I recieved this product just as it was listed. It is a great book. I would recommend any mother to be or father to be read it. Very haplful!

This is a very good book. I found it when looking for something for my daughter and son-in-law, expecting their first baby. It supplants Thank You, Dr. Lamaze, with the latest information on home birth without drugs and medical paraphernalia. My daughter had her baby at home with a midwife, and is so grateful for the information in this book. I hope it's instrumental in a revolution in childbirth in this country

This is a great source of information, whether or not you have taken the Bradley classes. It helped me to get a better feel for the classes and what they contain.

My only complaint is that this has not been revised since 1996.

We were looking for a natural childbirth experience and this book made that dream a reality. We couldn't afford to take childbirth prep classes so I read this text; it included everything I wanted to know and needed to know to bring about a wonderful birth experience. I definitely recommend reading this if you want to avoid taking drugs during labor or if you don't care about drugs but just want an amazing birth experience.

Extremely well written, can't say much for the 1970's pictures *ha* but very detailed about the step-by-step of labor preparations. I remembered it all in labor, which was amazing. I use the techniques even now, not pregnant, but just to relax at night before I sleep.

To make the Bradley Method work, I advise you to get your partner or birthing coach to read it, also!

My whole life I never wanted to have children because I was afraid to give birth. But then after finding out I was pregnant with twins I needed to find some way to calm my fears and move forward. I was strongly against having a c-section, and this book was what empowered me to voice my opinion to my doctors and nurses during my time of need. Even though I ended up giving birth 2 months early (with twins this involved a lot of intervention) I was able to give birth naturally (though not drug free), but that was the most important to me... to let the babies come when they needed to come, and to go with your own body's flow - it is very important to be educated and informed with childbirth decision making!! And to choose an educated doctor as well - mine was fine with delivering twins vaginally, even though they were 2 months early. She was also upset that the hospital wanted to set me up for a c-section even though both babies were head down. This book will let you know where you need to have strength and get through your pregnancy and delivery!!

This book is absolutely wonderful :) Gives perfect instruction for a perfect birth. If you are about to have a baby, this book should be read!

I am not a big reader, but this book was easy to read. It kept things really simple. I also liked that it separated my job versus my husband's job. I ended up having a c-section so we were unable to put all the knowledge that this book provided to use. As they say, "knowledge is power," and this book provided the peace of mind i needed during my pregnancy.

This book was part of the Bradley Method class I took in preparation for having my first child. It is a good overview of that method of childbirth, giving thorough explanations of the theories behind the Bradley Method.

I had heard a lot about the Bradley method as I progressed through my pregnancy, but I was unable to find a class in my area. This book was a disappointing alternative. The first half is essentially why every other method is wrong. The author has a tendency to harp on about Lamaze and traditional midwife methods in favor of the only right way. I'm glad I read the book, but borrow it from the library. Don't waste your money.

This book was great. It was exactly what I was looking for. With my first child, I tried Lamaze for about two seconds before deciding I could do better just using my own common sense. The Bradley method was recommended to me for my second birth. Although we haven't gotten to use the method yet, I am very excited to try it and enjoy practicing. This book is great at explaining the method thoroughly and advising you what to do when. My only complaint would be that some of the information regarding hospital/doctor policies tends to be a little over-exaggerated and would probably scare a lot of women right out of a hospital birth. Overall, I think this book is very helpful and I enjoyed reading it.

This book was very helpful to me and my husband and gave us plenty of tips to would be helpful throughout my pregnancy and birth. It gave a variety of ways for my husband to help ease the pressure/pain, encourage me when I feel like I can't do it, and to coach me during labor. It encourages the active participation of the husband/partner. As a huge pain wimp this book, along with Husband Coached Childbirth, helped me prepare for the birth of our 9 pound baby girl! I had a wonderful, natural, drug free, intervention free childbirth!!! If I can do it anyone can!!!!

