Chandler, Arizona
Sweet Pea ​Births
Sweet Pea ​Births
...celebrating every swee​t pea their birth
...celebrating every swee​t pea their birth
Blog
Monday Mantra: Nourish Body + Baby
| Posted on May 22, 2017 at 12:48 PM |
comments (68)
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 "I deserve to nourish my body and my baby with fresh, energizing food every day."Source: Moxie Midwifery The one thing we can all do for our growing sweet peas is make an effort to eat well. As we come into the summer season, there is the opportunity to purchase from local farmers at community markets, and there are LOTS of sales at the stores. If you need to watch the budget, check out your grocery store circulars that come in the mail. I also like the EWG Dirty Dozen list. You can see it online or download it as an "app" on the smart phone. I use it to make the most of our grocery money. Any produce that is on the "dirty dozen" list is a known high-pesticide crop. Food on that list is produce that we will purchase in the organic section. Anything else on our list we buy from the conventional produce area in the grocery store or farmer's market. We also offer our students the Brewer Pregnancy Plan as a guideline for daily nutrition. It is a conscientious focus on high protein and whole food so that multi-vitamins become the gap filler and not the only source of vitamins and minerals during pregnancy. You can read more about the Brewer eating plane HERE and HERE. What's one small thing you can do this week to make better food choices while you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding? |
Monday Mantra: Centered + Peaceful
| Posted on May 15, 2017 at 9:00 PM |
comments (443)
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 Meditation: Moxie Midwifery This has grounded me so well lately. It's a great validation that I really have all I need to handle life's ups and downs...because as sure as the tides rise and fall, just as the waves crest and break...so moves the rhythm of life. It has been a great comfort to remember that I do not have to do it alone. Part of the "all I need" are the friends, allies, and resources that can be called in to help when it all gets to be too much. I can call a friend for a heart-to-heart talk, I can call a family member to come help when I can't make it to all the places I need to go, there are tremendous resources available to us online. Maybe a group in which to ask a question, a reliable webpage to use as the beginning of some research, or a phone call to a trusted care provider...the "all I need" is there if I am willing to admit I don't have all the answers and I don't need to do it all by myself. What are some of your favorite resources? |
Monday Mantra: Joy+Happiness
| Posted on May 10, 2017 at 1:09 PM |
comments (108)
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 Quote: Jennifer Hoperich, Moxie Midwifery There is the elusive, "I will be happy when" or "I will be fulfilled when" that is inherent in much of the positive-thinking, goal-oriented, resolution-focused thinking that is pervasive in our culture. What about now?? One of the reasons I love this affirmation is that it invites me to be happy and joyful NOW. It is also inviting me to think outside of myself and do for other. By finding joy and happiness in the service of others, I have the opportunity to have joy and happiness every moment. When one is pregnant, that "other" is the sweet pea growing inside. When your sweet pea is earthside, it's even easier to place them as the other in our lives. And as they get older, they join us in that act as they think of their own ways to serve and bring joy and happiness to those outside of themselves. It's quite the amazing circle of perpetual joy and happiness...jump on this merry-go-round, and let's enjoy the ride!! |
Monday Mantra: Radiantly Beautiful
| Posted on April 17, 2017 at 3:33 PM |
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 "I am radiantly beautiful, and my baby is too." Source: Moxie Midwifery+Meditation I love this affirmation. You can be beautiful, and then there is radiantly beautiful. Pregnancy, especially a first one, is potentially full of moments when we are trying to accept the physical changes that are taking over our body. There is no way to stop them, they just are. In fact, they must be in order for the Sweet Pea inside of us to grow and change and be ready to meet us earthside. If like me, you dreaded watching your body grow bigger than it ever had before, take a moment to breathe in the fact that you are growing a new human, and that you are still YOU. Look in the mirror and find one small thing that is radiantly beautiful about this process. If you are feeling good about all the changes, keep rocking it, mama!! Breathe in the radiance and shine it out. To all the mamas out there: You are radiantly beautiful. May 20 - August 19, 2017 Saturday evenings at 6:00 pm Willow Midwife Center for Birth and Wellness Mesa, AZ Disclaimer: The material included in this blog post is for informational
purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his
healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for
their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss
Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site,
or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog and related videos contain information about
our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official
website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained in this video and on our
blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American
Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.
