Childbirth Education

By Sarah Mosskoff

Childbirth education is a must for expecting parents. Knowing what is going on inside of you, as well as preparing for delivery creates beautiful memories.

Knowing that birth is a normal, natural process for a woman’s body will greatly reduce stress, fear, and anxiety. Learning relaxation techniques will greatly minimize the pain of child birth. Take the time to explore diffent forms of childbirth education classes, books, DVD's and other resources so that you can make informed decisions before, during, and after birth.

Childbirth education classes are kept small so that your instructor can get to know you and customize a class that meets your needs. For the Bradley method, classes average 3-6 couples per course. The Bradley method is a comprehensive program that includes instruction on childbirth, birth, and postpartum issues. Bradley classes teach families how to have natural births.

The Bradley Method of child birth was developed by Obstetrician Robert Bradley back in 1965. These classes cover a few topics that are rarely discussed in other classes like: how to reduce the need for an episiotomy and the likelihood of a tear, how to avoid needing a cesarean, how to make the best of it if a cesarean is necessary, and even such topics as what the coach should do if the infant is accidentally born in the car.

Bradley classes cover it all: nutrition, exercise, being more comfortable during pregnancy, the coaches role, introductory information about labor and birth, advanced procedures for labor and birth, complications, C-sections, postpartum care, breastfeeding and caring for your brand new little boy or girl. Of the hundreds of thousands of "Bradley-trained" couples nationwide, over 86% of them have had spontaneous, unmedicated vaginal births.

The Bradley Method of child birth came from Dr Robert Bradleys belief that birth is a natural process, that women could handle the labor and delivery without drugs or interventions. Small classes are also important so that you will have the space to do plenty of practice in the classroom. For those interested in attending a childbirth education class, the Bradley Method has assisted many mothers-to-be to experience a natural childbirth. Second to Lamaze, the Bradley Method is probably the most recognized name in natural child birth.

You and your doctor will need to decide what's best for you and your baby. The instruction contained herein should not be used in place of, or in conjunction with, a doctor’s recommendation. Prior to deciding either for or against natural child birth, the expectant mother must consult a licensed physician for proper diagnosis and a recommendation.

Sarah Mosskoff received her masters degree in early childhood education and is the mother of two kids.