This is a great guide to preparing for natural childbirth. The techniques are very helpful in guiding both mom and dad and learning about what to expect. My only suggestions are to do some serious updating on the birth statistics (old numbers), and to use some more updated illustrations - I think people get really turned off by it seeming so out of date. Still, the illustrations are applicable and helpful, if not a little corny seeming because of their obvious "vintage" appearances.

Great book, essential if you are planning to have a natural childbirth. Although I am taking Bradley classes, I would feel comfortable and confident that I could have a natural childbirth after reading this book -Bradley classes are a little expensive. Some of the relaxation exercises are a little cheesey, but they get the point across.

A very practical, step-by-step overview of the labour process, including simple to understand diagrams. By uncovering the physical process of labour, I feel more confident to understand and handle, without intervention, the labour process. It's a simple read and so I've asked my husband to read certain chapters also so he can better understand and be prepared also.

Other than the method itself, this book is really outdated. So much has changed in the healthcare world since 1987, there are standards in care that every hospital must abide by. As far as the method....it seems to be really helpful, I will try and use this method at my up and coming childbirth. I had wished there were more instruction on the exercises, rather than just relying on pictures.

I used the Bradley Method to deliver in the late 70's, early 80's. Now my girls are having kids and this book is just as informative NOW as it was 25 years ago. Wonderfully full of information you just don't get from hear say. Well written and easy to understand.

If you're having a baby, or trying to, get this book. Once you're in your second trimester, find a Bradley method teacher. You'll find how amazingly this method can improve your childbirth process and dramatically shorten recovery.

I have read the book with my husband while pregnant with my first baby, terrified of delivering the baby. The ideas in this book sound beautiful, and at the time they made me feel better, but I wish I never read it. It made things much worse for me during labor as it pushed me to make wrong choices, such as asking for "less drugs". Now I know better. Getting an epidural does not hurt! It does not affect awareness or pushing! Baby is born aware and strong! It takes nothing from the experience, and you still feel the pain at the end, and enough of it, believe you me. I wish I got more drugs, not less. All "bad" epidurals happened 10 years ago. That was when the Bradley method last made sense.

I bought this book hoping to pick up some tips on making birth easier, along with information on the birthing process to help me become better informed. While the book does a great job of explaining birth, it is not the best option for those women looking for additional help - it promotes a serious commitment to the Bradley method, including weeks and weeks of Bradley classes. In short, while informative, this book is really aimed at women intent on practicing the Bradley method who have plenty of time to devote to finding Bradley classes, along with doctors/midwives who are comfortable with the method.

I love the Bradley method of childbirth. This book does a great job of presenting the Bradley Method

This book will help women of all ages to become empowered through knowledge, natural birthing techniques and choices that are our given right. More women need to become aware of the alternate, natural ways that women's bodies were designed to give birth. This book is an excellent resource, especially if used as an additional reference to a Bradley Method- Childbirthing class. I've read through this book 2 times already in preparation for my natural, unmedicated child birth. I've also seen many friends and family members who have successfully used this method of birthing and achieved the highest level of satisfaction with their deliveries.

The Bradley book contains outdated information and there are simply better book to get this same information like Ina May's Guide to Childbirth or The Official Lamaze Guide. The exercises outlined in the book are extremely helpful but the instructions in the book are inadequate to properly explain how to do them and without taking a Bradley class I'd be quite confused on some. While they cover many birth positions, the author has definite opinions on which she prefers instead of supporting the idea that a woman should choose what works best for her. On a picker note, the pictures are distracting the men are pictured in 70's swimwear next to their naked wives, simply put the book needs an update (last one was over 20 yrs. ago).

In 1982 I gave birth to my first child and used the Lamaze method which was absolutely useless. Panting and blowing air does not, I repeat, does not lessen the pain of childbirth. After 30 hours of labor and two hours of pushing ending with an episiotomy and forceps, I decided to look into other methods for my second child. I studied the original Childbirth the Bradley Way quite diligently and my second childbirth experience was amazing. It was difficult to maintain the muscle relaxation but I was truly in control of my pain! I cannot say enough positive about using the Bradley Method. So if this book seems outdated in other information as some other reviews have noted, just ignore that and study the actual method till you KNOW it and you will be amazed at the difference. My daughters will definitely be reading this when the time comes.

