One Breath at a Time

10/12/09 

The continuation of my birthing class this weekend had us diving into breathing techniques. We practiced several, including the Bradley Method, which is steady and evenly paced, and Lamaze, which tends to have quicker and shorter breaths. The best technique to use is of course the one that works best for you. Also, keep in mind this may vary as your labor progresses. 

One of the universal breathing practices at the beginning and end of every contraction is to take a cleansing breath. This consists of a long and deep inhale, followed by a similar exhale. Benefits of this breath is to offer extra oxygen to the baby, and to help you and your partner know when a contraction is beginning. 

The explanation of why we do any breathing techniques at all, was the most interesting to me: 

The main purpose is to keep the mother focused on something besides the pain, which is achieved with the rhythmic pacing of the breathing, as well as the mental distraction of trying to remember what to do. There’s nothing like a little diversion to keep your pain at bay.