Delivering a baby naturally can be a painful yet incredibly rewarding experience. Using breathing techniques can help expectant mothers deal with the pain of contractions, and can also calm their bodies in preparation for delivery, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Breathing exercises should never make you light-headed, dizzy or short of breath.
Slow Breathing
Slow breathing is often used in the beginning stages of labor as a way to manage the pain of contractions and to relax the body as it transitions between the various stages of labor. Slow breathing involves the mother taking a initial "cleansing" breath, then breathing deep and slowly in through the nose and out through the mouth with pursed lips in order to increase the intensity of the breaths. Slow breathing can be done along with things like meditation and visualization to act as a relaxation method during labor.
Light Accelerated Breathing
As the mother moves into the heavier phases of labor with more intense pain, she may choose to switch to light accelerated breathing. This once again starts with a cleansing breath, after which the mother focuses on taking faster and more shallow breaths as the intensity of the contractions increases, then slowing down as the contraction draws to a close. As with slow breathing, concentrating on breathing in through the nose and out through the mouth may help the mother concentrate more on breathing than on the pain. Light accelerated breathing is also effective when used to control the urge to push before the baby is ready to be delivered. Many doctors will suggest mothers breathe at this time in order to resist the urge to push and to relax the muscles needed to deliver the baby effectively.
Variable Breathing
Many times, especially during natural childbirth, mothers may feel panicked or be in intense pain. In these cases, variable breathing can be of great benefit, according to the American Pregnancy Association. Variable breathing involves light accelerated breathing combined with short spurts of shallow, quick breaths to vary the breathing rate. The mother begins with a cleansing breath, then takes several light, accelerated breaths and then transitions into a "hee-hee-hoo" pattern, alternating quick, intense breaths followed by long, cleansing breaths, followed again by the quick, intense breaths. This patterned breathing can help mothers focus on the pattern of their breaths rather than the pain of contractions, and can also be used by mothers who feel exhausted or overwhelmed.