This was the most helpful book I used to get ready for labor. Yes, the illustrations are quaintly old fashioned but so is natural childbirth! The way McCutcheon explains what's happening to your body during labor really helped me in visualizing during my own labor- which helped me relax and go through 13 hours without any drugs. But... DON'T READ THIS BOOK TOO EARLY, I opened it in the first trimester and was completely freaked out by stuff that was no big deal by the third trimester

Although I do not subscribe to the Bradley method or any other specific childbirth method, I do find this book to be quite helpful in knowing what to expect during labor. The chapters on the physical and emotional experience of labor, and what a labor companion can do to be truly helpful and supportive, are excellent.

I've read "Husband-Coached Childbirth" by Bradley and definitely recommend this book INSTEAD. The original book by Bradley is extremely condescending (he actually says that modern women need a "coach" because we don't know what to do on our own. Right, fathers are more qualified in birth than mothers? Hello... if that were true, then the fathers would have the ovaries!).

This book takes what is useful from Bradley's method and puts it into a friendlier and more respectful context. It acknowledges the extremely important role of the father (or other labor companion) in birth, without denying the mother's primary role and inherent capabilities. Definitely recommended for first-time parents and those who plan to give birth without medical interference.

This book is indispensible for any mother or couple who truly wants a natural (unmedicated) childbirth. In regards to being updated, as discussed in other reviews, I agree that the information about hospital procedures and birth technology is probably outdated. HOWEVER, that is not the main strength of this book. That info can be found in any number of more recently published books about natural childbirth. What this book DOES do brilliantly is describe actual exercises, positions, tactics, relaxation, and more ways to help you achieve an unmedicated birth. Many, many diagrams, drawings and photos (nude, to be sure), a very practical "How-To." The chapter I found most fascinating and helpful was the "Emotional Signposts" of labor. This goes way beyond judging progression of labor by measuring centimeters (very arbitraty), and teaches you to recognize stages of labor by evaluating the mother's mood, actions, reactions, etc. My husband knew exactly when I was in transition simply by the way I was talking, and knew how to encourage me through it! An excellent companion for this book is Dr. Robert Bradley's "Husband-Coached Childbirth." I also highly recommend taking a Bradley class, but if you cannot this book is the next best thing.

Although this book is somewhat out of date now since the last publication was in 1995, it contains a lot of good information on the childbirth process. A good read even if you aren't planning to forgo all labor medications.

This is the second time that I read this book, now with our second child, and it was very helpful to have the reminders that I had forgotten after our first birth experience. The relaxation and emotional signpost information is very accurate in my experience, and anyone who wants a natural childbirth with no medical intervention should read this book.

I am still reading this book and preparing for delivery in a few months, but it has taught me so much more than some of the other books out there. Even some things that I didn't learn in nursing school!! It has good exercises and coping methods, and I have all my faith that it will help guide me though a drug free labor!

this is the BEST book i have read about natural drug free childbirth...i am having my 3rd baby anyday day now and we are having another homebirth using the Bradley drug free method. i HIGHLY recommend this book to homebirthers and for drug free hospital births.

This book is a fantastic tool for mothers considering natural childbirth. There are a few flaws - the reason for the 4 rather than 5 star review: the medical practices described in the book are a bit outdated for one, and the dietary information is also a bit aged. If you're strictly looking for a book to help build your confidence about going unmedicated, this one is 5-star, awesome, can't be beat. It thoroughly describes the stages of childbirth, the emotional and physical signposts, and gives you so much information on what to expect. Lists great exercises for preparing for the big day - relaxation exercises as well as physical stretches and movements to prepare your body. If you're not the kind of person who likes sitting through lengthy (and expensive) classes, and learn better from independent reading and study, this book in combination with updated information from [...] or [...] on nutrition and current medical practices will be all you need to go into this wonderful experience confident and unafraid.

