Breathing Techniques *not a question*

[BabyTurnip]

I thought I would share with you mommas some breathing techniques I was reading quickly for during labor :) For anyone who is trying to go full natural, like I am, or just to stay relax threw out the process, I thought it'd be nice to share a little.My Dr was telling me that when you get really stressed and tense, it can make your labor harder and longer so let's all try to stay calm :D


If you close your eyes right now and focus on your breathing, you'll notice that it is very rhythmical. Your In-breath is the same length as your Out-breath and There is a light pause before your lungs draw in the next breath. Don't let you In-breath become longer then our Out-breath, if anything your Out-breath should be longer.

When having contractions, it is natural for your breathing to become shallower and rapid, which limits the oxygen to you and your baby. You can start feeling light-headed and out of control. Pins and needles start in your fingers and your mouth feels numb.

Here are some tips:

-When having strong contractions, think of the word 'relax'. It has two syllable "re" and "lax". Concentrate on thinking "re" as you breath In and "lax" as you breath out. While breathing out, try to let go of all tension that you have in your body. Don't let your mind wonder away from repeating that word and stay in tune with your breathing and "relax".  Remember when you breath Out think "laaaax". The breath Out is the one to focus on as the breath-In takes care of itself.

-Count your breath. Breath In and Count "one, two, three, four" Or whatever seems comfortable and breath Out and count "one, two, three, four". Most woman might find it more comfortable to breath In in counts of three and Out in counts of Four.

-Try breathing In threw your nose and Out threw your mouth. Keep your mouth very soft as you sigh the breath Out. Some woman find it comfortable to go "ooohhhhhh" or "aaahhhhh". In between contractions take little sips of water to keep your mouth from becoming dry.

It can be hard to stay concentrated on your breathing as your contactions get painful, your tired and labor seems endless. This is where your support person or your partner becomes essential. Have eye contact with him, hold his hand and then follow his breathing pattern as he breaths In threw his nose and blows out softly into your face.


Here is a quick Tip if you feel that urge to push but your Dr wants to give your cervix more time to dilate:

-Try changing position to your side or all fours with your bum in the air and chest on the floor and do four pants In and four pants Out while thinking "I must not push" and breathing normally between contractions.


So I got all of this from Baby Center, generalized into a smaller text for you. I've read a lot of post one some ladies starting to get scared and nervous about labor. I think the best way to attack this is by reading as much as you can on what you can do to keep yourself relax and calm. I feel that by reading this (yes I was doing it while reading lol) and helped me understand better how my breathing should be and put me at ease. I feel a little more ready for this and feel confidant (after I read this to my partner and we are on the same page) that im one step closer to being able to do this!

Sorry it was so long, hope you all remember to breath when the time comes and that no matter how long it may seem or actually take in the end it's all worth it for that little bundle of joy that will soon be in our arms :) Good Luck Mommies!

[BabyTurnip]

my pleasure ashtom :)

[ashtom]

Oh my gosh thank you! This is awesome!!!!

[BabyTurnip]

No problem ktlmg :) I think so too, I think its good for any situation, its makes for a better experience if your able to stay as calm as possible and even when you get the epidural and may still be very nerve racking and stressful. I mean its not everyday that your going to push a little being out of your vagina lol

[ktlmg]

This is fabulous! Thank you for posting. I plan on doing this all natural but I feel like this would be helpful for anyone planning to use an epidural too.