Guides
We have had 9 natural beautiful Bradley® births, and every one of them was an incredible experience. When I was pregnant with our first child, we took Bradley® classes together in Manhattan, where we lived at the time. Jeff learned how to be an effective labor coach. We gained a deeper understanding of birth and baby care—and things we did not even realize we needed to know, from the stages of labor to breastfeeding, to how to avoid unnecessary interventions. Teaching Bradley® classes is something we really enjoy. They are fun, interactive, and empowering for expectant couples. Jeff brings a bit of humor to the classes and draws from his experience as a father, husband, and coach. After 20 years of teaching in-person classes in four different states—Connecticut, New Jersey, California, and North Carolina—we transitioned to teaching online. Now, we have couples attending from all over the United States. Couples can take our classes from the comfort of their own homes—or wherever they are. Online Bradley® classes are so convenient. Over the years we have learned how to effectively convey information to expecting women and their partners so that they are prepared to give birth and know how to advocate for themselves, if they need arises. Our classes include games, break-out rooms so you can interact with the other couples in your Bradley® series, positive birth stories, and ample opportunities to ask questions. I gave birth to my first child at the age of 24 and gave birth to my ninth child at the age of 48. I have given birth in a hospital, a freestanding birth center, and at home. My most challenging births were my sixth and eighth babies. Our classes our appropriate for those planning hospital births, home births, and freestanding birth center births. We also provide information to VBAC moms, couples expecting twins, and parents who already have one, two, or more children.
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Ten week series of Virtual Childbirth classes which includes access to the Bradley Method® online workbook and resource center. Interactive classes taught by a husband/wife team. Class 1 – Introduction to the Bradley Method® Class 2 – Nutrition and Breastfeeding Class 3 – Gestation and Choices Class 4 – The Coach’s Role Class 5 – Introduction to the Stages of Labor Class 6 – Planning Your Birth Class 7 – Complications and Variations Class 8 – Advanced First and Second Stage Class 9 – The Labor Rehearsal Class 10 – The New Family Virtual Class Reunion about one month after the last couple has their baby.
Childbirth education is my primary focus. My husband and I teach live interactive Bradley® classes online in a Zoom classroom. Our classes include designing your personal birth plan, the stages of labor, comfort measures, effectively navigating the hospital system, advocacy, the coach's role, and a labor rehearsal. Our couples report that they understood the interventions offered and how to truly work as a team during the birth of their baby. Empowering couples is our primary focus.
Karen and Jeff were great instructors! Every class was very laid back and informative. Having a class of other pregnant couples really makes the class feel like a little community. The amount of information you learn makes you feel prepared to meet your little one!
— Soraya Rose
This Bradley Method class is good and very informative, especially for understanding natural childbirth, partner involvement, and what to expect during labor. The material is thorough and practical. However, it does include some educational nudity in photos or videos, which may be uncomfortable for those who are squeamish or prefer more modest presentations. Overall, it’s a solid and helpful.
— Jacqueline Cardoza
Jeff and Karen were awesome and extremely friendly. They are great coaches and I highly recommend them and the Bradley birthing class. I wasn’t able to attend some classes due to conflicts but I love that the classes are recorded so you can watch them after. They are very professional, kind and informative. I loved following along in the book that is optional to buy/download as well. Thank you so much!
— Kirah Carney
Karen and Jeff were awesome at introducing and teaching us how to prepare for labor and postpartum. We had a great time together learning with games and other interactive lessons with other couples all over the country! It was bittersweet to end the classes but we were so happy we were able to be a part of The Bradley Method classes as we didn't have any in person classes in our area. Thanks Karen and Jeff you rock!
— Annie Bleil
The class was a great help, and we would recommend it to all expecting parents.
— Hannah Merck
Jeff and Karen were amazing Bradley Method teachers. This class was very informative and fun. It made us more prepared for childbirth and helped us to make more informative decisions for our birth plan. We highly recommend the Bradley Method class taught by Jeff and Karen.
— Kaleb Tayler
Absolutely loved them, so helpful and amazing!
— Hannah Tavai
Great!
— Kora Taylor
Hi, my name is Jason. I'm a Doula serving areas near Karen and Jeff. I have attended a complete series of their Bradly Method child birth class. Karen and Jeff are kind, highly knowledgable people, with a passion for increasing the chances of families having the most positive birth experience possible. I consider them friends, and I commend them for the sacrifice of time and emotion, by contributing to the birth communities. Expecting families are better off for them.
— Jason C.
