Husband-Coached Childbirth (Fifth Edition): The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth Paperback – May 20, 2008

Great book! It was so much helpful information and pain management techniques. I’d definitely recommend to anyone preparing to give birth

We used this book in preparation for the birth of my first daughter in tandem with attending the Bradley Method classes. I ended having a somewhat fast labor first labor (12 hours start to finish) and a lot of the positions recommended in the book weren't really that helpful because it was so quick, but it was SO helpful for knowing emotional signposts of labor and for preparing my husband to be a supportive labor partner.With my first, my midwife wanted to actually send me home from the birthing center because I was only dilated to a three, but based on how I felt emotionally, we refused to go home. I ended up having my daughter one hour after they tried to send me home. I would have had her in the car or at my house if I had not studied this method. I had her without any pain medication, and felt AMAZING after giving birth. Birth was painful, but it was always bearable, and I was able to gage how far along I was really based on the emotional signposts and confidence the book gives you.With my second, I tried Hypnobirthing because I heard some women say birth wasn't painful at all, and that sounded quite lovely. Despite being a great student, it really didn't work for me at all, and we ended up going back to the Bradley Method guidelines when I was in the thick of labor because that is what made the most sense to me. My daughter ended up being 10.5 pounds, and I was able to have her at home with zero pain meds. So all in all, I'd say I am a tremendous success story from using this book. If anyone asks how I had my babies med free, I will always recommend this book.

"Husband-Coached Childbirth" by Dr. Robert A. Bradley is an invaluable resource for expectant parents seeking a natural childbirth experience. This fifth edition continues to uphold the principles of the Bradley Method, offering comprehensive guidance and support for couples preparing for labor and delivery.What sets this book apart is its emphasis on the role of the partner as a coach and advocate during childbirth. Dr. Bradley's approach empowers couples to work together as a team, with the partner providing essential support and encouragement throughout the birthing process. This collaborative approach fosters a sense of partnership and strengthens the bond between partners during this transformative experience.The book is filled with practical information and techniques to help couples prepare for childbirth, including relaxation exercises, breathing techniques, and strategies for managing pain naturally. Dr. Bradley's clear and accessible writing style makes complex medical concepts easy to understand, ensuring that readers feel confident and informed as they approach childbirth.Furthermore, "Husband-Coached Childbirth" promotes a holistic approach to childbirth that prioritizes the physical, emotional, and psychological well-being of both mother and baby. Dr. Bradley advocates for natural childbirth as a safe and empowering option for women, while also acknowledging the importance of medical interventions when necessary.One of the most compelling aspects of the book is the inclusion of real-life birth stories from couples who have successfully used the Bradley Method. These personal accounts provide inspiration and reassurance to readers, illustrating the effectiveness of the techniques and the profound impact of supportive partner involvement.In conclusion, "Husband-Coached Childbirth (Fifth Edition): The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth" is a must-read for expectant parents seeking a natural and empowering childbirth experience. Dr. Bradley's compassionate and informative approach, coupled with practical guidance and real-life stories, makes this book an indispensable resource for anyone preparing for the miracle of 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).