Discover the Benefits of Husband Coached Childbirth Epub and How to Download It Online
Husband Coached Childbirth Epub Download 1: A Guide for Expecting Parents
If you are pregnant and looking for a natural and empowering way to give birth, you may have heard of husband coached childbirth. This is a method of natural childbirth that involves the active participation of the father or partner as the main source of support and guidance for the mother. In this article, we will explain what husband coached childbirth is, how to prepare for it, what to expect during it, and how to download an epub version of the book that teaches this method.
husband coached childbirth epub download 1
What is husband coached childbirth?
Husband coached childbirth is also known as the Bradley method of natural childbirth. It is a philosophy and technique that aims to help women achieve a safe and satisfying birth experience without drugs or unnecessary interventions. The Bradley method is based on the premise that most women can give birth naturally if they are educated, prepared, relaxed, and supported by their partners.
The history and philosophy of the Bradley method
The Bradley method was developed by Dr. Robert A. Bradley, an American obstetrician who pioneered the concept of natural childbirth in the 1940s. He was inspired by his observation of animals giving birth in a calm and instinctive manner. He believed that human mothers could also tap into their innate abilities to birth their babies if they were free from fear, tension, and pain.
Dr. Bradley also recognized the importance of involving the fathers or partners in the birth process. He encouraged them to attend prenatal classes with their wives, learn about the physiology and psychology of labor and delivery, practice relaxation and breathing techniques, and provide continuous physical and emotional support during labor. He coined the term "husband coached childbirth" to describe this approach.
Dr. Bradley wrote a book called Husband-Coached Childbirth: The Bradley Method of Natural Childbirth in 1965. The book has been revised and updated several times since then, and it remains one of the most popular and influential books on natural childbirth today.
The benefits and challenges of husband coached childbirth
Husband coached childbirth has many benefits for both the mother and the baby. Some of these benefits are:
It reduces the need for pain medication, epidural anesthesia, episiotomy, forceps, vacuum extraction, cesarean section, and other interventions that may have negative effects on the mother's health and recovery.
It enhances the mother's sense of control, confidence, satisfaction, and bonding with her baby.
It promotes a more natural and gentle transition for the baby from the womb to the outside world.
It fosters a closer relationship between the parents as they share a unique and intimate experience.
It prepares the father or partner for his role as a parent by increasing his knowledge, skills, involvement, and attachment with his child.
However, husband coached childbirth also has some challenges that may require extra preparation, commitment, and flexibility. Some of these challenges are:
It may not be suitable for some high-risk pregnancies or medical conditions that require close monitoring and intervention.
It may not be supported or respected by some health care providers or facilities that have different policies or practices regarding natural childbirth.
It may not be compatible with some personal preferences or expectations of the mother or the partner regarding pain relief, comfort, privacy, or assistance.
It may not go as planned due to unforeseen circumstances or complications that may arise during labor and delivery.
Therefore, it is important to do your research, consult your doctor or midwife, choose a compatible class and instructor, and discuss your birth plan and options with your partner before deciding to pursue husband coached childbirth.
How to prepare for husband coached childbirth?
If you decide to try husband coached childbirth, you will need to take some steps to prepare yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally for the big day. Here are some of the things you will need to do:
Choosing a class and an instructor
The first step is to find a class and an instructor that teach the Bradley method of natural childbirth. You can search online for certified Bradley method instructors in your area, or ask for recommendations from your doctor, midwife, friends, or family. You can also visit the official website of the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth (AAHCC) at www.bradleybirth.com for more information and resources.
A typical Bradley method class consists of 12 weekly sessions that last about two hours each. The class covers topics such as nutrition, exercise, anatomy, physiology, stages of labor, relaxation, breathing, positions, massage, coaching, birth plan, interventions, complications, postpartum care, breastfeeding, and newborn care. The class also includes demonstrations, discussions, videos, books, handouts, homework assignments, and practice sessions.
You should start taking the class around the fifth month of your pregnancy and finish it by the eighth month. You should attend the class with your partner or coach who will be with you during labor and delivery. You should also bring comfortable clothes, pillows, blankets, snacks, and water to each session.
Learning the techniques and exercises
The second step is to learn and practice the techniques and exercises that will help you cope with labor and delivery. The Bradley method teaches you how to relax your muscles and mind, breathe deeply and rhythmically, change positions and move around, use massage and acupressure points, listen to music and affirmations, visualize positive images and scenarios, and communicate effectively with your partner and health care team.
You should practice these techniques and exercises daily with your partner or coach at home or in a quiet and comfortable place. You should also do some physical exercises such as walking, swimming, stretching, squatting, pelvic tilting, kegel exercises, etc. to strengthen your muscles and joints and improve your blood circulation and flexibility.
