How to choose the best course of action for your pregnancy
Pregnancy, labor, and childbirth each require a lot of decision making that will allow you and your partner to have a unique childbirth experience. It’s like having a wedding in that all these little things come up that you had no idea you even need to think about; except with a baby, it doesn’t end after the big day of the baby’s birth.
From names to the type of crib you would like to purchase, there is no shortage of things you and your partner will need to prepare for. But one of the most important decisions pre-birth revolves around the birth itself and the ways to prepare that will ensure a safe, confident labor and delivery.
You’ve likely heard of the Lamaze Method, whether because you’ve done your research or you have seen one of the many scenes in movies dedicated to Lamaze breathing, which has essentially made “Lamaze” a generic term for all of childbirth education. But what you may not know is that there are many options. The most important factor in choosing a class is not necessarily the method, but the curriculum and the teacher.
Of course—you want to be fully prepared for your labor and birth experience. You also want that preparation to be realistic and comprehensive, affording you the ability to understand your body, plan for what you would personally like to happen, and make decisions and advocate for yourself in the moment – especially if/when things don’t go as planned. I chose to be certified through the Bradley Method®, a decision I thoroughly explain to all who inquire about my class. However, it is my deep belief and understanding that, although a foundation should exist, the learning process must not stick to rigid guidelines. I incorporate many techniques and “methods” into my own childbirth education courses.
Let’s walk through the basics:
Developed in the 1940s by American obstetrician Dr. Robert A. Bradley, the Bradley Method® is based on the idea that childbirth is a natural process. It is a simple method of increasing self-awareness and teaching a woman how to deal with the stress of labor by tuning in to her own body. The emphasis is on normal, relaxed, abdominal breathing, and the loving support of a coach, usually the woman’s partner.
The Lamaze technique was also developed in the 1940s, but by French obstetrician Dr. Fernando Lamaze, though it didn’t become popular in the United States until the 1950s. It focuses on the role of midwives in childbirth and was influenced by Soviet childbirth practices. It’s now the most popular childbirth technique in the U.S., and many people don’t even know of other options that exist.
Both techniques place a focus on the health, wellbeing, and a smooth delivery for both mother and baby. But there are some differences between the two, with pain management being the most notable.
Now let’s get into the specifics
The Bradley Method:
Bradley preparation focuses on natural childbirth philosophies and teaches parents how to best navigate any pain and discomfort that may come with childbirth. Sometimes called “husband coached childbirth,” (pretty antiquated, I know) there is great significance attached to both parents learning how to work with the stages of labor together, using relaxation methods and deep breathing.
As we all know, complications could possibly occur during birth, so while parents are encouraged to focus on natural methods of childbirth, the Bradley Method® does help by preparing for any unexpected complications that may lead to a change in their original plans. The Bradley Method® also focuses on the health of the mother and baby pre-birth, advising on diet, nutrition, and regular exercise during pregnancy for both the growth of the fetus, as well as the wellbeing of the expectant mother.
As a health coach, in addition to being a childbirth educator, I am fully aware of the connection between a healthy pregnancy and a healthy, safe labor and birth, so this is something that certainly resonates with me. Proper nutrition, pregnancy exercises, and overall physical and emotional health are topics always covered in my childbirth education classes.
During Bradley Method® classes, parents will also learn about the different stages of labor and the changing body of the mother. Fathers/partners are assigned as “coaches”, with the role of keeping the mother focused and calm, and providing continuous support, encouragement, and reassurance.The Lamaze Technique
The Lamaze Technique
The Lamaze Method also focuses on pain management during childbirth, but has a different technique—teaching the expectant mother and her partner tools they need to conserve energy and ease discomfort as it may occur during childbirth. It uses a Pavlovian response to childbirth pain (conditional reflexes) and operates on the belief that giving birth is a physical activity requiring both concentration and energy.
Lamaze focuses on deep breathing exercises and a variety of techniques used to keep women focused on the birth of their child, and not on the discomfort of labor. One common technique is concentrating on pleasant memories.
In the end, the right method depends on how the parents want to approach childbirth. Each and every woman’s (and her partner’s) childbirth experience is unique, and as an expectant mother, you have the freedom to navigate your own pregnancy in the ways that will make you most comfortable, confident, and safe.
If you’re not sure which method is right for you, never fear because Moms On Top is here. My goal is to ensure that you have all of the information needed to have a happy and healthy pregnancy.
Growing a baby inside your belly can be nerve wracking, but is one of the most rewarding and beautiful experiences life has to offer. You can and will get through it, but it’s okay to ask for help. Luckily, there are billions who have done this before and plenty of resources to aid you on your journey.
At Moms On Top, I offer a variety of childbirth education classes to suit the varying needs for each expectant mother. View my courses page to explore the different options; then get in touch with me to learn more!
