WHiCH NATURAL CHiLDBiRTH METHOD iS BEST? A GUiDE TO NATURAL BiRTH OPTiONS

Childbirth is one of life’s most monumental events, and the way you prepare can deeply shape your experience. With so many natural birthing courses and online childbirth education classes available, choosing the right method can feel overwhelming. So, is there a “best” childbirth method?

The short answer: It depends on you! Every birth is unique, and the best approach is the one that aligns with your values, preferences, and birth setting. In this guide, we’ll explore the most well-known natural childbirth methods and how they compare. Plus, I’ll share how my journey led to creating Our BirthRoom Academy—a program designed to help you prepare for an informed, confident birth.

Why Natural Childbirth Education Matters

You might be wondering, If birth is natural, do I even need to take a class?

While our bodies are designed for birth, modern society has distanced us from the shared wisdom of physiological birth.

However, we’ve moved away from the days of witnessing family or community births firsthand. Without this shared wisdom, many parents approach childbirth with little exposure to the process, leading to fear and uncertainty.

Enrolling in a comprehensive natural childbirth course can help you:

• Understand how your body works during labor

• Learn coping techniques to manage pain without unnecessary interventions

• Empower your birth partner to provide the support you need

• Navigate hospital policies and advocate for your birth preferences

Education is the key to replacing fear with confidence. Now, let’s dive into the most popular natural birthing methods and how they compare.

Popular Natural Childbirth Methods Compared

When I was pregnant with my first child, I was struck by how little I knew about childbirth—and how empowering it was to demystify the process. In generations past, people were familiar with birth as part of family life, but today, many of us experience it only when it’s our turn.

Childbirth education helps you understand medical interventions, along with the risks and benefits. But not all methods are alike, so finding one that matches your goals is key. If you’re seeking a natural, unmedicated birth, as I was, you’ll want to know what each method offers to give you confidence and clarity in your journey.

I was determined to have an unmedicated birth. Finding the right childbirth education method for me—one that aligned with my goals and values—became a priority.

Here’s a look at some of the methods I explored:

The Bradley Method

Developed by Dr. Robert Bradley in the 1940s, the Bradley Method is one of the oldest and most respected natural childbirth approaches. His philosophy is based on the belief that childbirth should be as natural as possible, much like how animals birth without intervention.

• Focus: Partner-supported, unmedicated birth

• Best For: Couples who want an active role in birth preparation

• Key Techniques: Deep relaxation, controlled breathing, partner advocacy

• Considerations: Requires significant partner involvement and 12-week commitment

By 2013, it was reported that over 90% of Bradley graduates achieved an unmedicated birth. While that number is now lower (around 86%), it remains a trusted option for those committed to a natural birth experience.

My Personal Connection: I’m a Certified Bradley Method Instructor, and this method played a huge role in my own four natural births. The principles of relaxation, informed decision-making, and partner support influenced how I designed Our BirthRoom Academy.

Hypnobirthing

Hypnobirthing, pioneered by Marie Mongan, uses self-hypnosis, visualization, and deep relaxation to reduce fear and pain during labor. The philosophy is simple but powerful: fear creates tension, which creates pain. By releasing fear, women can experience a more peaceful, comfortable birth.

• Focus: Mind-body connection and self-hypnosis for pain management

• Best For: Parents who prefer visualization, affirmations, and guided relaxation

• Key Techniques: Hypnosis scripts, positive affirmations, slow breathing

• Considerations: Works best with regular practice before birth

Hypnobirthing appeals to those who prefer an introspective approach to childbirth.

While studies show hypnobirthing may not significantly change pain levels or intervention rates, many women find it valuable for mental preparation and reducing anxiety.

A 2016 meta-analysis of nine studies found no significant differences between women who practiced hypnobirthing and those in control groups regarding:

• The number of normal deliveries.

• Overall satisfaction with chosen pain relief methods.

• A sense of coping with labor.

• Use of epidurals during labor.

Lamaze

Dr. Fernand Lamaze developed the Lamaze method in the 1950s, focusing on empowering women to manage pain through rhythmic breathing and relaxation. Lamaze is perhaps the most widely recognized childbirth method globally, and it maintains an open stance on medical interventions.

• Focus: Education-based approach to reduce birth fear

• Best For: Parents who want to understand all birth options, including medical interventions

• Key Techniques: Breathing techniques, movement, informed decision-making

• Considerations: More hospital-focused; doesn’t emphasize partner coaching as strongly

A recent 2021 study from Turkey supports the Lamaze philosophy, showing that when women are encouraged to stay active and receive adequate support, they often have more satisfying births with fewer interventions.

