Husband-Coached Childbirth (Fifth Edition): The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth

My wife has had incredibly long and agonizing labors. The first ended with a C. The second with an epidural. Once my wife was pregnant with our third, there was a lot of discussion about what our options were. Convinced that the hospital was causing much unnecessary anxiety, her midwife suggested the Bradley Method for relaxation techniques as well as good guidance that a birth coach should provide.We took the classes and I read through this book mostly at the pace the classes outline. I am happy to announce my wife had a successful home birth with an incredibly healthy and happy baby and mother. We both feel we owe much of this success to the Bradley Method classes and the information offered in this book.This book, for the most part, should be read in conjunction with the classes. It's not that it won't offer much on it's own, but much of the material is supplemental to what you will be going over and actually practicing in the classes each week. For us spouses, there is an incredible amount of misinformation out there over our role in the process of childbirth. This book can help sort through that and explain the how's and why's of what's happening and what we can do about it.Some women seem to have no problem with labor while others need to train for a marathon. You don't know which group you fall into until you're there so it's best to just go ahead and train for the marathon. Bradley puts the pressure on (and gives the motivation to) the coach for this. The truth is, for most of us guys (presuming most coaches to be the father) we need more than to simply be told 'do this'. We like to understand the how's and why's of it all before we act. And it's not that the classes don't provide this - but once the class is over, our minds are probably on other things. Afterall, we're not the ones who are pregnant and our spouse will, at times, need our encouragement. "Yes, you need to do your exercises... I know you don't want to so I'll do them with you." I don't care who you are, that just doesn't come naturally for most of us. Setting aside a few minutes a day to read through the assigned reading can provide that needed continuous flow of information and encouragement because you know when you get into bed you really just want to go to sleep and not help your wife practice a few relaxation techniques!As far as critical comments I would say that Bradley's writing style isn't the greatest and sometimes the subject headers and flow of information seem a little haphazard. I'm more apt to blame the editors on this than the doctor, himself; not to forget the fact that he's a doctor, not a writer. But these are minor complaints.In the end you get a lot of quality information and real life experience along with practical guidance and motivation for what will likely be a marathon for you as well, even though you aren't the one in labor. Yes, you read that right, the coach needs to be prepared to help his wife through what is likely going to be the hardest thing she's ever done. I don't know how else to explain it. It's not that our work compares to labor, but someone has to say it. Your feet are going to hurt. You are going to be tired. You are going to have to think on your feet when trying to help your wife find those comfortable positions. You have to guide her through relaxing during contractions because it's unlikely she's going to remember not to tense up. You are going to need ideas for things to say outside of "You're doing great!" because without a piece of paper giving you some suggestions that's the only thing you're going to think of!And finally, at the risk of down votes, I'm a bit surprised that moms are 'screening' this for their coach. While I understand your intentions, I would only suggest that you aren't doing your coach (or yourself for that matter) any favors. Let your coach decide if it's what he wants to read - or better yet, make sure he understands that part of his support for you is going to come from reading what is clearly being prescribed for him, not the mom. It's not the most entertaining book, but I don't think it's meant to be. There is work ahead for you guys and your coach should be able to invest 10 minutes a day for 3 months (if even).

Highly recommend.The ideas in this book shine light on the importance of the father in the birthing process. It also challenges the mother to help strengthen the “birthing muscles” so her experience can be as wonderful as possible.

I received this book a mere 3 weeks before my delivery. I had been attending childbirth classes that focused on Lamaze for delivery, and I knew myself well enough to know that nothing, especially not breathing, would be enough to successfully distract me during labour. I didn't want to try to distract myself, I wanted to learn what to expect and how to manage it well. Eventually, I came across the Bradley Method. The beliefs that appealed to me were: 1) Pregnancy and childbirth are natural processes, not meant to be exceedingly stressful or damaging and 2) That proper preparation by diet and physical and mental exercises could help provide a peaceful experience. These aligned with my thoughts perfectly and I immediately wanted to learn more. Unfortunately there are no classes in my area so I purchased this book (I always choose the originals to read initially over the derivatives like Childbirth the Bradley Way, although I would have read both if I had the time).The negative reviews are true. It is old-fashioned and somewhat chauvinistic. It can be repetitive at times. However, the information within is an absolute treasure. It allowed me to prepare myself physically and mentally for the challenge of labour, and taught me to trust my body in a time when we are told to simply trust our health providers.I was in latent labour for 5 long days, while remaining perfectly comfortable. I eventually had to receive oxytocin augmentation. Everyone knows how painful that is supposed to be. However, I simply trusted my body, did my breathing exercises and allowed my body to open. I was so relaxed that I managed to fall asleep during active labour! Active labour lasted 6 hours and pushing only lasted 10 minutes, and this was a first delivery. I experienced real pain only during "crowning". Before that I experienced labour as intense pressure and stretching, but I was not in pain.Even if you can't go to the classes, or you read this book late, take the suggestions seriously and this book will be a game changer when it comes to d-day!

I extected more from this book. I didn't find it all that helpful.

Quite a heavy read and not what I was looking for. Written by a doctor and not very accessible. I ended up not finishing it.

Not sure I agree with absolutely everything, but it gives me a good insight into natural birth and some really helpful tips for my husband to feel part of the birth.

Really interesting book with many helpful tips for Mom and dad in regards to a natural birth

Was a great help for both me and my partner. Puts you in "All possible naturally" mindset.