Birthing From Within and Bradley
Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler,
Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale
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FInding the Beauty
| Posted on April 10, 2017 at 1:31 PM |
comments (55)
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 "I choose to see the beauty in this whole process of bringing new life into the world."Pregnancy is a time of many changes. Some we breeze through, others not so much. The gift is that every day we are pregnant, is one day that we are closer to meeting our Sweet Pea. Sometimes it's hard to see the positive when we are in the throes of morning sickness, or in the final weeks of pregnancy when everything feels too big and too much as we maneuver our belly around, or anytime in between when it's just a rough day. However, if you sit quietly, do you think you can find one thing to reflect on that brings joy or gratitude? If you are experiencing aches and pains, you might reach out to your care provider to confirm that what your experiencing is within the range of normal. If yes, then reach out to your local birth community and find out who the awesome chiropractors, massage therapists, and acupuncturists are found in your area. We have seen that a good alternative therapy can make a world of difference and alleviate or completely resolve the physical issues. One last note: if you are experiencing emotional changes that are bigger than you want to/can handle, please know that an experienced pregnancy and postpartum therapist can help you find some ideas and solutions to help with pregnancy anxiety or depression. Talk therapy doesn't require anything aside from your time and your willingness to talk things out. Please do not suffer alone. Wherever you are in your pregnancy, I encourage you to find one small thing you can treasure about growing new life on a daily basis. It is such a miracle...one that you will meet on the day your birth and hold your Sweet Pea. Disclaimer:
Birthing From Within and Bradley
Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler,
Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale
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Q&A with SPB: Postpartum Care Kit
| Posted on January 9, 2017 at 10:00 PM |
comments (0)
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 I am so
excited to feature Michelle Ludwig on the blog today! She is a birth doula and placenta
encapsulation specialist in the phoenix metro area.
In today’s
vlog, Michelle is sharing some ideas for postpartum self-care to help make the
early days of healing and breastfeeding a little smoother – every tip helps!
Here is a
recap for you:
1+2) Witch
hazel and some chlorine-free, bleach-free pads. You can use these to make “padsicles”, a cold compress that can be placed on top of the giant postpartum pads you will
get from the hospital, or your birth kit if you are birthing at a birth center
or at home. Stay tuned when we do our
diy share next week :) 3) Red
raspberry leaf tea – red raspberry is used as a uterine tonic and has long been
known to promote good uterine function.
It will help the uterus continue to contract as it heals and returns to
it’s pre-pregnancy size.
4) Herbal
soak – this is a special blend of herbs to promote healing. You can steep these
and use them in the peri-bottle to rinse after using the restroom. Another option is to use them in the a sitz-bath container or the bathtub. As Michelle mentions in the VLOG,
these herbal baths are an internet sensation now – many mamas are using them as
a setting for their pregnancy or postpartum photo shoots.
5) Nipple
cream – Michelle mixes up her own brand of wonderful using ingredients that are
safe for baby. You can apply and feed without having to wipe of your breast
first. A good nipple cream is an incredible relief to sore or chapped nipples
as you and your baby have your postpartum learning curve. Even if you have
breastfed before, there is a learning curve with each baby. And if you haven’t
been nursing through the pregnancy, your nipples will have to acclimate to
being used again. Even with a nursling through pregnancy, they typically don’t
feed with the same frequency as a newborn, so a little soothing is a welcome
relief.
You can order
Michelle’s specially made with love package whether or not you are her client.
Please check HERE for more details.
Would you
like to interview Michelle as a doula? Please read her meet the doula feature HERE Contact
Michelle: WEB http://www.modernmamadoula.com/ CELL OR TEXT 7204098977 EMAIL [email protected]
Disclaimer:
Birthing From Within and Bradley
Method® natural childbirth classes offered in Arizona: convenient to Chandler,
Tempe, Ahwatukee, Gilbert, Mesa, Scottsdale
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UPDATE: Fundraising for Willow WIsh
| Posted on September 16, 2016 at 3:49 PM |
comments (235)
