Importance of Breathing During Labor

Importance of Breathing during Labour

Labour 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.

Labour 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 Labour. It is better to respond with the best of abilities and a sense of purpose, a purpose of having a healthy baby. Why Breathing and relaxation?

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

Deep breathing

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

Deep breathing 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.

Chest breathing

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

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 & most important practicing conscious breathing, helps you & baby can get sufficient oxygen

Shallow Breathing

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

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.

Lamaze Breathing Technique

Lamaze breathing is a breathing technique 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 labour, 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 labour.

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