Amanda and Tim Gunderson after the birth of their daughter, Tahlia.

When Amanda and Tim Gunderson were preparing for the arrival of their first child four years ago, they became interested in an approach to natural childbirth known as the Bradley Method. No one taught it locally, however, so the couple drove to St. Paul for classes for 12 weeks. After the safe, successful natural birth of their son, Breck, the couple was encouraged by their instructor to learn to teach the method themselves. They became certified, and now teach classes to expectant couples from their home outside Altoona.

So what is the Bradley Method? Simply put, it’s a method of preparing for childbirth, ideally without using drugs or surgical intervention, that emphasizes the role of the father-to-be in coaching a woman through labor.

“Ultimately, we believe that having a natural birth is the most empowering thing for a woman.” – Tim Gunderson, who teaches a Bradley Method childbirth course with his wife, Amanda

“We have a lot of couples who come here and say, ‘I want a natural childbirth, but it scares me,’ ” Amanda explains. Such fear is understandable, the couple say, and that’s where the class comes in. Tim compares fear of the birth process to fear of public speaking: If you knew you had to give a speech in nine months, you’d probably start rehearsing to alleviate your anxiety. The same goes for birth, he says. During the class, participants practice dealing with contractions and employing relaxation techniques and physical positions that may make them more comfortable.

The Bradley Method was developed by Dr. Robert A. Bradley, a Denver obstetrician who objected to the “knock ’em out, drag ’em out” approach of mid-20th century obstetrics, when mothers were heavily medicated and fathers were kept outside in the waiting room. Having observed plenty of drug-free, natural animal births growing up on a farm, Bradley believed that the same success was possible for most women, especially with the loving support of their husbands.

Why emphasize the father-to-be, when – and this is pointing out that obvious – men don’t carry babies? Amanda notes that the birth coach doesn’t have to be the father, but it usually is because a husband or partner tends to be the closest person to a mother-to-be and the person she communicates the best with.

“There’s a big emphasis on training that person to help the mom,” Amanda says. After their students’ babies are born, the Gundersons often hear from the men that the course helped them face the birth process with more confidence. Some of the couples who learn the Bradley Method also employ a doula during birth, while others rely on a midwife or an obstetrician; some give birth at home, others in a hospital.

Throughout the classes, women learn to trust their bodies and instincts, how not to fight their contractions, as well as explore physical, mental, and emotional methods of relaxation. The method encourages women to eat naturally and exercise during pregnancy to keep themselves healthy and their pregnancies low-risk. In addition, couples learn about the pros and cons of the various procedures and medications related to childbirth.

The Gundersons have been teaching the Bradley Methods for two years and have worked with 30-40 couples, 70 percent of whom have had a natural childbirth. And while natural childbirth may be the goal of most couples, the Gundersons recognize that it’s not always attainable when the day arrives. “Just because you end in a caesarean, doesn’t mean you failed,” Amanda stressed.

Amanda adds that she believes experiencing natural childbirth helped her gain confidence as she transitioned into motherhood. “Ultimately, we believe that having a natural birth is the most empowering thing for a woman,” Tim adds.

Bradley Method childbirth instruction by Amanda and Tim Gunderson • next sessions begin March 9 and 10 and run through May • classes last 12 weeks, so potential participants are encouraged to enroll early in their pregnancies • www.bradleybirth.com/amandagunderson • (715) 864-7756 • h4lbirthing@gmail.com