Rating:  Summary: Completly Useless Review: A waste of money if you want to learn the basics of the Bradley Method without having to become an expert on everyone else's techniques. Also, a difficult book to read even if you understand the concepts involved. Skip this book and move on to Childbirth the Natural Way.
Rating:  Summary: There are better books for natural childbirth! Review: Being the dutiful book-worm that I am, I thought I should go to the "source" to understand the Bradley method. I would say that only 10-20% of this book was useful. It is hopelessly outdated, despite being a "revised edition"; Bradley spends the majority of the time railing/advocating against "standard" birth practices (heavy use of anaesthesia, no dads in the delivery room, etc.) that may have been the norm when he first began developing his method, but are no longer. In short, he's preaching to the choir. I read the whole thing and promised I would pick out the salient parts for my husband...those parts would comprise maybe 10 pages. So, my advice is: skip this and get McCutcheon's book instead, which is more up to date and more practical.
Rating:  Summary: Skip this and get Ms. McCutcheon's book instead Review: Being the dutiful book-worm that I am, I thought I should go to the "source" to understand the Bradley method. I would say that only 10-20% of this book was useful. It is hopelessly outdated, despite being a "revised edition"; Bradley spends the majority of the time railing/advocating against "standard" birth practices (heavy use of anaesthesia, no dads in the delivery room, etc.) that may have been the norm when he first began developing his method, but are no longer. In short, he's preaching to the choir. I read the whole thing and promised I would pick out the salient parts for my husband...those parts would comprise maybe 10 pages. So, my advice is: skip this and get McCutcheon's book instead, which is more up to date and more practical.
Rating:  Summary: very opinionated and somewhat outdated Review: Dr. Bradley has a wonderful method of natural childbirth as far as breathing and relaxation but he has very outdated views on circumcision, episiotomies, and attachment parenting. As a La Leche League Leader and a future Bradley Instructor, I would say read the book and take with you what works, such as the breathing, relaxation, and postpartum information, and leave what won't work for you.
Rating:  Summary: Amusing Review: Dr. Bradley is a narcissist. He thinks he's hilarious. There are so many cheesy lines in this book, its worth it just for giggles. At the same time, I liked reading it for the perspective he offers of what a natural childbirth can be like. True, some arguments in the book are outdated, but that just makes me grateful for the women who have gone before to make it that way.
Summary: A little bit of history, some funny stories, and some good ideas for a natural childbirth.
Rating:  Summary: Solid Introduction to the Bradley Method Review: Dr. Bradley is not shy about taking credit for developing this childbirth method, which he considers the first natural childbirth method, and his self-congratulatory style may turn some people off. However, if you want to get a good introduction to the Bradley childbirth method or even just to natural childbirth in general, this book will give you what you need. After reading this book, you should be able to decide whether or not you want to take an actual class in the method, which you'll need if you decide to actually use the techniques during childbirth.
Rating:  Summary: We used this childbirth method with our 6 children Review: Dr. Bradley revolutionized American childbirth when he began, in the 1940's, insisting that husbands coach their wives during childbirth. This was when fathers were relegated to the waiting room, and childbirth was treated like a disease that the good doctors "cured".Bradley examined the situation for himself, and realized that it was preposterous for childbirth to be handled the way it was. And a good thing for us that he did this! In this book he explains his research, and his experiences as a doctor. He also gives the practical information that expectant fathers need, and he advocates such wonderful things as breastfeeding and "taking your wife out once a week for a date!" Some women today might find him to be a bit "patriarchal", but I think he's charming, and he's obviously got a lot of respect for women and the natural processes of the female body. He does tell the husbands to make sure they get their wives to do certain things, but I think it's great that he expects husbands to take so much responsibility! In those days, childbirth and pregnancy were not in the "man's domain" at all. He also advocates drug-free childbirth as being the safest route for mother and baby. He gives a method of childbirth that helps ease the pain, and I advise pregnant women to read this section carefully, and do the exercises! It really does help! I recommend this book to anyone who is expecting, or plans to be expecting, a baby. As an advocate of natural childbirth, I give this book 2 thumbs up!
Rating:  Summary: Great source of "Bradly"information, and for Bradley fans... Review: I am going to be a broken record, and tell you , do not get this book, without getting "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way". I am a Bradley fan all around.. but I too am a fan of getting my info. from women who have "been there, done that!" He is a great advocate for women, and their needs, and their ability to have a natural birth... It is a great method, and he did women a great service - "restarting" the natural "movement"... get it used,or at the library, and as a companion book (and for the husband?)... and I agree... despite what may be implied... even thought I went naturally, yes, it did hurt - bad... but I was given the knowledge, confidence, and techniques to overcome and conquer with style! :) Good Luck!!
Rating:  Summary: This book considers both of the parents. We loved it! Review: I am so tired of books that deal with only the mother! Two people created the baby and two people should be involved in every stage of his or his/her life! We loved the book! It was so refreshing a change from all the other ones out there. The book was very informative and we don't know what we would have done with out it! Thanks Bradly!
Rating:  Summary: A Pregnancy Must Read Review: I am the mother of seven children. Four were hospital births, one a breech c-section. Two homebirths and a planned hospital birth for the little one I am currently carrying. When I told my husband I was thinking of looking into the Bradley Method of childbirth, I think he thought I had lost my mind. After all, a woman who has had six children should be able to WRITE a book! But even with my homebirths I was searching for something that had been missing in my past births. On recommendations from readers at this site, I bought McCutcheon's book instead of Bradleys. Later, a friend lent me her copy of Bradley's book. I enjoyed Bradley's book so much more! I believe McCutcheon adds to what Bradley says in this text and personally, we like the commentary *without* all the nude pictures! If you are interested in a better birth experience, try Bradley's methods, and go to the source!
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