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 Please join us to celebrate the GRAND OPENING Willow Midwife Center for Birth+Wellness Saturday, September 17, 2016 10:30 am - 3:00 pm Suite 136 Mesa, AZ 85210 Here is a preview of the silent auction:  Little Boy Blue Basket: $300 Starting Bid: $50
 Sugar+Spice Basket: $300.00 Starting Bid: $75.00
 Modern Mommy Boutique Gift Basket - $150 Value Starting Bid: $40.00
 Postpartum Gift Basket – $150Starting Bid: $40 Offered by
Lindsay Lutes
 Birthing From Within Mentors Gift Basket -
$60.00 Starting Bid - $25.00
 The Bradley Method® Instructors of AZ Gift
Basket $65.00 Starting Bid - $25.00
 Babies R’Us Gift Basket - $65.00 Starting Bid - $25.00
 Sweet Pea Births Gift Basket– $80.00 Starting Bid - $25.00
 Golf Weekend - $500 Value Starting Bid: $125
Lactation Support Package - $180 Starting Bid: $45 Offered by Sarah Kankiewicz, CLE (Firefly Lactation Services)
Birth Journey Class - $200 Starting Bid: $50 Offered by Dianne Hamre (Doula Dianne) This
intensive one-day workshop will equip you with knowledge and skills that will
enhance your birth experience while making lasting memories. The ideal
time to take this workshop is in your 7th or 8th month of
pregnancy. CLASS
BENEFITS
Birth Doula Services - $500 Starting Bid: $125 Offered by Ashlee Witham (Essence Doula) Essence: the most significant element, quality or aspect of a
thing or a person. SUPPORT*RESPECT*EMPOWERMENT Ashlee Witham *Doula Services in PHX valley As your doula, I will support you during pregnancy and assist
you during childbirth and provide support to you and your family after birth of
your baby. Postpartum Doula Services - $240 Starting Bid: $60 8 Hours – Offered by Ashley Anders A postpartum doula provides evidenced based
information on things such as infant feeding, emotional and physical recovery
from birth, mother–baby bonding, infant soothing, and basic newborn care. A postpartum doula is there to help a new
family in those first days and weeks after bringing home a new baby. Research
shows that moms, dads and babies have an easier time with this transition if a
good support team is in place. In-Home Breastfeeding Consultation - $60 Starting Bid: $15 Offered by Sarah Kankiewicz, CLE (Firefly
Lactation Services) Labor+Birth Photography - $400
Starting Bid: $100 Offered by Rebecca Turrigiano (Loving Touch
Doulas) Being
passionate about all things birth related, I am excited to be able to
offer this service to both my doula clients and also families simply wanting to
capture this special time on film. I pride myself in knowing when to capture
these moments, and am happiest when my clients haven’t even realized that I was
even taking the shots I did! Having a background in fashion, film and T.V, I
bring a very unique prospective to your photos. The shots I capture also
respect the birthing Mom’s dignity and doesn’t feel intrusive during private
moments between partners. I am always honored to be invited into such a private
moment. Description
of Services
Naturopath Visit - $200 Starting Bid: $50 Offered by True Harmony Wellness Center Spa Gift Certificate - $80 Starting Bid: $20 Offered by True Harmony Wellness Center Mini Maternity Session - $175 Starting Bid: $45 Offered by Aimee Sugar Photography Essential Oil Introductory Kit - $35 Starting Bid: $10 Offered
by Aimee Sugar Starting Bid: $45 Offered by The
Pampered Belly Placenta
Encapsulation Placenta
Print Raw Belly Cast - $75 Starting Bid: $20 Offered by The
Pampered Belly  Magikarp Blanket - $75 Starting Bid: $20 Offered by
Hookin’ for Rent Some last minute additions - will have more info at tomorrow's event!! Photo Session – Starting Bid: Offered by
Rala Photography Nutrition Consultation – Starting Bid: Offered by
Baby Bloom Nutrition Therapy Session – Starting Bid: Offered by
OSS Physical Therapy I hope to see you at tomorrow's event. Come look for me upstairs - I will be at the silent auction sign-in table :) |
Q&A with SPB: Is a Vit C pill as good as food?
| Posted on September 14, 2016 at 5:01 PM |
comments (0)
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 Q: Is taking a Vitamin C pill as good as eating food rich in Vitamin C? A: If that is the best you can do, then do it. Optimally, your body is looking for "bioavailable" vitamins and minerals... VIDEO HERE: https://youtu.be/0A7h0CZWDi0 During pregnancy, we encourage our students to get a daily serving of Vitamin C and five servings of Vitamin A every week. These two vitamins in particular help boost an immune system that is already operating at a deficit because your are pregnant. As we enter the seasonal flux, we enter a season of dehydration and cold - a happy breeding grounds for those nasty winter germs!! Get ahead of those bugs this year by starting to protect yourself now. Some of the best defense against a chronic winter cold is rest, hand-washing, and healthy food choices. (Read more about winterizing your body HERE.) To address today's question: If you can find a way to get more Vitamin C and Vitamin A foods into your diet, your body recognizes them as food. Food is more easily digested, and those nutrients get to your body and your baby as they need them. If you take vitamin and mineral supplements, remember that they are a tool to bridge the gap in our nutrition. The body needs food, not pills, to operate at it's best. Foods rich in Vitamin C:  Foods rich in Vitamin A: If you are looking for fruits and vegetables, yellow and orange colored foods are a good choice!  Disclaimer: The material included in this video is for informational
purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice. The viewer should always consult her or his
healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for
their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss
Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site,
or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog and video contain information about
our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official
website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained in this video and on our
blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American
Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®. |
Waiting For Baby
| Posted on May 27, 2016 at 8:54 AM |
comments (283)
|
 Originally posted Fall 2011 - sharing today since some of our Spring 2016 mamas are starting to approach their EDD's)So
your estimated due date is approaching...or maybe it has passed. Those
little ones we are carrying are happily ensconced in their warm, loving
homes. To us “carriers”, it feels like we have been pregnant forever!! I
remember that feeling very well. We have always had the good fortune
of having our babies before our due date. I am mentally preparing for
this baby to be the one that teaches us how to wait...and since we are
not planning to have any more children after this, reminding myself to
treasure every moment of the pregnancy...I’ll get back to you on that
after our baby is born. (Our youngest was born at 38 weeks - got lucky again!) As
a reminder, if you are a first-time mom, there was a Harvard study
published in the June 1990 edition of the medical journal Obstetrics
& Gynecology that demonstrated that we are probably not allowing
enough time when estimating due dates (read more). We give a copy of
this article to our students on the first evening of class. It is a
retrospective evaluation of pregnancies between April 1, 1983 and March
31, 1984. The
conclusion of that study was that the median estimated due date for
primiparas (first-time mothers) should be 8 days later than Naegele’s
rule (the 40 week date used to estimate due dates - it’s been around
since 1830), and that multiparas should have an estimated due date that
was 3 days later than Naegele’s rule. Per their study, if you are 41
weeks as a first-time mother, your baby might just be arriving to the
point when he or she is ready to be born. For
some of us, it is hard to be in the last two weeks before your due
date, wondering when labor is going to start. If you are personally
tired of being pregnant, it is hard to remember that every day your baby
is inside your womb is a day he or she needs to finish their
preparation for “life on the outside”. Because you are big, hot and
uncomfortable, and you are ready to be done!! I cannot even imagine
what it’s like to go past your estimated due date and then have people
you know constantly asking, “Is the baby here yet?” or, “Have you had
that baby yet?” At
that point, you might as well get a t-shirt made that says “Obviously
STILL Pregnant”. If your family and friends are constantly calling to
check on you, you could screen your calls. Change your phone message to
say “Still pregnant - don’t call me, I’ll call you! Leave me a message
if you are calling about something else.” All
kidding aside, here are some ideas that have been shared on our Facebook page that I hope
will help you pass the time as you wait for your baby to arrive safely
into your loving arms. From a Series 2 Coach: “[We] Reviewed Bradley® material,
continued to think about our own birth plan and contingencies,
continued to exercise (Kegel), and practiced relaxation techniques. Bags
packed, gas tank filled, friends/family/support group info programmed
into phone, phone charger? We also enjoyed the peaceful time we shared
as a couple and thought about our soon to be family of 3. Slept a bunch
too. Ahhhhh..... sleep.” From a reader in Phoenix, AZ: “My
confession: I had gathered supplies to bake birth-day cupcakes during
early labor. At about 10 days past ''due date,'' I caved in, baked the
cupcakes, and ate them! Our son arrived two days later. Despite our
Bradley® training, I was a bit impatient and I definitely learned my lesson!” From one of our Bradley® teachers: “The other kids kept me busy. Eating out is always a help.” From moms in our Series 2 and Series 4: “Retail therapy!” I
know one of our students from our Spring Series 5 is busy quilting a
blanket while she waits for her labor to start - they are already “past
due” their estimated due date by seven days. To
piggyback on the advice from our Series 2 Coach, it is vitally
important that you keep up with your exercise and relaxation practice.