My doula gave me this book as a baby shower present and it's amazing. Despite the my friend's and complete stranger's opinions on natural birth, my husband and I have decide to have a natural birth. This book is right to the point, easy to understand, has great coaching advise, and it's not too detailed or long. The pictures really help (they may be a little dated, but natural birth is not a new concept). I highly recommend this to all new parents that need support and encouragement for having a natural birth.

A lucid explanation of childbirth and the Bradley Method, an approach to childbirth whose primary tenet is that a normal birth is an unmedicated one with minimal interference. Like many Bradley texts, its photographs and an underlying suspicion of contemporary obstetrical practice show it to be slightly dated and biased, but the text could not have been more gratifyingly clear. I highly recommend it to anyone considering natural childbirth. Once we have the baby, I'll write an updated opinion. ;)

I would highly reccomend this book, for anyone interested in having a natural childbirth, or anyone just wanting to learn more about experiencing labor. I was not 100% sure about a med free birth until reading this book, now I am confident I can do it, and I know it is the best thing for my baby and I.

As a Corrective Exercise and Lifestyle Success Coach, I thought I knew a lot about what to expect with a natural childbirth as compared to a hospital experience....but even I was surprised to learn the things I did.

I was particularly interested to find out much easier it is for a natural birth and how difficult and prone to drugs and surgery the hospital setting is. The hospital setting starts a detrimental "snowball rolling down the hill" from the moment mom lies on her back (the worst possible position for labor).

BEFORE YOU HAVE YOUR BABY, YOU MUST READ THIS BOOK.

This book (along with the Bradley classes we took) was incredibly helpful during my daughter's birth. It really helped prepare me for what to expect. Remembering the illustrations and descriptions of what exactly was happening in my body during the contractions helped me relax through the contractions and allow my body to do the job it needed to do. We had a totally natural, unmedicated, home birth and with the help of this book, it was a wonderful experience. Labor and delivery were no more painful for me than menstrual cramps and pushing actually felt good, it was strenuous but not painful, I know this experience is due to knowing what was happening in my body.Good Luck!

Great book if your thinking you want to experience natural child birth. Take it from me...complete the book before you go into labor lol

This book has the best chapters on Sexuality and Pregnancy as well as the mechanics of birthing that I've read -- and I've been through quite a few books recently. I would highly recommend it to any reader interested in a sound knowledge of the "how-to" of birth.

Ok, so I went in reading this with a grain of salt (as was advised) and I see why. The statistics are outdated and there is one part about a baby's possible future resentment toward a mom who chose a C-section...um...yeah. That had me laughing outloud and then I knew I must read the book solely for the techniques.

I have to say, at 38 weeks pregnant, and having extremely painful Braxton Hicks contractions, the relaxation techniques and exercises you can do with a partner or husband, have been a huge help! I love that they do a lot of coaching the coach, too. Right now, my husband basically reads the instructions in a soft voice and it's so comforting through some really painful times.

I love that they touch on the EMOTIONAL progress of the stages of labor, as well, so that that you can get control and will be able to know where you are in the different stages of labor.... So as to avoid getting to the hospital too soon or too late. It is really encouraging about listening to your own body and not going totally on emotions, too.

I just caution you, it's biased against hospitals as well as toward epidurals at all. There are a lot of happy and healthy babies out there delivered by a mom who had an epidural, so it's a mystery why this is the ONLY way to do it right. You must just go into birthing with confidence that you can do this naturally, but knowing there are things that come up and to make sure you keep asking questions. No woman is a failure when it comes to delivering a baby. I just don't buy in to doing it one way. Things happen. Sometimes C-sections save lives. Just be informed, you know?