Karen and Jeff's class was pivotal in our first birth last year. We had the home birth we planned, with my husband being my guide and protector the entire time. Our baby was born into his hands, which was such a precious moment. Both our doula and assistant midwife told us, in private, that we were the most prepared first-time parents they'd ever witnessed. Whenever I had questions pre or post-birth, Karen was always honest and helpful. Nowadays, there is so much unnecessary fear and pressure placed on parents when it comes to pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding. So much. I don't think I would've made it through early postpartum had it not been for her reassurance and resources. Birth and babies don't have to be complicated!
— Sarah M.
Karen and Jeff taught us so much through the Bradley Method and their own experience. It was a delight to work through the material with a wonderful cohort, and we felt much more prepared taking this approach to our birth! This class is beneficial for anyone experiencing birth!
— Ash Yez
Karen and Jeff were such joys to learn from during my pregnancy last year. As first-time parents who wanted to have a home birth, as well as approach prenatal care more holistically, Birth Empowered was better than we ever could've imagined. Given that Karen and Jeff have had several natural births together, their wisdom was clear and empowering. In the end, we had the home birth we'd planned for, with my husband catching our baby. Our assistant midwife and doula both approached us afterward to tell us that they'd never experienced such a prepared couple before, and they'd been to hundreds of births! Take this course! You won't regret it!
— Sarah M.
This class is an absolute must for expecting parents! Karen and Jeff have a wealth of wisdom after 9 natural births of their own, and there’s no better way to prep for this new life stage than sitting beneath people who have walked ahead of you…but not just any people. THESE two have studied the Bradley method extensively and know SO much about childbirth, postpartum, and raising babies, and have a truly insightful way of helping you understand what you may be faced with in the hospital or other birthing places and what you can say and do in response (and in preparation). If your goal is to have a natural birth unmedicated, or even if it’s just to have the best experience you can with your birth, taking this class is a no brainer and so much more helpful than any hospital or day long class. Getting both partners on the same page is key, and that’s why we loved not only hearing Karen’s perspective but having Jeff to speak to the husbands as well. Turning on a zoom class is an easy, achievable thing your husband can do with you leading up to birth and they will feel so much more prepared for the unknowns of birth and postpartum, instead of just the moms! I will recommend this class to all my friends in the future. Many of my friends before me have walked into the hospital completely unprepared for their births and ended up with many interventions, usually leading to c sections. I knew I wanted to prepare as best I could when it was my turn, and this class is one of the few things actually in our control to do before birth. So, do it! You won’t regret it! Thank you Karen and Jeff for a 5 star experience! Ps, Karen offers to set up a time privately to talk through your birth plan, plus they are responsive outside of class and after the class ends if you have more questions or need help - even when headed into labor! So if you’re wondering about the value of the 10 week class, it goes far beyond that! If you miss classes you can watch the recording which saved us a few times, but it’s so fun to be with other couples in the same stage as you and interact throughout the class. It makes it feel like an in person class. Don’t let the “zoom” aspect throw you off!
— Allison George
Jeff and Karen were awesome, super informative, and supportive! To anyone looking to learn more about the Bradley method, or looking to be highly informed and prepared for birth I would I highly recommend!
— Jasmine Kwan
Great source of information for both expectant parents!
— Anthony Negowetti
Both Karen and Jeff gave us the tools and space we needed to prepare for the birth of our second child. They are warm, knowledgeable and committed to empowering families to make decisions about birth. Highly recommend to others and with sincere gratitude!
— Annah Littleton
Karen and Jeff are very passionate about teaching new parents (and VBAC parents) about pregnancy and childbirth. They cover a wide range of topics in the 10-class series and share many stories along the way. They are helpful and willing to answer questions. We enjoyed our weekly zoom sessions and the chance to meet other couples in the same boat.
— Hannah White
It was very informative and helpful. We feel so much more prepared to welcome our little baby and for what lies ahead. Highly suggest for all first-time parents.
— Melinda Doermann
Very educational and we feel more prepared for the birth of our first child. We recommend the class to anyone who is expecting a child.
— Katrine Colton
The classes are excellent. My husband and I were looking for a birth course that really involved the partner, so we discovered the Bradley method. Karen and Jeff are expert instructors in not only the Bradley method but as the parents of 9 children, they’re the real deal with tons of experience. We also really enjoyed the small size of the class, and getting to know the other couples. We are much better prepared.
