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 The Bradley Method®
2026 STATEMENT OF POLICY/CONTRACT

 

Section 1. REGISTERED TRADEMARKS
The terms “Bradley”, “The Bradley Method”, and “American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth” (also referred to as the Academy or AAHCC), are registered trademarks owned by Bradley Method®, LLC.

Use of these terms in connection with childbirth or childbirth education is permitted only for individuals who: have been formally trained by the Academy, or are currently enrolled in and actively completing Academy training; and are currently affiliated (certified) or provisionally affiliated with the Academy; and have completed all current annual renewal requirements, including dues, reporting, and continuing education (as applicable); and are in compliance with all guidelines in the current Statement of Policy.

Any use of these terms, emblems, intellectual properties, or copyrighted materials—including but not limited to curriculum, print materials, online documents, and promotional items—without current affiliation or provisional affiliation in good standing is strictly prohibited.

Please review all policies and requirements carefully to ensure you remain in full compliance at all times. If you have questions, contact the Academy—we are always glad to assist you.

Section 2. ROLE OF THE ACADEMY
The American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth® (AAHCC, the Academy) trains and supports Bradley® Professionals (Teachers and Doulas). The Academy does not employ teachers, offer childbirth classes directly, or provide doula services.

Affiliation is required in order to use the Academy’s terms, emblems, and intellectual properties. Current affiliates and provisional affiliates benefit from:

  • Authorization to teach using the Bradley Method®, use its curriculum for students preparing for labor & birth, and related materials and emblems
  • Referral of student inquiries through the Academy’s Online Directory of Bradley® Professionals
  • Ongoing teacher support, including standards for affiliation and teaching
  • Access to approved promotional materials and member discounts 

The initials “AAHCC” may only be used with your name if you are a current affiliate in good standing.

Section 3. APPROVED USE OF BRADLEY® MATERIALS
All Bradley® Professionals (teachers and doulas) are required to use the materials provided by the Academy but may do so only while they remain fully affiliated (trained, current on renewal, and compliant with all Academy policies).

Approved materials include:

  • Official curriculum for Childbirth Education Classes (online and printed)
  • Brochures and promotional items issued by the Academy
  • The Bradley Method® Online Student Center - access to which is provided with every Student License.

 NOTE: Every Bradley® Professional is required to purchase and issue a Student License for every student couple and every doula client. No exceptions.

Section 4. CREATING YOUR OWN MATERIALS
Bradley® Professionals may wish to create unique, personalized, or adapted materials for use in class, with doula clients, or for promotional purposes. This is permitted only under the following conditions:

  1. Self-Approval Guidelines: If your material falls within the published Self-Approval Guidelines, it must be filed with the Academy before use and resubmitted each year during Renewal.
  2. Academy Review: If your material does not fall within the Self-Approval Guidelines, it must be submitted to the Academy for approval before use, and again at each annual Renewal.

Section 5. USE OF MATERIALS NOT PROVIDED BY THE ACADEMY
To maintain the integrity of the Bradley Method®, only official Bradley® curriculum, materials, and promotional items may be used. If you wish to incorporate teaching aids, handouts, or other items that are not issued by the Academy, you must request advance approval from the Academy and renew that approval each year during Renewal.

Section 6. AAHCC AFFILIATION (Certification)

  1. What Affiliation Means
    Affiliation with the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth® (AAHCC) is a privilege, not a right. Individuals or couples may apply for affiliation only after completing all training programs and requirements, and agreeing to all rules, policies, and guidelines of the AAHCC.

    Bradley® Teachers and Doulas are independent professionals. Though affiliated with the Academy, they set their own fees, determine their own payment policies, plan their own schedule, establish and run their own business.

    Affiliation allows Bradley® Professionals to use the following titles:
    • “Affiliated Bradley® Instructor”
    • “Bradley® Certified Childbirth Educator”
    • “Trained Bradley® Doula”
    • “Professional Bradley® Doula”
    • “Affiliated Bradley® Instructor and Doula”
    • AAHCC after their name (a designation of status and professional training)

These titles may be used only while you are currently fully affiliated and in full compliance with this Statement of Policy.
We recommend avoiding the term “Certified Doula,” as it may be mistaken for a state-issued credential. The Academy does not provide state licensure or certification. If you wish to pursue state recognition or certification, you will need to contact your individual state or jurisdiction for those requirements.

