WHiCH NATURAL CHiLDBiRTH METHOD iS BEST?
Childbirth is one of life’s most monumental events, and the way you prepare can deeply shape your experience. With the variety of natural childbirth methods available today, each with its unique philosophy, focus, and techniques, it can feel overwhelming to choose the one that suits you best. So, is there a “best” childbirth method?
In this post, I’ll introduce you to some of the most well-known childbirth methods, share a bit about my own journey, and how it led to creating Our BirthRoom Academy. Spoiler alert: there’s no one-size-fits-all! But by the end of this post, you’ll be better equipped to decide which approach resonates with you.
WHY NATURAL CHiLDBiRTH EDUCATiON MATTERS
First things first: Why even consider childbirth education? After all, isn’t birth a natural process?
Yes, women’s bodies are inherently designed to give 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.
Childbirth education bridges this gap, preparing you both physically and emotionally for the journey of labor and delivery.
Whether you’re aiming for a natural birth or open to interventions like an epidural, having the right information allows you to make informed choices, develop a birth plan, and advocate for yourself. And, as a bonus, it connects you with other expectant parents who can offer support well beyond birth.
iMPORTANCE OF CHOOSiNG THE RiGHT NATURAL CHiLDBiRTH METHOD
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. Dr. Bradley advocated for empowering women to birth unmedicated with the support of a primary coach, often their partner.
Key aspects of the Bradley Method:
Partner Involvement: Often referred to as “husband-coached childbirth,” this method emphasizes the partner’s active role.
Deep Breathing and Relaxation Techniques: These techniques are designed to help manage pain naturally.
Focus on Minimizing Medical Interventions: Preparation focuses on an unmedicated birth.
When my husband and I discovered the Bradley Method, we loved its approach to partner support. It empowered him to be fully engaged during labor, and the method's success rate was reassuring. By 2013, over 90% of Bradley graduates achieved an unmedicated birth, and while that number is now slightly lower (around 86%), it remains a trusted option for those committed to a natural birth experience.
After our first successful Bradley birth, we became certified Bradley educators, and our journey took on a new mission.
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 unlike Bradley, it maintains an open stance on medical interventions, allowing women to make the choices that feel best for them.
Core tenets of the Lamaze method include:
Encouraging Activity During Labor: Women are encouraged to move, change positions, and stay active.
Support for All Pain-Management Choices: Lamaze advocates for women to decide their pain management—whether that includes medication or not.
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.
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.
Hypnobirthing techniques include:
Self-Hypnosis for Pain Management: By staying deeply relaxed, women can better manage labor.
Visualization and Positive Affirmations: These exercises help create a calm, focused mindset.
Hypnobirthing appeals to those who prefer a calm, introspective approach, though research on its outcomes is still emerging.
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.
Studies show that while hypnobirthing may not significantly change pain levels or intervention rates, many women find it valuable for mental preparation and reducing anxiety.
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. Courses like Our BirthRoom Academy are designed to empower you for natural birth while also preparing you to make informed decisions in various scenarios.
Which Natural Childbirth Method is Best?
This list covers some of the most well-known methods, but it’s not exhaustive—many other approaches exist! My advice: research all options and find one that aligns with your birthing goals. Equally important, choose a certified educator who’s committed to evidence-based practices and can offer unbiased, accurate information.
For us, the statistics from AAHCC around the Bradley Method spoke volumes. My husband and I were taught by Susan McCutcheon, a direct student of Dr. Bradley, who gave us confidence and empowered us to have the birth we desired. Our story even found its way into the revised edition of her book, Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way. With our medical background and personal experiences, Susan encouraged us to become childbirth educators as well.
“My journey through childbirth inspired us to create Our BirthRoom Academy, bringing real-world experience and a medical background to help you achieve your birth goals with confidence.”
We experienced multiple roadblocks throughout our journey that could have easily led us to interventions and negative experiences. However, understanding the system and the process helped us to navigate Our personal journey is what motivated us to create our own course, Our BirthRoom Academy.
