Any mom-to-be and her coach will find The Bradley Method® valuable. The twelve in-depth classes teach techniques which are applicable in any birth location (hospital, birth center, or home) with any qualified birth attendant. Every class has a specific topic that is covered in detail, introduces a new relaxation technique to be practiced for the week, and features an instructional video.

Class #1 – Introduction to The Bradley Method®
This class deals with the Bradley Method® history, philosophy and goals. During this class, we will begin to study things you can do to keep yourself healthy and low risk during pregnancy such as doing important pregnancy exercises. Lastly, a discussion will address how to handle pain in labor and ways to avoid unnecessary pain.

Class #2 – Nutrition in Pregnancy
The primary focus of this class is on nutrition. We will discuss good nutrition during pregnancy, help you to evaluate your diet, and suggest ways to improve it if necessary. Other topics in this class include sex during pregnancy, abdominal breathing and breastfeeding.

Class #3 – Pregnancy
During this class, we will discuss the many changes your body goes through during pregnancy. We will focus on anatomy and physiology as well as common discomforts and how to handle them naturally and address some of the many choices you face regarding labor and birth.

Class #4 – The Coach’s Role
This is the first of two classes that focus on pregnancy and childbirth from the coach’s point of view. In this session we will discuss: coaching during pregnancy, the importance of natural childbirth, bonding, the father’s role in breastfeeding, and discuss drugs, myths and birthing.

Class #5 – Introduction to First Stage Labor
This class is on how your body works in first stage labor. We will cover anatomy and physiology of first stage, stressing our respect for the natural process and examining the built-in safeguards for you and your baby. Basic coaching techniques and standard hospital admitting and prepping procedures will be covered.

Class #6 – Introduction to Second Stage Labor
This class is how your body works in the second stage of labor. We will cover the anatomy and physiology of second stage labor stressing our respect for the natural process and examining the built-in safeguards for you and your baby. Other topics to be covered are the natural alignment plateau, the fetal Heimlich maneuver, basic pushing techniques, second stage positions, as well as the coach’s role during this stage.

Class #7 – Planning your Birth
Class seven covers consumer information and how to make a birth plan. We will discuss: what your choices are, the importance of evaluating your feelings and listing your priorities, and meeting with your medical team to discuss your choices in a positive way. There is also a first stage labor rehearsal in this class.

Birthing Class, sketch by former student Lois Keller, 2002

Class #8 – Variations and Complications/Postpartum Preparation
This class covers two units of information. The first is discussing various complications including cesarean surgery: how to avoid these problems if possible, how to evaluate whether it is necessary to intervene, and how to handle interventions that become necessary. The second portion of class is devoted to you taking care of yourself after the baby is born.

Class #9 – Advanced First Stage Techniques
This class is filled with advanced coaching techniques dealing directly with the challenge of handling first stage labor. We will go over an in-depth study guide of first stage labor so that you can be sure you are well prepared. We will also have a labor rehearsal and do some role playing.

Class #10 – Advanced Second Stage Techniques
This class begins with an advanced labor rehearsal which helps to pull together all of the information you have learned so far. We will go over an in-depth study guide of the second stage of labor to be sure that you fully understand and are prepared for this part of labor.

Class #11 – Being a Great Coach/Are You Ready?
At this point we will go over the B.E.S.T. techniques for labor and birth as a comprehensive review of the most important points you will use while in labor. This class also covers information for coaches on how to handle the challenges they will face in labor. Emergency childbirth will be discussed, just in case the baby comes before you get where you’re going.

Class #12 – Preparing for Your New Family
The last of our twelve week series begins with an advanced labor rehearsal. Our final topics will be: newborn care, mothering, fathering, breastfeeding, how to handle a crying baby, and adjusting to the many changes you will face during this time.

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