— Julie Vijayendran
Karen and Jeff were amazing instructors. We became empowered for planning a home birth after having our twins at the hospital. We are so happy we took this class. We feel we have all the tools and strategies necessary for a successful birth wherever it happens! Thank you Karen & Jeff! It was a lot of fun.
— Sara Green
Such a great series of classes with Karen & Jeff. We felt a lot more prepared going into labor and delivery with the information and detail that was given. Thank you Karen & Jeff!
— Mackenzie Whitaker
We enjoyed our time in brith class with Karen and Jeff. They are wonderful birth educators and an excellent resource for expecting families.
— Hannah Smith
We loved this class! It was informative and it was nice that they offered it virtually so that it could work with our schedules. Karen and Jeff are knowledgeable, experienced, and friendly. I would consider doing this class again!
— Victoria Watterson Collings
My husband and I were interested in learning more about childbirth and how to be better equipped for the process and we decided to take Karen and Jeff’s course - it was fantastic to say the least! They are so knowledgeable about all things childbirth and share their personal experience which makes it so relatable and authentic. They have so many resources and information to share. I highly recommend this course to anyone who wants to feel more confident and knowledgeable about birth and labor!
— Zoe Hedin
Karen and Jeff are extremely knowledgeable, energetic, and fun to be with and learn from. I would recommend any first time parent who is looking to learn how to advocate for themselves through pregnancy and delivery to take this class. Thank you!!
— Hayley Batten
Best class! My husband and I learned so much, we are looking forward to having our first baby!
— Kate Glendinning
This was an extremely informative class! Karen and Jeff helped us learn more about having a natural childbirth in a fun, but educational way! Would recommend to anybody, but especially first time parents.
— Ben Brauss
We really enjoyed the classes and found them helpful. There is a lot of information in a short time, but the resources provided are re-enforced by the lectures well.
— Rachel McAllister
We took the online course and felt it was very informative
— Chris Weaver
I can't recommend this class enough. Jeff and Karen are the sweetest couple and with 9 kids of their own, they truly have the experience to be teaching such a class. If you are hoping to get a thorough, comprehensive overview of what pregnancy, labor and childbirth entails, and hope to do so in a more natural way, the Bradley Method is for you, and this class with Jeff and Karen specifically, will be able to give you the tools and resources to have the best birth possible. There is a LOT to childbirth and taking a one time 1-3 hour class at a local hospital or somewhere else is not going to truly equip you for it. If you want to truly have informed consent and feel empowered and prepared for your birth, and not be swayed by our over-medicalized system into unnecessary interventions, you need to invest in something deeper. I am so glad my husband and I did. The cost is minimal compared to the wealth of knowledge you'll gather and confidence you'll gain to ensure you can go into birth mentally ready to handle whatever may arise. Also, even though this is virtual, I was amazed at how Karen and Jeff brought it to life and made it so engaging and personable. I looked forward to each class and interacting with the other couples. It was fun, informative, and honestly life-changing. I'll remember these people and stories for the rest of my life.
— Jessica Everett Quiterio
Karen and Jeff are the kind of teachers who walk their talk. They really love birth, they care deeply about parent’s experience and they know their stuff. We’re in awe of their commitment to natural births as Bradley instructors for 20+ years not to mention Karen giving birth NINE times supported by Jeff—incredible! We love that Karen and Jeff operate as a team in every part of their lives including team teaching—that brings such a unique and meaningful edge to their class. Not to mention, they’re warm and funny with lots of stories to share. You’ll be so glad you chose their class!
— Meredith & Alicia
Karen and Jeff were delightful and we enjoyed our Bradley class. We recommend reading through the notebook outside of class to help retain some of the concepts that you may be unfamiliar with. If you do that, the class flows easier and you can easily answer questions.
— Cody Ward
Jeff and Karen are absolutely amazing. The class was informative and interactive. The instructors are positive, energetic, and super-knowledgable. This class is a must for first-time parents :)
— Brandon Fremin
Karen & Jeff were fantastic instructors. we learned so much that we have already used during the pregnancy. we learned so much we will use during labor & delivery. We highly recommend taking their class.
— Richard Gwozdz
We found this course extremely informative in preparing us for pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum. We are so glad we took this course. Jeff and Karen have lots of real life experience, and it was so valuable to hear all of their stories and advice, and be able to ask them questions. Highly recommend!
— Sara Fremin
Very helpful and informative. As a dad to be this class gave me a lot of insight into the birthing process. What to expect, how to prepare and what I can do to help. Books are great but this class is packed full of information and answers to any questions you have. I was not prepared for childbirth but now I am. Thank you Karen and Jeff!