  1.     What Bradley® Professionals Do
    1. Primary Mission - The primary mission of every Bradley® Teacher and Doula is to support families in achieving the goal of a healthy mother, healthy baby, and healthy family. Affiliates uphold this mission by teaching and supporting with integrity, inclusiveness, and high ethical standards, while respecting the choices and individuality of each family they serve.
    2. Core Responsibilities - Affiliated teachers and doulas are required to:
      1. Purchase and Issue Student Licenses for every student couple and doula client — no exceptions. This provides each family with access to the Bradley® Online Student Center, which includes the Online Student Workbook, more than a dozen childbirth videos, and other resources to help them prepare for labor and birth. Access to the Student Center also helps standardize the quality of Bradley® classes by ensuring that every student, couple, and doula client receives the same foundation of information and core resources, and it supports the continued growth of the Bradley Method®.
      2. Teach The Bradley Method® exclusively. Classes must follow the AAHCC Outlines, incorporate the Student Workbook, and draw from the resources provided in the Teacher’s Manual and Teacher Library. No other childbirth methods may be taught in combination with a Bradley® class, and no Bradley® Professional may teach any other childbirth method or approach.
      3. Teach in real time. Classes must always be delivered by a certified instructor through live instruction. Bradley Method® classes and doula support may be offered in person, live online, or over the phone. Classes and instructional information may not be recorded, posted, or shared in any other way.
      4. Teach normality, not medicine, and Do NOT Practice Medicine. Bradley® Professionals do not give medical advice, encourage students to ignore medical advice, or act in any way that could be considered practicing medicine. Anyone who offers medical advice, encourages anyone to go against medical advice, or acts in any way that could be regarded as practicing medicine violates the purpose of the AAHCC, and the legal responsibility for such violation is entirely with those individuals.
      5. Train anyone who genuinely seeks this knowledge. Bradley® Professionals set their own fees and policies but are encouraged to be generous whenever possible. Bradley® education is more than a business — it is an opportunity to hand down knowledge to families who need it.
      6. Prioritize their own family while maintaining professionalism, clear communication, and respectful boundaries.
      7. Respect student choices. Bradley® Professionals should support all students, and their life and birth choices, even if they differ from the teacher’s/doula's preferences. Our goal is to educate and empower, not to pressure.
    3. Class and Support Standards
      1. All Bradley® classes must include:
        • A minimum of eight weekly classes
        • At least 20 hours of live, real-time, personal instruction
        • Ongoing support through review classes or weekly contact until birth
      2. Provisional Affiliates are required to teach the Standard Twelve-Week Series.
      3. Fully Affiliated Instructors May Choose from the Following:
        • Standard Series: Twelve consecutive weeks of instruction (highly recommended)
        • Open Enrollment Series: One private class followed by eleven weekly sessions (a great way to have a class available for almost any due date)
        • Condensed Series: No fewer than eight weekly classes, with clear disclosure that the material is condensed, plus weekly follow-up until birth. Instructors are responsible for including all the core elements and important points presented in the Official Bradley® Outlines and Student Workbook, even in this condensed series.
        • Crash Course: May not be routinely offered but solely as an accommodation for an occasional single couple late in pregnancy with limited time.
      4. Core Elements of Bradley® Education and Support
        • We teach natural childbirth, generally understood as an advantageous option for mother, baby, and family when there are no complications. While every birthing person must make the choices that are right for them, our role as educators is to provide the knowledge, preparation, and encouragement that can make natural childbirth achievable for most who desire it.
        • Active coaching by the husband/partner or another chosen support person
        • Excellent nutrition as the foundation of a healthy pregnancy
        • Avoidance of unnecessary medications or procedures during pregnancy, birth, and breastfeeding
        • Personalized teaching and encouragement
        • Relaxation and natural breathing
        • Mothers tuning in to their own bodies
        • Immediate and continuous contact between mother, baby, and family whenever possible
        • Breastfeeding beginning at birth, whenever possible
        • Positive communication and informed consumerism
        • Parental responsibility for choosing birthplace, attendants, and emergency back-up
        • Education about unexpected situations such as emergency childbirth or cesarean section
  1.     What Bradley® Professionals Must Not Do:
      1. Mix The Bradley Method® with any other childbirth method or teach with any non-affiliated instructor.
      2. Teach any childbirth education other than the Bradley Method® - Bradley® teachers teach the Bradley Method® exclusively.
      3. Cross-promote The Bradley Method® with other services or causes (e.g., chiropractic, vitamin sales, or anything other than Bradley® classes and Bradley® doula support).
      4. Compete based on price – as an independent instructor/doula, you set your own fees and policies. We ask that you work with other Bradley® Professionals in your area rather than compete with them.
      5. Teach overly large classes (ideal is three to six couples; classes larger than eight must be split)
      6. Speak negatively about The Bradley Method® or the Academy in public or commercial speech. Making disparaging statements is a basis for termination of affiliation.
      7. Use affiliation to imply endorsement of unrelated ventures.
      8. Record, post, or sell class sessions, materials, information, or anything from our copyrighted materials or intellectual properties without expressed written consent in advance. This includes anything with or without the Bradley® term.
      9. Sell, share, or provide access to the Student Center or the Hybrid Classes on the Student Center to anyone who is not actively enrolled in their class. Student Center Hybrid Classes are intended only for occasional use in unusual circumstances (such as illness or inclement weather), to provide students with a brief overview of what they missed. All class content must still be reviewed with a certified instructor through personal, real-time instruction. Use of the Hybrid Classes does not count toward the required 20 hours of real-time instruction that every Bradley® class must include.
      10. As Educators and Doulas, our first responsibility is to our students and clients, regardless of who is paying for our services.
      11. State or imply that they are the Bradley Method®. Bradley® Professionals are Certified to teach the Bradley Method® and can offer Doula Support, but they are not the Bradley Method®.  No one may have an email address, website, social media account, any printed or promotional materials, or anything else that claims or implies that anyone other than the Academy is the Bradley Method®.

