Childbirth is painful, and modern medicine provides many coping methods. Two-thirds of laboring women in the U.S. use epidurals for pain control, according to Epidural Analgesia in Labor, which appeared in the August 2004 issue of "Continuing Education in Anaesthesia, Critical Care and Pain." Some women desire unmedicated childbirth. Obstetrician Robert Bradley, disturbed by the side effects of pain medications, established breathing techniques to assist women in achieving natural childbirth. The Bradley Method emphasizes deep, slow abdominal breathing. Expectant parents learn Bradley breathing techniques through trademarked childbirth classes.
Preparation and Practice
Step 1
Research different pain relief methods and discuss them with your doctor.
Step 2
Read Bradley's book, "Husband-Coached Childbirth: The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth." Borrow the book from a library, or buy your own copy. Some portions of the book are available online at no cost.
Step 3
Locate and register for a Bradley class series. Certified Bradley instructors, who undergo yearly continuing education, teach these classes.
Step 4
Attend your Bradley class series with your support person. Bradley classes last for 12 weeks. Expectant mothers attend the classes beginning in the fifth month of pregnancy to allow ample time to practice the breathing techniques before labor begins.
Step 5
Practice the deep breathing and relaxation methods at home, with the assistance of your support person. Bradley recommends using pillows to support your upper body at a 30-degree angle, to simulate the position of a hospital bed.
Bradley Breathing During Labor and Birth
Step 1
Call your doctor when you think you are in labor, and keep him updated regarding the frequency and strength of your contractions. Your doctor will tell you when you need to come to the hospital.
Step 2
Breathe deeply and slowly during early labor, as you learned in class. Relax your jaw and close your eyes. Enlist your support person to observe and coach you in proper breathing techniques.
Step 3
Continue to use deep abdominal breathing as labor intensifies. Avoid moving or speaking during contractions. Bradley theorized that a relaxed abdomen allows the uterus to contract more efficiently.
Step 4
Push during second stage labor by breathing in and out three times as the contraction begins, then holding your breath and pressing your chin to your chest for each push. In his book "Husband-Coached Childbirth," Bradley discussed his dislike of panting during labor as taught in other natural childbirth methods. Bradley believed that panting encouraged hyperventilation.
Step 5
Hold and enjoy your baby after the birth. The Bradley Method emphasizes skin-to-skin contact and early breastfeeding, although the timing will depend on the health status of both you and your baby.