Planning your birth preferences and packing your bag
The third step is to plan your birth preferences and pack your bag for the hospital or birth center. Your birth preferences are a written document that expresses your wishes and expectations regarding your labor and delivery. It includes information such as where you want to give birth (hospital or birth center), who you want to be with you (partner or coach), what kind of environment you want (lighting, What to expect during husband coached childbirth?
Once you go into labor, you will need to apply what you have learned and practiced in your class and at home. You will also need to be flexible and adaptable to the changing situations and circumstances that may occur during labor and delivery. Here are some of the things you can expect during husband coached childbirth:
The stages of labor and delivery
Labor and delivery are divided into three main stages: the first stage, the second stage, and the third stage. The first stage is the longest and consists of three phases: early labor, active labor, and transition. The second stage is the shortest and involves pushing and delivering the baby. The third stage is the delivery of the placenta.
During the first stage, you will experience contractions that gradually become stronger, longer, and closer together. You will also have some signs of labor such as a bloody show, a rupture of membranes, or a dilation of the cervix. You will need to use your relaxation and breathing techniques to cope with the pain and discomfort. You will also need to change positions and move around to help your baby descend and rotate. Your partner or coach will be by your side to encourage you, comfort you, massage you, remind you of your techniques, and communicate with your health care team.
During the second stage, you will feel a strong urge to push when your baby's head reaches the pelvic floor. You will need to follow your body's signals and push with each contraction. You will also need to use different positions and techniques to facilitate the delivery of your baby. Your partner or coach will help you hold your legs, support your back, wipe your forehead, offer you water, and cheer you on. You will also have the option to touch or catch your baby as he or she emerges.
During the third stage, you will deliver the placenta after a few minutes of resting and bonding with your baby. You will need to push gently when you feel a contraction. You will also need to check for any tears or lacerations that may require stitches. Your partner or coach will help you hold your baby skin-to-skin, initiate breastfeeding, cut the umbilical cord, and take pictures.
The role and responsibilities of the coach
The coach is an essential part of husband coached childbirth. He is not just a spectator or a helper; he is an active participant and a leader in the birth process. He has several roles and responsibilities that he needs to fulfill before, during, and after labor and delivery. Some of these roles and responsibilities are:
To educate himself about pregnancy, childbirth, and newborn care.
To attend prenatal classes and appointments with his partner.
To help his partner prepare physically, mentally, and emotionally for birth.
To pack his own bag with essentials such as clothes, snacks, drinks, phone charger, camera, etc.
To monitor his partner's signs of labor and decide when to go to the hospital or birth center.
To drive safely and calmly to the hospital or birth center.
To advocate for his partner's birth preferences and rights.
To provide continuous physical and emotional support for his partner during labor and delivery.
To assist his partner with relaxation, breathing, positions, massage, etc.
To communicate effectively with his partner and health care team.
To share in the joy and excitement of welcoming their baby.
To help his partner with postpartum care and breastfeeding.
To bond with his baby and take care of his needs.
The possible interventions and complications
Although husband coached childbirth aims to avoid unnecessary interventions and complications, sometimes they may be needed or unavoidable for the safety and well-being of the mother or the baby. Some of these interventions and complications are:
Induction of labor: This is when labor is artificially started or sped up by using drugs or methods such as breaking the water or inserting a balloon catheter into the cervix. This may be done if labor does not start on its own by 42 weeks of pregnancy or if there are any signs of fetal distress or maternal infection.
Augmentation of labor: This is when labor is artificially enhanced or stimulated by using drugs such as oxytocin (Pitocin) or methods such as nipple stimulation or acupressure. This may be done if labor is too slow or stops progressing.
Electronic fetal monitoring: This is when the baby's heart rate and contractions are continuously recorded and displayed on a monitor by using sensors attached to the mother's abdomen or the baby's scalp. This may be done to detect any signs of fetal distress or abnormality.
Pain relief: This is when the mother receives medication or anesthesia to reduce or eliminate the pain of labor and delivery. This may include epidural, spinal, or general anesthesia, or intravenous or intramuscular injections of narcotics or analgesics. This may be done if the mother requests it or if there are any medical reasons that prevent her from coping with the pain naturally.
Episiotomy: This is when a surgical cut is made in the perineum (the area between the vagina and the anus) to enlarge the vaginal opening and facilitate the delivery of the baby. This may be done to prevent or repair a severe tear or laceration, or to speed up the delivery in case of fetal distress.
Forceps or vacuum extraction: These are instruments that are used to assist the delivery of the baby by applying traction or suction to the baby's head. These may be done to help the mother push, to correct the position of the baby, or to expedite the delivery in case of fetal distress.
Cesarean section: This is a surgical operation that involves making an incision in the abdomen and uterus and delivering the baby through it. This may be done if there are any complications that prevent a vaginal delivery, such as placenta previa, breech presentation, umbilical cord prolapse, fetal distress, etc.
