The 101 on Bradley vs Lamaze Childbirth Techniques

Bradley method of childbirth was developed in 1940 by Dr. Robert A. Bradley, an American obstetrician. It is based on the philosophy of 'natural childbirth' (drug free) and was a pioneer in the involvement of fathers during the birth process.

Lamaze technique was founded in 1940 by Dr. Fernand Lamaze, a French obstetrician. Lamaze was influenced by Soviet childbirth practices and he particularly endorsed the role of midwives during childbirth. His method began to gain popularity in the U.S. in the late 1950s and is now commonly used techniques of delivery.

Although both Lamaze and Bradley techniques lead to the same result, they differ in various ways. The most significant contrast between the birth of this method is the question of pain and how parents cope with this challenge, but what these two methods reveal and how they differ?

Bradley Technique

Bradley Method is a twelve week course that teaches parents how to control the pain of childbirth. It advocates the philosophy of natural childbirth and is also called "husband coached 'birth technique. She encourages parents to use deep breathing and relaxation exercises as a means of coping with work.

Bradley approach rejects the idea of 'interference' as a way of resolving disputes with the delivery and use of painkillers and cesarean sections unless absolutely necessary. However, classes that focus on the Bradley technique to prepare parents for unexpected complications that can result in Caesarean section or other forms of intervention. Its methods include advice on diet and nutrition for the mother during her pregnancy, which inevitably has a positive effect on growth and welfare of the fetus. expectant mother always encouraged to take reasonable and regular exercise, so she is properly conditioned to give birth. Bradley Technique also educates parents about the different stages of work and teaches them how to react to the mother's changing body. Father was assigned the role of 'coach' during the birth process, keeping the mother focused on the task at hand, help with breathing exercises and gives a lot of persuasion. Various forms of massage can also be used.

Lamaze Technique

Lamaze Technique uses a Pavlovian response to the pain of childbirth. Lamaze believed that giving birth is a physical exercise that requires energy and concentration. His method focuses on arming the expectant couple with various tools to ease the discomfort and energy conservation in order to control the pain as it happens. Lamaze Technique encourages the couple to use deep breathing exercises and various 'distraction' techniques, which may include concentrating on pleasant memories, as a way of distracting the woman from the pain of labor. Lamaze childbirth classes often recommend the benefits associated with changing positions during labor, as well as using hot and cold packs and 'birth balls' to ease contractions. Lamaze Philosophy is not as regimented as the Bradley method. It gives parents all the facts, but allows the couple leverage to use the information in a way that work for them. It's more liberal approach offers a neutral position with regard to pain medication, along with other medical and surgical options. That has left the couple to decide.

Conclusions

There are many subtle differences and similarities between the Bradley and Lamaze birth techniques.
The main difference is that the Bradley method sends women to focus on controlling their pain. Although the Lamaze technique they have learned to distract from it.
Similarities include the use of deep breathing techniques, encouraging appropriate exercise for the mother during her pregnancy, and involvement of both parents in the process of birth.

for future family the best option is to gather as much information as possible from any of their obstetrician or midwife before making a decision about which company to attend childbirth classes.
It is always advisable to choose a method of birth that most appeals to everyone, the individual couple, as it will allow them to feel in control and therefore experience a form of delivery that best suits their needs.