I loved this book the BEST book to prepare for a natural childbirth. Some things you might want to read quick and not to seriously, just use your own common sense and take the best things out of this book. and ... I had a natural childbirth!

You owe it to yourself and your baby. How you bring your baby into the world will affect your child for the rest of his or her life. This book is an education on natural birthing and the Bradley Method. It explains all the changes (mental, physical, hormonal, etc) that a pregnant woman goes through, what she needs in labor and how the coach (usually husband) can help.

After reading the book and taking additional Bradley Childbirth Classes, the mystery of birth and fear of the unknown has lifted. I feel totally prepared and ready to welcome our little one.

I read quite a few books during my pregnancy and found that this one, more than any other, helped to truly ease my fears about the pain of labor. I was actually still reading it when I went into labor and found it to be an empowering, informative and comforting resource. I was able to delivery my son without pain medications and felt at ease (without fear) throughout the entire labor and delivery process. I truly believe it contributed greatly to the wonderful birth experience we had.

This book was great at explaining step by step the birthing process as it is meant to be naturally. It is a great resource for teaching a laboring woman to work with her body, be aware of what her body is doing, and let the natural process take place without intervention. It also has great information for the birthing coach; techniques, specific things to do at specific times during labor and how to be an effective and supportive coach. I would most definetly recommend this book to anyone considering the Bradley Method!

My mother used the Bradley method with my youngest brother....She made having a baby look easy. I bought this book to learn more about The Bradley method....which it did a wonderful job with. I'm currently using the exercises and I love how it includes my husband in the process. However, I am also training to be a neonatologist (pediatrician with extra training in sick newborn infants, term and pre-term). I have been called to countless normal delivery where things went really wrong. Most of the medical information in this book is severely outdated (nearly all of my books from medical school are outdated as well) and that is my biggest critique. Looking through the bibliography most of the information was taken from the early 80's....... MUCH has changed since then. Your OB needs to be your allie and if you choose wisely she won't steer in the wrong direction.

This book was really informative and easy to read. It presents the Bradley method and exercises in a format that is easily understood, even by those not able to attend the classes. I'd definetely recommend this book to others.

It's a wonderful book for those who are considering the Bradley(R) method of husband coached childbirth. It's practical and is a must for a companion book for Husband Coached Childbirth by Dr. Bradley. I would recommend this book to anyone.

A fantastic book! It is packed with useful and applicable information to prepare you for a natural childbirth. I am 6 months pregnant and feel a great amount of confidence in myself and the natural birth process after having read this book. It also raised several questions that I hadn't thought of related to episiotimies, c-sections and induced labor that I was able to take to my midwife. My husband and I have faced a lot of concern from family and friends because we are using a midwife at a birth center and intend to do it drug-free...this book is ideal at equipping you with the necessary information to stand-up for and defend your beliefs!

I read this book because I was unable to take a Bradley birthing class. I found it very informative and helpful.
If I could give one piece of advice, in addition to reading this book, it would be: Don't underestimate the importance of PRACTICE! When I was finally in real labor, I then understood why they kept emphasizing the need for consistent, regular practice and I probably could have used more. But this book, and the practice that my husband and I did do were instrumental in allowing me to have the natural childbirth I was so hoping for. And it worked! It was a super long labor (36 hours) but the relaxation and breathing techniques, my WONDERFUL husband, Mendelssohn, a great midwife, and an electric handheld back massager helped me make it through.

I read this book because I was unable to take a Bradley birthing class. I found it very informative and helpful.
If I could give one piece of advice, in addition to reading this book, it would be: Don't underestimate the importance of PRACTICE! When I was finally in real labor, I then understood why they kept emphasizing the need for consistent, regular practice and I probably could have used more. But this book, and the practice that my husband and I did do were instrumental in allowing me to have the natural childbirth I was so hoping for. And it worked! It was a super long labor (36 hours) but the relaxation and breathing techniques, my WONDERFUL husband, Mendelssohn, a great midwife, and an electric handheld back massager helped me make it through.