I know Ruchika was looking into Bradley method, so here is a little info.

Breathing Techniques...
Bradley or Lamaze?
So you've heard about the \";Bradley Method\"; and also Lamaze, and probably you've heard one is great while the other sucks. Like Mac vs. PC, people tend to grab onto what has worked for them (or what has not) and throw away the other system (not too bright, neither in computers or birthing techniques -- we need Pentium technology to constantly push the envelope, and also the Macintosh so that non-literate users can actually operate computers [plus aren't those new colors really, really cute?] and we need Lamaze for down-and-dirty hands-on tools that work, and also Bradley because you need the low-down about what drugs do to your baby, and to you, and where control should be, in your hands, or in the hands of the medical profession).


In my opinion, for a first pregnancy, take Lamaze classes first. Lamaze is a little more laid back than Bradley, and offers the very best tool for ensuring a successful \";natural childbirth\"; experience: the fabulous hee-hee-hooos; in other words, a great breathing technique for managing pain.


If you can survive natural childbirth without resulting to drugs or dangerous spinal blocks (the epidural), then for your next pregnancy, TAKE THE BRADLEY CLASSES, by all means. Of the two methods, Bradley is the more complete, the more involved, offers the most hard truth, and urges natural, natural, natural -- and hey, you've made it through the first pregnancy with Lamaze, you can definitely do it now with Bradley (statistically, first-timers with Lamaze are more likely to successfully complete the \";natural\"; route, whereas first-timers with Bradley generally fall back on drugs).


Lamaze. As to the breathing technique. You NEED the hee-hee-hoooo (taking a short, fast inhalation of breath before each hee, and a longer inhalation before the hoo). It is about the best pain-management technique you have in your toolbox, outside of drugs. The many short breaths force a lot more oxygen into the blood -- much like a swimmer just before a race, hyperventilating.


Bradley. As to the breathing technique. Long, deep, relaxing breaths of air, a MUST for the intervals BETWEEN contractions. This technique does nothing for managing pain, but is necessary between contractions, to ensure the most rest possible.


SO. Use the techniques of both, if you desire a natural childbirth. Both techniques are necessary, the Lamaze breathing to BATTLE the contractions, and the Bradley breathing to REST between the contractions. You have to battle, and you have to rest, your success depends upon it.
Avi replied. Hey guys, am glad you found the articles informative.

Shruti, will surely keep you updated with any info that comes my way regarding the various childbirth method.

Cheers
-Avi Rama replied. Hi Avi,

it is a very informative article. Thanks for sharing...

shruti replied. Hi Avi,
great info here. I am from dec board but am looking for all the info about various methods of childbirth. would you mind sharing it with us dec buddies? Avi replied. Bradley Method

Also known as the original \";husband-coached\"; delivery method. Bradley teaches nutrition and exercises to prepare for the big day. Classes usually start in the 5th or 6th month of pregnancy. This method is opposite of Lamaze in that it incorporates deep breathing and coaching the laboring mom to look inward and focus upon what her body is doing - opening up to allow her baby to be born. Bradley promotes drug-free births and is used by a lot of homebirth moms. For more information contact: American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth, P.O. Box 5224, Sherman Oaks, CA 91413; 1-800-4ABIRTH

Lamaze

Developed by Dr. Ferdinand Lamaze, teaches the laboring mother to look outside her body - to a focal point - while incorporating breathing techniques to ease through labor and delivery. You may obtain more information on Lamaze by contacting the American Society for Psychoprophylaxis in Obstetrics, 1840 Wilson Blvd.., Suite 204, Arlington, VA 22201; 1-800-368-4404

A womans experience:
With my first pregnancy I took a hospital offered prepared childbirth class. While I learned a lot about hospital procedures, it still didn't fully prepare me for the event. I have since learned to read all I can on the subject - and this prepares me greatly. With my second pregnancy I sought out a Bradley Method instructor and took the Bradley Method classes. I really enjoyed the class and learned a lot. Unfortunately I ended up with an emergency cesarean - however I could still yet apply the knowledge from that class to the birth.

Before taking any class - be sure to discuss it with your doctor or midwife. Make sure that they will support you and type of education you will receive from these classes. Many hospitals and clinics offer childbirth classes - especially the prepared childbirth and Lamaze classes. With Bradley and possibly with the Grantly Dick-Read methods you'll have to seek out the individuals who teach. There is usually a charge for the individually offered classes while there may be a minimal charge for hospital/clinic offered classes - a lot of times these are free of charge if you are registered with their particular hospital or clinic. Check with your midwife/doctor and hospital to find out if there are classes offered for you.