Exercise is important to keep your stamina and your energy up, as well
as keep your circulation going. Some moms experience swelling in the
last weeks of pregnancy. Doing regular cardiovascular exercise will
make sure that things are circulating through your body as needed. The
pregnancy exercises will continue to keep you in good shape for your
athletic event, whether you have a “sprint” or a “marathon” birth. It
has been proven that exercise also produce endorphins. These “good
guys” will be a great asset to you if you are feeling a little cranky
about being uncomfortable. Anything you can do to stay positive will
help you have a better labor. Relaxation
practice is another key for coping with an approaching or passing due
date. It helps both mom and coach increase in their confidence to
manage their natural labor. If mom knows that coach knows what they are
doing, it will help her achieve deeper relaxation to manage the
discomforts of labor. If coach knows they know what they are doing,
they are confident and unwavering in their support. Relaxation
practice also helps keep mom’s blood pressure lower. If you go past
your due date, your blood pressure will be monitored every visit. The
better your reading, the less likely you are to be pressured to “do a
little something to speed things along” or schedule an induction. I
spent the last two weeks of our first pregnancy preparing Puma’s
pregnancy scrapbook. The attention to detail and the loving touches
made the time worthwhile. To date, she is the only one with a real book
- that was the last time I have made the time to work on one. The rest
of the kiddos have their items gathered and labeled...one of these days
there will be time again. If
you have older children, I find it’s important to spend one-on-one time
with them, too, wherever you are in respect to your due date. I do
have virtual albums made for each of the kiddos - they are a great help
as we prepare to welcome our fourth child. I use our special time to
look at their pictures with them, tell them their birth story, and
remind them that they were once babies, too. The
albums show their birth and their first year in our family. The
pictures show them how we took care of them, and we can relate how we
will be doing things for the new baby. You can also remind them that
you will always love them despite the fact it will seem like you are
spending most your time with the new baby. It may feel like the baby is
going to be a baby forever - showing them the pictures of their quick
progression may help demonstrate that this time will pass and soon they
will have more of your attention again. “Banking” some special time
with them now may help decrease the jealousy after baby arrives. I
would also suggest making time with your spouse. Create special date
nights for just the two of you, for it will be the last time you are
just the two of you, or “the parents of # children.” This is a time you
can spend talking about the plans for your birth, your hopes and dreams
for your children, and reminiscing about the days you fell in love.
Although it will feel like there is less “couple time” after your baby
is born, I hope that you will be as blessed as we are with the birth.
Inexplicably, we are more and more in love with each other after each
birth when it seems like we just couldn’t love each other any more than
the overabundance of love we felt already. Have you documented your pregnancy yet? Make time to have a belly-cast done, or have some pregnancy pictures taken. You can share some laughs with the person doing your belly cast. Find a fun place to take pregnancy photos - maybe a botanical garden, the zoo, a historical building. Not only will you have a good day trip, but your child will have some great stories to hear some day when you tell them about the pictures. If
you are artistic, you can dedicate some time to writing, painting or
drawing. You can dedicate your art to the new baby, or explore your
feelings about your pregnancy through your art. These pieces will
probably become treasured keepsakes to your children. If
you are so inclined, you can also sew, knit, or crochet a blanket or
baby clothes. Older siblings might enjoy having an item of clothing or
outfit made out of the same fabric or yarn to show that they are all
going to be part of the family now. Just wear your “STILL Pregnant”
t-shirt when you go to the fabric store! It has been my experience that
the ladies at the fabric counter love to chat up pregnant customers. Best wishes to you if you are near or past your due date. Please feel free to drop me a line at [email protected] if you would like us to pray for you. Disclaimer: The material included on this site is for informational purposes only. It
is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical
advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider
to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own
situation. This blog contains information about our classes available in
Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The
Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily
reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of
Husband-Coached Childbirth®. Reference: Harvard Study: Obstetrics & Gynecology, Vol. 75, No. 6, June 1990, pgs 929-932 |
Q&A with SPB: Vitamin A
| Posted on March 22, 2016 at 10:25 AM |
comments (0)
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Give me an A!! Vitamin A is involved in
immune function, vision, reproduction, and cellular communication . Vitamin A also supports cell growth and plays
a critical role in the normal formation and maintenance of the heart, lungs, kidneys,
and other organs. Most fruits and vegetables that are high in Vitamin A have yellow or orange-colored flesh. (We looked up bananas in class - they don't count! Sorry if you are banana lover - check them off in the fruit box if you are using a nutrition tracking sheet). Other sources of Vitamin A are meat and eggs. You can check the list on THIS page for foods that have Vitamin A. Find a pregnancy nutrition tracking sheet HERE One of the biggest advantages Dr. Brewer saw in Vitamin A was in its role in preventing infection. During
pregnancy, when the pressure of the growing uterus on the bladder is constant,
extra Vitamin A helps protect you against bladder and kidney infection and is
also good for the skin. Vitamin A is a fat-soluble
vitamin, so be sure to eat lots of good fats and oils to help your body use
this nutrient. One common question is "can I overdose"? Again, quotes from the same article referenced above:
Beta-carotene is a red-orange pigment found in plants and fruits, especially bright yellow, orange, and red colored vegetables. In short, if your source of Vitamin A is plant-based, you are not likely to consume more than your body can use. Vitamin A Info Sheet: Top 10 List from Healthaliciousness Disclaimer: The material included in this blog and video is for informational
purposes only. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice. The viewer should always consult her or his
healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for
their own situation. Krystyna and Bruss
Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site,
or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided. This blog and video contain information about
our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official
website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained in this video and on our
blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American
Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.  |