Teachers are also expected to:

  • Support and refer to other current affiliates
  • Encourage students to consider teacher training
  • Maintain professionalism, including but not limited to dress, class environment, and communication

Section 7. Bradley® Doulas
Every affiliated instructor is also a Bradley® Doula.

  • This is not a state license or certification. Laws vary, and each affiliate is responsible for compliance with local regulations.
  • All Bradley® Professionals agree not to attend births unless and until a licensed medical provider is present.
  • Bradley® Professionals, as such, do not practice medicine and are not qualified to serve as birth attendants. They do not perform exams, take measurements, use medical equipment, recommend or administer medications, deliver babies, or do anything else that could be considered the practice of medicine. Any teacher/doula who practices medicine assumes the sole responsibility for such behavior.
  • The Bradley Method® and AAHCC do not endorse unattended births.

REVIEW OF REQUIREMENTS

  1. Bradley® Professionals (educators and doulas) must purchase and issue a Student License to every student couple (mother and her coach) and every doula client – no exceptions.
  2. Teachers are required to submit copies of all materials from sources other than the Academy for approval before use and each year at renewal.
  3. Bradley® Professionals are required to keep basic contact information and statistics on all students and doula clients. This information will be requested during annual renewal. It is gathered for quality assurance and statistical analysis. The Academy promotes teacher training, but does not release or sell student information to outside parties.
  4. Pay dues and all other charges promptly and complete online renewal.
  5. Provide excellent training so that, in the absence of complications, most students/doula clients can achieve a natural childbirth if that is what they desire.
  6. Train husbands/partners, or other individuals designated by the student, as labor coaches.
  7. Support the growth of the Bradley Method® by encouraging students to become Bradley® Professionals.
  8. All classes must be taught using AAHCC outlines and materials. The Standard Bradley Method® series of twelve (12) weekly classes is preferred and highly recommended for all students.
  9. Teachers are encouraged to return calls and messages from potential students/clients promptly, even if you can’t accommodate their needs. Make referrals to other current Bradley® Professionals or to www.bradleymethod.com 
  10. Directory of Bradley® Professionals – anyone who plans to be inactive for two or more months must either contact the Academy to have their listings temporarily removed, or make it very clear in their listings that they will be inactive. We do not want to frustrate potential students/clients.

The relationship between you and AAHCC shall be governed by the laws of the State of California, and both parties agree to submit to the exclusive jurisdiction of the courts in Ventura County, California. Your affiliation is subject to suspension, fines, and fees for any violations of this Statement of Policy/Contract, which shall remain enforceable. Upon termination of your association, you agree to immediately discontinue all use of AAHCC and/or Bradley Method® materials or intellectual property and remove any public references to your former affiliation. All AAHCC dues, fees, and tuition are non-refundable. By participating in AAHCC activities or events, you grant AAHCC and its assigns the right to use your and your family members’ names, images, and comments for educational and promotional purposes. If any provision of this Agreement is determined to be invalid under any applicable statute or rule of law, it is to that extent to be deemed omitted, and the balance of the Agreement shall remain enforceable.

These policies are designed to protect you, your students, and the integrity of The Bradley Method® as a whole. By following them, you ensure that your teaching remains credible, professional, and part of a trusted international community. Please note that failure to comply with these policies will result in the cancellation of your affiliation and may lead to legal action. At the same time, know that we are proud to support you in your work and are committed to helping you succeed. We reserve the right to revise these policies at any time. Policies are subject to change. You can apply for an exception to a policy by completing the Policy Exception Form. All exceptions must be requested and approved in advance.

2026 RENEWAL & CONTINUING EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS
Every Bradley® Professional and all who are in training are required to complete Renewal every year. For everyone, this process involves the collection of information and your agreement to abide by the Statement of Policy. Once affiliated for a full year or more, you will also have Continuing Education Requirements. We announce them well in advance, so you’ll have time to complete them before your renewal. These requirements are subject to change each year. Any exceptions must be approved by the AAHCC. All members must complete renewal and pay dues on time.

  1. Re-read "Husband-Coached Childbirth", current edition. Write a report on at least three things you found helpful to learn again.
  2. Read any book of your choice on a topic related to childbirth. Write a one-paragraph report that we can share in the newsletter. Let us know whether you would recommend the book to Bradley® Professionals and to students.
  3. Complete the Course on Not Practicing Medicine for Bradley Teachers. This will be provided to you.
  4. Read the Bradley Method® Business Guide. This will be provided for you.
  5. Teach a minimum of ten students each year (if possible).
  6. Observe one birth (where possible).
  7. Enter basic contact information and statistics for all students and clients in the past year.
  8. Obtain approval for all non-AAHCC handouts, teaching aids, and links to videos you plan to use this year.
  9. Attend at least one La Leche League or breastfeeding support meeting each year.
  10. Observe one class taught by an affiliated AAHCC teacher.



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