| The Bradley method of childbirth was developed in the | | | | reassurance. Different forms of massage can also be |
| 1940's by Dr. Robert A. Bradley, an American | | | | used. |
| Obstetrician. It is based on the philosophy of 'natural | | | | The Lamaze Technique |
| childbirth' (drug free) and was pioneering in the | | | | The Lamaze Technique uses a Pavlovian response to |
| involvement of fathers during the birthing process. | | | | the pain of childbirth. Lamaze believed that giving birth |
| The Lamaze technique was also established in the | | | | was a physical exercise that requires both energy and |
| 1940's by Dr. Fernand Lamaze, a French Obstetrician. | | | | concentration. His method focuses on arming the |
| Lamaze was influenced by Soviet childbirth practices | | | | expectant couple with various tools to ease |
| and he particularly endorsed the role of Midwives | | | | discomfort and conserve energy in order to control |
| during labor. His method began to gain popularity in the | | | | pain as it occurs. |
| USA in the late 1950's and is now the most commonly | | | | The Lamaze Technique encourages the couple to use |
| used childbirth technique. | | | | deep breathing exercises and various 'distraction' |
| While both the Lamaze and Bradley techniques lead to | | | | techniques, which can include concentrating on |
| the same outcome, they differ in a variety of ways. | | | | pleasant memories, as a way of distracting the |
| The most significant contrast between these birthing | | | | woman from the pain of labor. |
| methods is the issue of pain management and how | | | | Lamaze childbirth classes often recommend the |
| parents confront this challenge. But what do these two | | | | benefits associated with changing positions during the |
| methods reveal and how do they differ? | | | | birth, as well as the use of hot and cold packs and |
| The Bradley Technique | | | | 'birthing balls' to ease contractions. |
| The Bradley Method is a twelve week course that | | | | The Lamaze Philosophy is not as regimented as the |
| teaches parents how to control the pain of childbirth. It | | | | Bradley Method. It gives parents all the facts, yet |
| advocates natural childbirth philosophies and is also | | | | allows the couple leverage to use the information in |
| called 'the husband coached' birthing technique. It | | | | ways that work for them. It's more liberal approach |
| encourages parents to use deep breathing and | | | | offers a neutral position with regards to pain |
| relaxation exercises as a means of coping with labor. | | | | medication along with other medical and surgical |
| The Bradley approach rejects the idea of 'distraction' | | | | options. This is left for the couple to decide. |
| as a way of dealing with childbirth and disputes the | | | | Conclusion |
| use of painkillers and cesarean sections unless | | | | There are many subtle differences and similarities |
| absolutely necessary. | | | | between the Bradley and Lamaze birthing techniques. |
| However, classes that focus on the Bradley technique | | | | The primary difference is that the Bradley method |
| do prepare parents for unexpected complications | | | | instructs women to focus on controlling their pain. While |
| which may result in a cesarean section or other forms | | | | according to the Lamaze technique, they are taught to |
| of intervention. His methods also include advice on | | | | distract from it. Similarities include the use of deep |
| nutrition and diet for the Mother during her pregnancy, | | | | breathing techniques, the encouragement of |
| which inevitably has a positive effect on the growth | | | | appropriate exercise for the Mother during her |
| and wellbeing of the fetus. The expectant Mother is | | | | pregnancy, and the involvement of both parents in the |
| always encouraged to take reasonable and regular | | | | birthing process. |
| exercise, so that she is properly conditioned to give | | | | For expectant families the best option is to gather as |
| birth. | | | | much information as possible from either their |
| The Bradley Technique also educates parents about | | | | Obstetrician or Midwife, before making a firm decision |
| the different stages of labor and teaches them how to | | | | on which childbirth class to attend. It is always |
| react to the Mother's changing body. The Father is | | | | preferable to choose the birthing method that most |
| assigned the role of 'Coach' during the birthing process, | | | | appeals to each, individual couple, as it will allow them |
| keeping the Mother focused on the task at hand, | | | | to feel in control and therefore experience the form of |
| helping with breathing exercises and giving plenty of | | | | childbirth which best suits their needs. |