Since we are having a baby, I have been reading birthing books. Andrea and I have decided to go the midwife/birthcenter route, because we want personalized care and a medication free birth. In preparation for that I read this book.
The most striking statement in the book is that 90% of births that follow the Bradley Method are completely unmedicated. The other interesting comment is most hospital doctors have not been trained for the "normal", natural birth. They have been trained for births that need intervention; therefore, they are more apt to perform some type of intervention because they don't know if what is happening is "normal".
As with every area of life, it is our responsibility to be informed (critical thinking informed) and not simply rely on the information from any single source (e.g. doctor). The Bradley Method is really about being informed and aware of what is happening physiologically as birth occurs and working with the body. They have found that the biggest hindrance to labor progressing is the mother inadvertently fighting against the what is going on.
Another big component of the Bradley Method is the coach, who also understands the birth stages and supports and encourages the mother. They believe and recommend the best coaches are husbands. I think that is perfect.
I am not sure what else to say about the book in regards to details. I would recommend it to anyone that is going to have a baby. The method can be applied in the hospital and we have friends that have done that. It is a good counter-perspective to the established medical practice.
Two baby thumbs way up!
Daddy Ride
9 years ago
2 comments:
I have been wanting to read this book and your review definitely makes me want to make sure Steve reads it too! I think Heidi has one and used this, did she lend you guys the book? If so, do you think I can borrow it for a couple weeks when you are done? If not, I think I'll try to see if a library has a copy to check out.
Haha, "two baby thumbs" :)
I just read a blog of a mother who gave birth at home. It was fascinating. She was in hard labor for 2 hours and pushing for 15 minutes! WOW! It was neat because labor started early in the morning and her other children woke up to the sound of their new brother crying.
Good review, I don't need to read the book yet though :)
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