Comparing Natural Childbirth Methods
This table is a quick reference guide to highlight the strengths, techniques, and fit of each method, including the unique benefits of Our BirthRoom Academy
| Childbirth Method | Core Philosophy | Primary Techniques | Ideal For | Potential Drawbacks | Example Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bradley Method | Teaches birth as a natural process, emphasizing the role of the partner as coach and encouraging minimal medical intervention. |
Relaxation, deep breathing, physical and mental preparation, partner- coached support. |
Parents who prefer a low-intervention birth and strong partner involvement, often in a home or birth center setting. |
Requires a strong commitment to practice; limited options if significant intervention becomes necessary. |
High confidence in handling labor together; increased satisfaction with natural births and lower intervention rates. |
| Lamaze | Emphasizes informed decision- making, self-advocacy, and using breathing to manage contractions. |
Focused breathing, relaxation techniques, movement, labor positions, partner support. |
Those who want flexible pain-coping strategies, education on interventions, and options to include a variety of pain relief choices. |
May be less structured than other methods; pain-coping may vary in effectiveness. |
Parents often feel prepared for a range of birthing scenarios, with tools for both natural and medicated births. |
| Hypno-birthing | Focuses on using self-hypnosis and relaxation to reduce fear and pain during birth. |
Guided relaxation, breathing techniques, positive affirmations, visualization. |
Parents who want a calm, meditative birth experience and are comfortable with self-hypnosis. |
May not address medical interventions thoroughly; effectiveness can vary by individual. |
Many moms report a relaxed experience with less tension and reduced pain sensations. |
| Hospital-based classes | Typically focuses on preparing parents for a medically-managed birth, including common hospital procedures and pain relief options. |
Education on hospital policies, stages of labor, epidurals, C-sections, and other interventions. |
Those who plan to deliver in a hospital and prefer knowing all possible medical options. |
Can be more medically focused; may not address natural coping techniques in depth. |
Parents feel more comfortable navigating a hospital setting with knowledge of standard procedures and options for medical pain relief. |
| Our BirthRoom Academy | Empowering parents to approach childbirth with confidence, providing evidence-based education and hands-on birth coach training to prepare them for an active role in their birth journey. |
Breathwork and relaxation, partner coaching and support, mindset cultivation and thorough preparation, and effective communication. |
Families looking for a flexible, inclusive, and in-depth online course to minimize birth interventions and accomplish birth goals. |
Requires dedication to self-paced learning and training; students need reliable internet access for class content. |
Increased satisfaction in childbirth in any setting, lower risk of pregnancy complications and intervention rates. |
OUR BiRTHROOM ACADEMY
Real-World Experience: We've Been There, So We Know What Works
At Our BirthRoom Academy, my husband and I combine our medical backgrounds and firsthand experience as parents to guide you through childbirth confidently. We know what it’s like to navigate the unexpected during labor and want to empower you to make informed, confident decisions. Our course covers not only natural birth techniques but also how to avoid common complications and unnecessary interventions.
Our BirthRoom Academy provides useful information to help you navigate childbirth. Training your birth coach to be a great advocate to support your goals is an example of the many tools provided in our course.
We also offer a flexible, On-Demand option designed to prepare you for natural childbirth while also ensuring you're ready for any scenario that may arise.
Natural Childbirth Focus, Comprehensive Preparation for Every Scenario
Our course is built on a strong foundation of natural childbirth, with the understanding that birth doesn’t always follow a plan. We prepare you for every possible outcome—including true obstetrical emergencies requiring c-section. Maintaining a low-risk pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to avoid unnecessary interventions. We emphasize how healthy habits and informed choices can reduce the likelihood of complications.
But just as important, we believe the key to avoiding unnecessary interventions is knowledge.
By educating yourself on both physiological birth and potential medical scenarios, you'll feel empowered to navigate labor confidently and advocate for your preferences. Our course equips you with the tools to minimize interventions when possible, while also helping you recognize when it’s best to adapt for the safety and well-being of you and your baby.
Maintaining a low-risk pregnancy is one of the most effective ways to avoid unnecessary interventions. We emphasize how healthy habits and informed choices can reduce the likelihood of complications. But just as important, we believe the key to avoiding unnecessary interventions is knowledge. By educating yourself on both physiological birth and potential medical scenarios, you'll feel empowered to navigate labor confidently and advocate for your preferences. Our course equips you with the tools to minimize interventions when possible, while also helping you recognize when it’s best to adapt for the safety and well-being of you and your baby.
Partner and Doula Involvement: A Broader Support Network
Our BirthRoom Academy champions partner involvement, much like the Bradley Method, but we welcome all birth team members, including doulas, friends, or family.
We know that 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.
Evidence-Based, Continuously Updated Curriculum
Our content is current, evidence-based, and grounded in the latest research. We’re committed to helping you avoid complications like preeclampsia, unnecessary inductions, and C-sections by equipping you with practical, effective tools.
Preparing You for the Journey Beyond Birth
Our BirthRoom Academy includes thorough postpartum education, preparing you for recovery and newborn care. And our annual reunions are a testament to the lasting connections our community builds.
At the heart of Our BirthRoom Academy is our belief in the power of knowledge. No matter how your birth journey unfolds, our goal is to ensure you feel confident, supported, and empowered to achieve the birth experience you desire.
Postpartum Preparation and Long-Term Community Support
Our BirthRoom Academy includes thorough postpartum education, preparing you for recovery and newborn care. And our annual reunions are a testament to the lasting connections our community builds.
Our reunions offer an incredible opportunity to stay connected with the community of parents who’ve gone through the same experience, building long-lasting support networks. Our students feel like family! Seeing them on the other side of childbirth is a beautiful experience. The bonds created last well beyond our course.
WHY CHOOSE OUR BiRTHROOM?
At Our BirthRoom, we don’t just teach childbirth—we're your trusted partners throughout your pregnancy journey. Our classes empower you and your partner with life-saving tools and knowledge, fostering a healthy pregnancy and leading to deeply satisfying births.
At the heart of Our BirthRoom Academy is our belief in the transformative power of education.
“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 and comprehensive approach, preparing you for every scenario while honoring your birth preferences. If you’re still exploring the possibility of an unmedicated birth, our course provides the essential tools and confidence you need for your journey.
Final Thoughts
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!
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Learn More about how our Our BirthRoom Academy can empower you for a safe and confident birth experience!