— Michael
Karen and Jeff’s class was amazing! Not only very informative and educational, but also fun and interactive. We loved taking their Bradley class! I feel confident in birthing my baby and advocating for myself after taking their class with all the information I’ve been equipped with. Thank you Karen and Jeff!
— Jennifer Johnson
The Bradley class with Karen and Jeff was amazing. We didn’t realize how much we could learn and did! We feel as prepared as can be for the birth of our girl and most importantly how to advocate for ourselves and the baby. Karen and Jeff are highly educated and warm and lighthearted individuals who are really there to support and help on your journey. Take the class!
— Joe Bernabe
It was great taking their class. I love how involved my husband and myself were in all the classes. They were super informative and supportive. They really made it a great online experience. We enjoyed the games as well! :)
— Joyce Silva
Very friendly, kind couple that shares important aspects of the Bradley Method!
— Christyanne McClafferty
Karen and Jeff were amazing during this class! We learned so much about the process of pregnancy and what to expect within labor, delivery, and postpartum. They covered emotional, medical, pharmaceutical, and mental topics surrounding delivery. We would strongly recommend this class to any pregnant couple that is interested in husband coached childbirth.
— Hannah Roberts
Helped us to feel prepared and empowered for a natural childbirth. Great for mom and dad - appreciated the experience of the teachers and the ease of Zoom. Karen was very attentive and quick to return emails and questions. Highly recommend!
— Julianne Habegger
Loved this class. We took this class for the birth of our second child. Karen and Jeff were extremely informative and gave us the tools we needed to advocate for ourselves during labor and delivery at the hospital. My husband took so much from this class and was an amazing coach during the delivery. We felt educated and confident after attending and would definitely recommend those who are expecting take this course !!!
— Gianna Gaviria
I found Karen and Jeff’s teaching to be fun, accurate and helpful. I am glad I was able be take their course!
— Jason Calloway
The class was helpful in educating us about pregnancy, birth and the postpartum period. I would recommend the class for anyone who would like to have skills to support a unmedicated child birth experience. Even if you plan to have pain medications - it still provides useful information about managing birth in the hospital setting among the many other things associated with pregnancy and birth.
— Aaron Murray
Karen and Jeff are wonderful Bradley Method Instructors. The classes were informational, fun and interactive. We especially loved meeting the other couples and chatting with them throughout the process. We would recommend this to anyone looking for a great virtual birthing class!
— Erin McCarty
We took Karen and Jeff's class a second time because we loved it so much! We felt like it prepared both of us so well, and we were able to make the best decisions for ourselves, our birth, and our family.
— Samantha Mabe
I would highly recommend taking this course if you are expecting, especially for first-time parents! The course prepares couples for a healthy pregnancy and natural childbirth. My husband and I both felt so much more confident in pursuing a non-medicated natural birth after taking the Bradley® course; the instructors quelled our fears of excruciatingly painful labor and childbirth by sharing strategies of coping with pain. The instructors' wisdom and experience gave me the confidence needed for me to trust my body. Moreover, the course provided tips for how husbands (or support people) can play an active role in the process, which can lead to an easier labor and delivery! We are grateful for the healthy birth of our son and we feel that the Bradley® course empowered us in achieving our dream birth experience.
— Amatunoor Frederickson
Karen and Jeff are an excellent instructional team. They have decades of experience birthing children together and teaching others to do the same. Their classes are fun and engaging and will prepare you to advocate for the birth you want. They will also equip you with the physical and mental tools you need let go and birth your baby. The money you spend on birth education will benefit you for this birth and for every birth in your future.
— BettyJo K.
Karen and Jeff are great teachers. I learned quite a bit from the classes and felt I was well prepared for the natural birth of my daughter! Very informative and useful information provided in each session.
— Jen W.
Knowledgeable and caring couple who dive deep and impart the information and insights you need to have the birth you want.
— Kelly Borden-Joye
I could not have had a better birthing experience and it is 100% because of this class and community!
— Hayden Hammons
Karen is an experienced educator and parent. She is kind and compassionate and it shows in every interaction I’ve had with her. I highly recommend working with Karen!
— Emily M.
Bradley Method classes helped me to learn what to expect, and to be prepared for anything! Karen and Jeff are great teachers. Highly Recommend!!
— JenniBakes4U
So much helpful information and a great community! My wife and I are definitely going into this pregnancy with confidence!
— Victor Sassano
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Karen is based in Hickory, North Carolina.
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