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Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: Revised Edition by Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg
Book Summary InformationAuthor: Susan McCutcheon-Rosegg Illustrator: Erick Ingraham Illustrator: Robin Yoko Burningham Introduction: Robert A. Bradley Edition: Paperback Audio: English (Unknown); English (Original Language); English (Published) Published: 1996-07-01 ISBN: 0452276594 Number of pages: 272 Publisher: Plume Book Product features: - ISBN13: 9780452276598
- Condition: New
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Book Reviews of Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: Revised EditionBook Review: Very informative and practical Summary: 4 Stars
Overview: This book is written by a trained Bradley Method instructor and is intended to be read alongside Bradley childbirth classes. Unfortunately, these classes are not available where we live. The Bradley Method of childbirth is also known as "husband-coached childbirth," therefore much of this book is addressed toward the husband or coach. It deals primarily in relaxation-based pain management.
Part I: Getting Ready
The first nine chapters of this book are dedicated to general topics for preparing for birth during early and mid-pregnancy. Covered topics include nutrition, choosing a doctor, and choosing a childbirth teacher. There is also a very informative comparison made between the Bradley Method and Lamaze. I found it pretty heavily against Lamaze, although this can be expected from someone promoting a differing method of birthing. The last two chapters in this section were particularly helpful. Chapter eight is "The Mechanics of Labor and Birthing." The author walks the reader through three stages of labor and clearly describes, in detail, how the body works in understandable layman's terms. This chapter fascinated me as I marveled at how well designed the female body is for giving birth! What an Architect! The last chapter in this section, "Exercises: Getting Your Body Ready for Birthing" provides step-by-step instructions for a few simple exercises pregnant women can regularly do to prepare for birth.
Part II: The First Stage of Birth
The next six chapters of the book pertain to laboring. The main focus and mantra of the Bradley Method is: RELAXATION. What I find particularly helpful in this book are the "practice exercises." For each section, the author explains what the body is or could be doing during labor, then how the birthing mother should react in theory, and then clear, practical instructions for the mother and the coach to practice. The author provides a methods and positions for relaxation in this section.
Part III: The Second Stage of Birth
These four chapters mainly discuss the pushing stage of birth or delivery. Chapter sixteen gives very practical advice on a few pushing positions, breathing instructions for the pushing stage, and exercises to practice pushing contractions. It should be noted that there are many graphic photos in this section of the book. In this section you will also find a separate chapter devoted to alternative positions for the pushing stage, information about pushing twins, and breech birth. Chapter eighteen breaks down the different drugs often used during childbirth. Of course, since the Bradley Method is a natural childbirth method, the author has an ax to grind with the use of drugs during childbirth, but it is, nonetheless, very informative. Chapter nineteen is devoted to rehearsing the second stage of labor and has various exercises to do so. It also includes a short bit on the third stage of labor, expulsion of the placenta.
Part IV: Controversies in Childbirth
This section covers the episiotomy, ceasarean surgery, IVs, inducing labor, and other forms of medical intervention. The author explains the over and unnecessary use of many of these medical procedures. Chapter twenty-three provides numerous questions for your physician as well as the author's opinion on what his/her answers should be. The last chapter of the book details breastfeeding, which, to be honest, I did not finish since I have an entire book to read about breastfeeding.
Things I loved about this book:
* The practical exercises
* The, very frequent, "to the coach" sections--loved how much the husband is incorporated into the process! This book is clearly not written just for women.
* The clear explanation of the anatomy and function of the body during childbirth
* The clear diagrams accompanying explanations
* The organization of the book
Things I wasn't crazy about in the book:
* The instillation of fear of the hospital--could have been a little more balanced here
* Super-graphic photos--although helpful, some were a little unnecessarily over-the-top
Summary of Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way: Revised EditionSince the Bradley method was first introduced in 1970, a growing number of expectant parents have opted for natural childbirth, knowing that it's safer than medicated or surgical delivery. But where can parents-to-be go for information on how to have a successful Bradley birth? This book provides all the answers, offering sound advice on how to prepare physically for labor and what to expect during each of its stages. Photos & line drawings.
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