Rating: 
Summary: Dr. Bradley was my mom's doctor in 1957
Review: I've never read the book, however my mom and dad were one of Dr. Bradley's "guinea pigs". In 1957, it WAS unheard of for the father to be in the delivery room, coaching his wife. The book may sound a bit out-dated, but my mother is a strong believer, even to this day. I was her third child, and I am the only birth she remembers as an enjoyable experience. She only has GREAT things to say about Dr. Bradley. Try the book - and just remember that Dr. Bradley was delivering babies in the 50's - but it's the same way we give birth today!
Rating: 
Summary: Somewhat outdated and sexist, but still worth a read.
Review: If you are interested in the Bradley method of childbirth,
here is the method explained by the good dr. himself. Though
some of the tone here is by today's standards sexist, there is still a lot of valuable information for expectant
couples interested in birthing naturally.
Rating:
Summary: Good background to the method
Review: If you want specifics, this is not the book for you. It covers more of the history of the Bradley method and the reasoning behind it. The book is more of a "why you need the Bradley method" book, as opposed to a "here's how you do it."If you want to use the Bradley method to have a baby, you will need to enroll in Bradley classes and/or read "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way." I had my beautiful daughters using this method, and I was very pleased with it.
Rating:
Summary: Self promotion
Review: My husband and I purchased this book because we have neither the time nor money to attend classes. The book does offer some valuable information but the particulars of exercises are not described. Instead the book says that you/ your wife will learn the particulars from her Bradley teacher. The book does a good job of offering encouragement and making natural childbirth seem like an enlightening joyous occassion. Although most of the information doesn't seem dated, the refrences to opposition does. The book thinks that having a husband in the delivery room will be faced with great opposition. There are also several sentences and phrases that get repeated throughout the book as if it is trying to brainwash these ideas into your mind. Although it is a good refrence to have, it could not replace taking an actual class or having more detailed instructions.
Rating: 
Summary: There are better books for natural childbirth!
Review: My husband and I read this book, among others, as part of a Bradley natural childbirth class. I have to agree with previous reviews that I found the information to be dated- particularly the hospital horrors he describes are simply no longer existant in our community. And his take on painless childbirth didn't work for us. I did go completely natural, it did hurt, but I don't regret it and will do the same for the next one. I was a little put off by the way he makes it sounds like he invented the idea of drug-free childbirth. There are other books that I felt better informed me of what to expect and what choices I would need to make- "The Birth Partner", "Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way", "Active Birth : The New Approach to Giving Birth Naturally", or "Good Birth, Safe Birth". Good luck to all of you wanting to go natural- it's a beautiful experience!
Rating:
Summary: Relevant content. Diffcult to read. Needs pictures.
Review: One reviewer writes, "quite egotistical and sexist in tone, and very biased in pushing one way of viewing childbirth" Who cares? What about the content? ... As a "husband", here's my review ... The Goods: 1. The content. 2. He "pushes" the approach. If you understand natural childbirth, you should feel OBLIGATED to "push" this approach out of respect and care for other mothers-to-be. The Bads - the time is takes to understand or "picture" the content. If a picture is worth a thousands worth, than save me an hour - show me the picture. A more effective solution is to read "Natural Childbirth, the Bradley Way". This book is loaded with pictures and photos to explain the process far more effectively.
Rating:
Summary: I'll have another one
Review: This and all the books written by Dr. Bradley has made labor FUN for me. I love being in labor. It is a wonderful refreshing way of envisioning labor. I had one child in the hospital (horrible experience). I NEVER would want to have a happy in the hospital! The other two at home with the siblings watching and good friends and family watching nearby (midwives and assistants too). Those were the most wonderful moments of my life. I can't imagine giving birth any other way. My son who was age 3yrs at the time of the youngest birth still remembers it this day. My kids have a wonderful relationship and understands where they came from and how they are related. I often feel terrible when I hear of other people's awful "hospital, overintervention, stressful and painful labor situations" because I have experienced both and know how wonderful it is to have a beautiful labor. What helped me most about Dr. Bradley and books are the visualizations of the flower opening during labor (representing your cervix) and riding the waves out (representing the contractions). There are no silly breathing techniques for each stage of labor (who on earth can really remember those while you are in the middle of labor-much less listen to person screaming at you to breath this way or that). This book and all of Bradley books are must haves for all expecting parents! Even if you chose to go the hospital route or the medicated route Bradley can still help you through the process.
Rating:
Summary: Truly natural childbirth
Review: This book and the teachers qualified under this method have changed the way that parents look at childbirth. It is dynamite and provides the ONLY natural view of childbirth. It is must reading for all prospective parents.
Rating:
Summary: ok, but not as great as I head heard/expected
Review: This book comes across as being very dated at times, and while I did find parts of it helpful, it is not close to being my favorite childirth book purchase.
Rating:
Summary: Excellent book for parents-to-be
Review: This book is a wonderful tool for expectant parents. The Bradley method of childbirth is by far the best way for mother and child. Dr. Bradley takes you through everything you need to know to have the easiest natural childbirth. Including exercises, relaxation techniques, and correct positioning. I recommend this book for anyone even considering having a baby.
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