancy and birth, but parenting as well.  The picture to the side is from my Bradley class almost 10 years ago, and I have stayed in touch with many of the moms from this class!

  • Bradley classes encourage moms to remain flexible about their choices during birth and remain open to whatever path labor takes.  My classes in particular are NOT anti-medicine. Rather, the class helps you build a wealth of tools to navigate the challenges of labor.  The reassuring news is that the majority of women will not need to utilize the medical toolbox in labor.  There are times, however, when medical tools are appropriate and helpful.  Bradley provides you with sound knowledge of ALL tools (both medical and natural), because the more tools you have for labor the better off you will be.      


 


  • Bradley classes teach you how to stay healthy and low risk, addressing issues during pregnancy, so you have more options available for labor and delivery.


 


  • Labor rehearsals packed full of practical suggestions and realistic scenarios are practiced throughout the course, as a result you feel confident and calm as you enter this exciting new chapter in life.


 


  •  
    Nearly 90% of women that deliver using The Bradley Method® do so without the use of medications.




 

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I am a text block. Click on me to drag me around or click a corner handle to resize me. Click the settings icon (it's the left one, looks like a cog) to change this text. You can type new text into me or cut and paste text from somewhere else. Click outside of me when you're done and any changes will be saved.

I am a text block. Click on me to drag me around or click a corner handle to resize me. Click the settings icon (it's the left one, looks like a cog) to change this text. You can type new text into me or cut and paste text from somewhere else. Click outside of me when you're done and any changes will be saved.

What Bradley Teaches


Bradley Method Classes help prepare you for a natural birth by teaching you and your partner:


*How to be an active participant in the birthing process


*Signs of labor and what to expect during each stage of  labor


*How to labor at home and when to head to the hospital


*Simple and effective strategies to cope with the physical and emotional challenges of labor including relaxation techniques, natural breathing, and movement and positions to aide labor


*A full understanding of medical options and how to best utilize them during birth     


*Creation of your own unique birthing toolbox complete with proven and practical tools for labor and birth


*Alternate paths labor can take, including induction/augmentation and cesarean birth


*How to tune into and work with your body during the birth process


*Practical ways your partner can support you in childbirth and beyond


*How to create a birth plan and partner with your healthcare provider to acheive the birth experience you desire


*Bonding with your newborn, breastfeeding basics, and common postpartum concerns