Labor is the process of birth. In response to uterine contractions the lower segment stretches and thins, the cervix dilates, the birth canal is formed and the baby descends through the pelvis.

Labor as the name suggests is a period of focused hard work by pregnant women. You can be an active partner with nature in accomplishing this difficult but fulfilling task of bringing a life into the world, being a partner with the creative forces of the universe.

It is a matter of accepting and working with reality. Preconceived notions and fears have an effect on Labor. It is better to respond with the best of abilities and a sense of purpose. Breathing exercises for labor are recommended by Doctor and Physicians  for  a healthy baby.

Breathing exercises for labor are essential for relaxation, pain management, and maintaining focus throughout the process. These exercises help to reduce stress, keep you grounded, and promote efficient oxygen flow to both you and your baby.

Why Breathing and relaxation?

  • Keeps voluntary muscle relaxed
  • Takes attention away from fear and tension
  • Keeps abdominal muscles relaxed
  • Helps baby to get more oxygen
  • Helps in shorter, comfortable and safer birth process

It’s helpful to practice these breathing exercises during labor to make them second nature when the time comes.

birthing breathing techniques

Deep Breathing :

Deep breathing techniques for labor has many benefits. It can make you feel more relaxed, reduce your heart rate and blood pressure, and help you get more oxygen with each breath. During Labour, it may also help you feel more in control and cope better with the pain of contractions.

At the beginning and end of each contraction remember to take a deep, cleansing, relaxing breath. This not only helps sharpen your focus but also provides more oxygen for your baby, your muscles, and your uterus.

  • Breathe, in through nose using nose, throat, chest, diaphragm and abdomen.
  • Gently breathe out through mouth.
  • Practice this twice a day for 5 — 10 minutes.

Chest Breathing :

As the intensity of contraction begins, most times the automatic response is to hold the body tight, that time breathing automatically stops, which is detrimental for the baby. Practicing ‘chest breathing’ helps you to relax, helps to keep abdominal muscles relaxed, take your attention away from the pain of contraction and most important practicing conscious breathing, helps you and
baby can get sufficient oxygen.

  • Place one hand round lower rib & other on abdomen.
  • Breathe in and feel chest rising.
  • Breathe out gently through mouth.

Shallow Breathing :

Shallow, gentle breathing is to be practiced at peak of contractions needs lots of focus is very helpful in controlling the natural urge to push, helps get enough oxygen & reduces the intensity of discomfort of contraction experienced by you

  • Breathe in gently up to upper part of breastbone.
  • Breathe out through mouth.
  • Shallow breathing helps to relax abdominal & perennial muscles.

Lamaze Breathing Technique :

Lamaze breathing is a breathing techniques for labor is controlled breathing, which can enhance relaxation and decrease the perception of pain.

During contractions, focusing your attention on ‘Lamaze’ breathing patterns helps to keep your breathing regular and help you stay as relaxed as possible. It is very helpful in focussing on something other than the pain of Labour.

Husbands make great coach, to help you to practice breathing through Labor, it’s important to practice breathing together from the 7th month of pregnancy. So it becomes the natural thing to practice in tandem during actual Labor.

Some of the Labor comfort strategies recommended to make the breathing techniques more effective include:

  • Changing positions
  • Moving
  • Slowly dancing / slow hip rotation
  • Massage

Our breath is powerful. When managed mindfully, it can help reduce stress and tension, lower blood pressure, and some studies suggest, even reduce pain and discomfort. While breathing is an involuntary function healthy bodies do automatically, there are certain techniques we can employ to control our breathing, de-stress and
improve our feelings of well-being.

Disclaimer :
– This is a very general breathing exercise during Labour.
– Please do check with your healthcare practitioner / gynaec before following the same.

 

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