Should You Choose The Lamaze or Bradley Method?

By Lisa Sanchez

One of the funnest things you can do in getting ready to have your baby is to go to a childbirth class. The two most popular are the Lamaze and Bradley methods.

When it comes time to begin your final trimester, it is time to begin schedulting to take a childbirth class of some kind. This is it! Your final 3 months. The two most popular methods taught in childbirth classes are the Lamaze and the Bradley methods. Women, obviously, have been giving birth for thousands of years in all cultures. The basic process is completely the same. The difference is that medical knowledge has grown and that is where the difference lies.

Most of these modern medical advancements center around the expectant mother being allowed to have a more active role of her birth, and to deliver a healthy baby.

The Bradley method was originally taught and founded by Dr. Robert Bradley in the 1940s. His teaching centered on a set of techniques to deliver without the use of drugs, a natural childbirth. The reasoning behind this was since any medication a mother receives will affect the baby. With the drugs designed today, and the dosages low enough, the odds of harm are very low.

However, completely drug-free births are not entirely without risks either. To get around the use of drugs, the Bradley method uses breathing techniques that help reduce pain and focus between contractions. There are relaxation techniques to also help rest during inactive moments. The breathing taught in Bradley classes is the primary point of education.

Lamaze (the #1 method being taught) was developed by a French physician in the 1960s. He also emphasized a natural childbirth. He wanted to also avoid the use of pain control medications and epidurals, in favor of massage, hot and cold packs, body positions, and of course, breathing techniques.

The Lamaze breathing techniques focus more so during the more active parts of delivery. It is almost like hyper-ventilating to oxygenate tissues and control pain. The focus upon your breathing, and when it is time, to push, help keep the mother's mind off the pain.

Both Bradley and Lamaze classes emphasize the importance of having a coach with you to assist in delivery. That can be your husband, family member, friend, or even a midwife. Having a coach is an emotional comfort. They will go through the childbirth classes with you, getting the same training. A coach helps maintain focus, provides physical assistance, and is there to be and encouragment and emotional support.

Research both of these methods as you enter your final trimester. Both are good, and it's hard to go wrong with either method if your goal is a natural childbirth. We don't live in the 1700's, so there is no need to rule out modern medical technology and medication if needed, but the Lamaze and Bradley Method can help you get through the labor and delivery of your baby.

Lisa Sanchez is a mother of three and the online editor for MyChildbirthGuide.com.