Dr. Robert A. Bradley, an American obstetrician, devised the Bradley technique of birthing in the 1940s. The Bradley method is now widely used.
It is distinguished for being a forerunner in the practice of including dads in the labor and delivery process, in addition to being founded on the principle of 'natural childbirth' (which excludes the use of pharmaceuticals).
A French obstetrician by the name of Dr. Fernand Lamaze devised the Lamaze method in the 1940s and subsequently named it after himself. Lamaze was influenced by Soviet birthing methods, and he notably emphasized the importance of Midwives during labor.
Lamaze was a pioneer in the childbirth education field. In the late 1950s, his approach started to acquire favor in the United States, and it has since become the delivery technique that is most usually employed.
Although the Lamaze and Bradley approaches both result in the same outcome, there are several areas in which they differ from one another.
The problem of pain management and the way in which parents approach this obstacle is the one that stands out as the most important disparity between these two delivery approaches. But what do these two approaches show, and how do they diverge from one another?
This is known as the Bradley Method
Parents learn how to control the pain of delivery through a course that lasts for twelve weeks and is based on the Bradley Method. It is also known as "the husband coached" birthing style and adheres to the philosophy that labor should be as natural as possible.
As a method of helping parents cope with childbirth, it encourages them to practice relaxation techniques like deep breathing and stretching.
The Bradley method challenges the use of medicines and cesarean sections unless they are medically required. Additionally, the Bradley method does not support the use of 'distraction' as a method for coping with labor.
Parents who take childbirth classes that emphasize the Bradley method are more prepared to handle unanticipated difficulties, such as those that may require a cesarean section or other types of medical intervention.
In addition, he provides the expecting mother with dietary and nutritional guidance that she should follow during the duration of her pregnancy. This will undoubtedly have a beneficial impact on the fetus's development and overall health.
To ensure that the expecting mother is in the best possible physical condition for labor and delivery, it is always recommended that she engage in moderate to frequent physical activity.
In addition, parents learn about the many phases of labor and are instructed on how to respond to their laboring partner's changing body through the use of the Bradley Technique. During the labor and delivery process, the duty of "Coach" is delegated to the father.
This entails the father keeping the mother focused on the task at hand, assisting the mother with breathing exercises, and providing her with lots of comfort. Additionally, a variety of massage techniques can be utilized.
The Lamaze Technique
A Pavlovian reaction to the discomfort of labor is incorporated into the Lamaze technique. Lamaze was of the opinion that giving birth is a form of physical workout that required a person to be both energetic and focused. His technique focuses on providing the expecting spouse with a variety of instruments to alleviate discomfort and save energy in order to regulate pain when it happens. This is done in order to manage the pain more effectively.
As a method of relieving the discomfort associated with labor, the Lamaze Technique instructs expectant parents to guide the expecting mother through a series of deep breathing exercises and a variety of "distraction" techniques.
These techniques may include encouraging the woman to focus on happy memories.
It is common practice in Lamaze childbirth classes to encourage the use of "birthing balls," heat and cold packs, and alternating between the two to relieve contractions as well as the advantages associated with shifting positions throughout the birthing process.
In comparison to the Bradley Method, the Lamaze Philosophy is far less structured. It provides the parents with all of the data while at the same time allowing the pair to utilize the knowledge in ways that are beneficial to them.
The more permissive approach takes neither a pro-narcotic nor an anti-narcotic stance when it comes to pain medication, in addition to other medical and surgical choices. The decision-making power here belongs to the couple.
Conclusion
Both the Bradley method and the Lamaze method of childbirth have a number of minor distinctions, as well as a number of parallels. The fundamental distinction lies in the fact that the Bradley technique directs women to concentrate on finding ways to regulate their own discomfort. They are instructed, in accordance with the Lamaze method, to divert their attention away from it.
There are certain similarities, such as the practice of deep breathing methods, the promotion of suitable activity for the mother to do while she is pregnant, and the participation of both parents in the process of giving birth to the child.
Before making a final choice on which birthing class to enroll in, it is in the best interest of families who are expecting a child to consult with either their obstetrician or their midwife in order to obtain as much relevant information as they can.
It is usually better to pick the manner of delivery that most appeals to each individual partner since it will allow them to feel in charge and, as a result, experience the kind of childbirth that is most appropriate for their requirements.