Patterned Breathing
Different patterns of breathing are used at different stages of labor. Patterned breathing refers to the act of breathing at different possible rates and depths. Some women prefer breathing deeply, using their diaphragm to fill their abdomen with air. Other women prefer light breathing, inhaling just enough to fill their chest. The goal is to find a breathing pattern that has a calming and relaxing effect on you. The technique you …show more content…
Release all tension, and relax your body, as you breathe out. Focus your attention.
Inhale slowly through your nose and exhale through your mouth. Accelerate and lighten your breathing as the contraction increases in intensity. If the contraction peaks early, then you will have to accelerate early in the contraction. It if peaks more gradually, you will have to work your speed up more slowly. Keep your mouth and shoulders relaxed.
As your breathing rate increases toward the peak of your contraction, breathe in and out lightly through your mouth. Keep your breathing shallow and light at a rate of about one breath per second.
As the contraction decreases in intensity, gradually slow your breathing rate, switching back to breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth.
When the contraction ends, exhale with a sigh or God’s name.
The next technique you could use is called variable …show more content…
You might try verbalizing a name with every long breath.
When the contraction ends, take one or two deep relaxing breaths with a sigh or by verbalizing a name.
Expulsion breathing
The breathing technique you use during the final stage of labor is called expulsion breathing:
Expulsion breathing is used once the cervix is fully dilated.
Take a deep breath as soon as the contraction begins. Release all tension, and relax your body, as you breathe out.
Focus on the baby moving down, or on another such positive image.
Remember to breathe slowly, letting the contraction guide you in accelerating or lightening your breathing as necessary for comfort. When you cannot resist the urge to push, take a big breath, tuck chin to chest, curl your body and lean forward. Then bear down, while holding your breath or slowly releasing air by grunting, moaning or verbalizing a name. It is important to relax the pelvic floor by releasing any tension in the perineum.
After five-six seconds, release your breath and breathe in and out. When the urge to push takes over, join in by bearing down. You will continue in this way until the contraction subsides. The urge to push comes and goes in waves during the contraction. Use these breaks to breathe deeply providing oxygen to your body and the