 Shelia
McGrath, AAHCC
My first birth was a Knock-Em-Out, Drag-Em-Out method of managed labor. This was during the days that husband nor family were allowed to enter the hospital room with the birthing mother. Many unnecessary routine procedures were done. There were women around me that were giving birth but unaware of their screaming. After that experience, I was left with a fear of childbirth. Although it was too late to educate myself for my first birth experience, I realized that when we know better we do better.
When I first heard of the Bradley Method® I was contemplating a homebirth with my youngest child. Dr. Bradley had been encouraging support by partners during pregnancy and childbirth since 1944. Why hadn’t someone shared Dr. Bradley’s ideas on birthing with me?
His moms were using the term, “Giving birth with joy.” Wow! This got me to thinking. Bradley is a whole different mindset where the responsibility is on parents to choose their birth teams wisely in order to have the safest and healthiest birth possible! “Why were his clients embracing birth and why was I afraid of it?” I thought that there had to be a reason and I was going to find out what it was.
I heard more of Dr. Bradley’s journey of educating colleagues and new parents-to-be. I thought it tragic that there were not more parents aware of the routine medical interventions and the effects they have on the mother and baby. Parents-to-be are seldom being told that all routine procedures are not a medical necessity.
I decided to become a responsible parent and become educated regarding my choices in birth. I found myself amazed at all of the information I was finding available. I learned of the favorable statistics when unnecessary interventions were alleviated. The fact that this was resulting in healthier outcomes for moms and babies was so logical that it was almost comical.
I became impressed with the fact that (unbeknownst to most) the first trained doulas in the United States were actually husbands trained by Dr. Bradley. He started out teaching unwed mothers that said, “I couldn’t have done it without you”. Later his method evolved to teaching husbands to assist their wives in labor. I realized there are women in all walks of life that are in need of support from a partner/doula that is fully trained to assist them in finding their voice and empowerment during labor and birth.
The more I learned, the more I became excited about being an educated consumer and making informed decisions with my birth team. As I shared my excitement with my Bradley teacher, she said, “Shelia, why don’t you become a teacher?”
A light bulb went off and I thought, “Why not?” I immediately got involved with The American Academy of Husband Coached Childbirth® and trained as a local childbirth educator and Doula utilizing the Bradley Method®
It has been rewarding assisting couples in this important transition in life. But also rewarding is being able to watch students that have been inspired to go on and become better parents, childbirth educators, doulas and midwifes themselves.
I have watched my three sons grow to adulthood and last but not least my daughter. I now get to enjoy four b-u-ti-ful grandchildren and many babies that come into this world through the students that I teach.
I would like to share with you the knowledge that I have gathered over the years. This includes assisting you with your nutrition, exercise, relaxation, communication and avoidance of things harmful during your pregnancy. I am only a phone call away.
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