While unmedicated birth isn’t the goal, Lamaze empowers women to trust their bodies and birth choices, whether or not they use interventions.

Hospital-Based Childbirth Classes

Many expecting parents look to hospital-based classes for childbirth education, thinking they’ll be convenient and comprehensive. However, these classes often focus more on hospital protocols and potential interventions than on natural birthing techniques.

When I was researching my options, I found hospital classes beneficial for understanding procedures but lacking in guidance for a low-intervention, physiological birth.

If your goal is an unmedicated birth, a more comprehensive, specialized course is worth the time and investment.

Each of these methods offers valuable tools, but what if you want a well-rounded, evidence-based program that incorporates the best of them all?

That’s why I created Our BirthRoom Academy—an online childbirth education class designed to prepare you and your partner for a safe, unmedicated birth in any setting.

Inside Our BirthRoom Academy, you’ll learn:

✔ How to work with labor, not against it

✔ Effective pain management techniques (breathing, relaxation, movement)

✔ How to train your partner to be your ultimate birth coach (Daddy Doula)

✔ How to advocate for your birth preferences in a hospital or birth center setting

✔ Strategies to reduce the risk of interventions, including inductions and c-sections

This program was designed for parents who want more than just theory—you’ll practice real skills, get partner coaching, and feel fully prepared for birth.

Why Choose Our BirthRoom Academy?

At Our BirthRoom Academy, we’re not just teaching childbirth—we’re walking this journey with you. My husband and I combine our medical expertise with our real-life experience as parents to give you the guidance, tools, and confidence you need for birth. We know what works because we’ve been there ourselves.

We’ve faced unexpected challenges, navigated the medical system, and had four safe, empowering natural births. That journey inspired us to create a course that not only teaches natural birth techniques but also shows you how to avoid common complications and unnecessary interventions.

What makes Our BirthRoom Academy different?

✔ A comprehensive, real-world approach—combining medical knowledge with practical birth wisdom

✔ Hands-on coaching for your partner so they feel confident supporting you (we call them Daddy Doulas)

✔ A supportive community of parents who’ve gone through the same journey—we stay connected long after birth

We don’t just prepare you for birth—we equip you to own your experience, no matter where or how you give birth.

Partner and Doula Involvement: A Broader Support Network

We champion partner involvement in Our BirthRoom Academy and welcome all birth team members, including doulas, friends, or family.

The right birth team can make all the difference in your birth outcomes. We provide practical techniques for everyone involved to support you physically, emotionally, and as advocates. If you’re wondering which birth attendant is right for you, read my blog post How to Choose Your Ideal Birth Attendant | Pregnancy Advice.

The Heart of Our BirthRoom: Empowering You Every Step of the Way

At Our BirthRoom, we believe birth education is life-changing. The more you know, the more confident you feel. Our mission? To make sure you and your partner feel prepared, supported, and in control.

“We understand that every birth journey is unique, and our goal is to ensure you feel confident, supported, and empowered to achieve the birth experience you desire—whether that means fewer interventions, a lower risk of pregnancy complications, or a reduced likelihood of C-section.”

We take a flexible, evidence-based approach, giving you the tools to prepare for any birth scenario while honoring your birth preferences. Even if you’re just exploring natural birth, our course provides the foundation you need to step into labor with confidence.

CHOOSiNG THE RiGHT CHiLDBiRTH CLASS FOR YOU

If you’re considering natural birthing courses, here are a few questions to ask yourself:

✅ Do I want an unmedicated birth?

✅ Does my partner want to be actively involved?

✅ Am I open to practicing relaxation techniques and pain management skills?

✅ Do I want to avoid unnecessary interventions?

✅ Would I benefit from an online childbirth education class that I can do at my own pace?

If you answered “YES” to most of these, Our BirthRoom Academy might be exactly what you need.

As you consider which childbirth method is best for you, remember that the right choice aligns with your values, preferences, and unique situation. There’s no one "right" way to give birth—what matters most is that you feel informed and empowered throughout the process.

Childbirth is a profound, personal experience, and educating yourself is one of the best ways to prepare. If you’re looking for expert guidance from professionals who have experienced both sides of birth, we invite you to join us at Our BirthRoom Academy. Together, we’ll help you move from doubt to confidence!

Ready to Feel Confident About Your Birth?

No matter which childbirth method you choose, preparation is the key to an empowering birth experience. If you’re looking for a comprehensive, evidence-based childbirth class that combines the best of Bradley, Hypnobirthing, and other natural techniques, check out Our BirthRoom Academy.

➡ Join today and take control of your birth experience!

Because birth isn’t just something you go through—it’s something you can own.