I consider myself very blessed that my friend of many years now and experienced doula, Angelyn Seet-Loh of Tree of Life Birth is licensed to teach The Bradley Method in Singapore. If not for her and her invitation to sit in the childbirth classes she teaches, I would not have come to understand The Bradley Method much less read this book.

And because I attended The Bradley Method childbirth classes conducted by Angelyn, the book became a bit redundant and repetitive. In saying so, I want to be clear that this is by no means dismissive of the knowledge, wisdom, and heart that is ever so evident in the voice of Bradley in the book. We need to gain information and lock them into our consciousness as knowledge in different forms. The workbook which goes alongside The Bradley Method childbirth classes was mentioned several times in this book, and I am glad that I have it as it is indeed a wonderful resource.

What I love most about this book is the voice – the love, passion, and compassion of a healthcare practitioner who was way ahead of his time. Let’s remember that this book was first published in 1965 and now in its fifth edition. This is a classic as old as the black-and-white movies we watch and wonder why there is no colour! In the book, Bradley advocated for a natural (not C-section), drug-free birth (directly affects the baby) in the presence and support of the husband. This was revolutionary for its time! He was fighting the good fight – and an uphill battle at that! For this reason, it is so important to read this book – to understand the political climate of that time, to recognise why natural childbirth is ancient wisdom that needs no further developing and improvement to.

Bradley patiently and diligently addressed all the questions, concerns, and possible fears that the partner of a pregnant person might have in supporting them. The book cites research of course for the intellectuals and the geek in us – another reason to read it. This book is not just for the partner but also suitable for the pregnant person, and birth support professionals – I recommend it.  May you have knowledge, and with knowledge comes power. And with power, there is no fear to natural childbirth.

About the Authors

Robert A. Bradley, MD, began practicing and promoting the principles of true natural childbirth in 1947 and wrote the first edition of Husband-Coached Childbirth in 1965. At the time of his death in 1998, the Bradley Method had directly affected more than half a million births.

Marjie Hathaway is a cofounder and executive director of the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth. She has traveled the country training Bradley teachers since 1970.

Jay Hathaway is a cofounder and executive director of the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth. He has traveled the country training Bradley teachers since 1970.

James Hathaway is the vice president of the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth.

About the Reviewer

Dr. Martha Tara Lee is Founder, Relationship Counselor Clinical Sexologist of Eros Coaching. She is a certified sexologist with a Doctorate in Human Sexuality. She provides sexuality and relationship coaching and counseling for individuals and couples, conducts sexual education workshops and speaks at public events. She is the author of the books Love, Sex and Everything In-Between, and Orgasmic Yoga. She is also the host of the weekly radio show Eros Evolution on OMTimes Radio. For more, visit www.ErosCoaching.com or email info@eroscoaching.com.