If any of these interventions or complications occur, you will need to be informed and involved in the decision-making process. You will also need to adjust your birth plan and expectations accordingly. You will also need to support your partner and reassure her that she is doing a great job and that you are proud of her.
How to download husband coached childbirth epub?
If you want to read more about husband coached childbirth, you may want to download an epub version of the book that teaches this method. An epub file is a digital format that allows you to read books on various devices such as computers, tablets, smartphones, e-readers, etc. An epub file has some advantages over other formats such as pdf or mobi, such as:
It is compatible with most devices and platforms.
It is adjustable to different screen sizes and orientations.
It allows you to change the font size, style, color, and layout according to your preferences.
It supports interactive features such as hyperlinks, bookmarks, annotations, etc.
What is an epub file and why choose it?
An epub file is a digital format that allows you to read books on various devices such as computers, tablets, smartphones, e-readers, etc. An epub file has some advantages over other formats such as pdf or mobi, such as:
It is compatible with most devices and platforms.
It is adjustable to different screen sizes and orientations.
It allows you to change the font size, style, color, and layout according to your preferences.
It supports interactive features such as hyperlinks, bookmarks, annotations, etc.
Where to find husband coached childbirth epub online?
If you want to download husband coached childbirth epub online, you have several options. Some of these options are:
You can buy it from online bookstores such as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Kobo, etc. You will need to create an account and pay with your credit card or other methods. You will then receive a link or a file that you can download and transfer to your device.
You can borrow it from online libraries such as OverDrive, Hoopla, Libby, etc. You will need to have a library card and an account with these services. You will then be able to browse their catalog and borrow the book for a limited period of time. You will then receive a link or a file that you can download and transfer to your device.
You can download it for free from online archives such as Internet Archive, Project Gutenberg, Open Library, etc. You will not need an account or payment for these services. You will just need to search for the book title and author and choose the epub format. You will then receive a link or a file that you can download and transfer to your device.
How to open and read husband coached childbirth epub on different devices?
devices, you will need to have an app or a program that can read epub files. Some of these apps or programs are:
For computers: You can use apps such as Adobe Digital Editions, Calibre, EPUBReader, etc. You will need to download and install these apps on your computer. You will then be able to open and read the epub file by double-clicking on it or by dragging and dropping it into the app.
For tablets and smartphones: You can use apps such as Google Play Books, Apple Books, Kindle, Nook, etc. You will need to download and install these apps on your device. You will then be able to open and read the epub file by tapping on it or by importing it into the app.
For e-readers: You can use devices such as Kobo, Nook, Sony Reader, etc. You will need to connect your device to your computer with a USB cable. You will then be able to transfer the epub file to your device by using a file manager or an app such as Calibre. You will then be able to open and read the epub file by selecting it from your device's library.
Conclusion
Husband coached childbirth is a method of natural childbirth that involves the active participation of the father or partner as the main source of support and guidance for the mother. It has many benefits for both the mother and the baby, but it also has some challenges that require extra preparation, commitment, and flexibility. If you want to learn more about husband coached childbirth, you can download an epub version of the book that teaches this method from various online sources. You can then open and read it on different devices with an app or a program that can read epub files.
FAQs
What is the difference between husband coached childbirth and other methods of natural childbirth?
Husband coached childbirth is one of the many methods of natural childbirth that exist. Other methods include Lamaze, Hypnobirthing, Birthing from Within, etc. Each method has its own philosophy, principles, techniques, and advantages. The main difference between husband coached childbirth and other methods is the emphasis on the role and involvement of the father or partner as the coach.
Can I use husband coached childbirth if I have a doula or a midwife?
Yes, you can use husband coached childbirth if you have a doula or a midwife. A doula is a trained professional who provides physical, emotional, and informational support to the mother before, during, and after birth. A midwife is a health care provider who specializes in normal pregnancy and birth. Both can complement and enhance your husband coached childbirth experience by providing additional guidance, assistance, and advocacy.
Can I use husband coached childbirth if I have a cesarean section?
Yes, you can use husband coached childbirth if you have a cesarean section. A cesarean section is a surgical operation that involves delivering the baby through an incision in the abdomen and uterus. It may be planned or unplanned depending on various factors. You can still use your relaxation and breathing techniques to cope with the surgery and recovery. You can also ask your partner or coach to be with you in the operating room and hold your hand or talk to you. You can also request skin-to-skin contact and breastfeeding with your baby as soon as possible after the surgery.
Can I use husband coached childbirth if I am not married or do not have a partner?
Yes, you can use husband coached childbirth if you are not married or do not have a partner. The term "husband" in husband coached childbirth does not necessarily mean a legal spouse or a male person. It can also mean any person who is close to you and who is willing to be your coach during labor and delivery. This can be a friend, a relative, a neighbor, etc. The important thing is th