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| |    Methods of Prepared Childbirth by Lisa Rodriguez, R.N. and Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. reviewed and revised by Marjorie Greenfield, M.D. Three main methods of prepared childbirth Many instructors include elements from each of the three major methods, plus guided imagery, music therapy, and other relaxation techniques. Classes often also cover changes in your body during the pregnancy and some information on newborn care. The Dick-Read method The Grantly Dick-Read method, which dates back to the 1940's and 1950's, is one of the first organized approaches to childbirth education. This theory assumes that lack of knowledge about childbirth, or incorrect knowledge, leads to fear. This fear causes tension, which then contributes to increased pain. Therefore, understanding how labor affects different parts of the body can help to do away with unnecessary fears. Classes emphasize understanding what you are experiencing during childbirth. This method was also the first to introduce the father onto the delivery scene. This, as well as the Lamaze and Bradley methods, encourage the woman to experience and accept the contractions during labor and delivery. The Lamaze method This method, named for Dr. Fernand Lamaze, prepares you to deal actively with contractions. Each woman is conditioned (trained) to respond to her contractions with relaxation. Breathing exercises contribute to the achievement of relaxation and act as a distraction to the woman who is experiencing discomfort. The Lamaze method integrates the father of the baby as a coach and encourages couples to share in the birth of their child. Lamaze is currently one of the more popular approaches to managing the pain of labor. The Bradley method Dr. Robert Bradley adopted many of the same theories as Dr. Grantly Dick-Read. His method emphasizes the father's role as coach, based on the belief that the father's active participation is vital to the childbirth experience. Couples learning the Bradley method often attend classes much earlier in the pregnancy, some starting as soon as the pregnancy is confirmed. Dr. Bradley believes that the special breathing techniques used in other methods can lead to exhaustion, dizziness, hyperventilation, and possibly a decrease in oxygen to the fetus. Instead, he believes a woman should continue to breathe normally through labor and on to delivery. The coach's role is to constantly monitor the woman's relaxation and redirect her to find the relaxation state if he notes tension. A fourth method: Hypno-birthing This technique of self-hypnosis is fairly new on the prepared childbirth scene, and may not yet be available in your area. Hypno-birthing involves using the power of suggestion and very deep relaxation. For more information check out www.hypnobirthing.com. Contact your practitioner's office, your local hospital or your area childbirth education association for more information.
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