Lamaze breathing is the most widely used birthing technique in the United States, says KidsHealth.org, a division of the Nemours Foundation. It is a method of birthing and dealing with the pain and stress of birth through breathing exercises. Lamaze classes teach parents to take control of their birthing process, help them to feel empowered through the process and stay calm through one of the most monumental days of their lives. Lamaze classes are offered throughout the United States, but you can learn some Lamaze breathing exercises on your own to help put you in control of your birth experience.
Cleansing Breath
All Lamaze breathing begins with a single cleansing breath, notes BirthSource.com. A cleansing breath begins with a deep inhale, and a slow exhale. Through this cleansing breath you are calming your senses and preparing for the next step. It's a good idea to use a cleansing breath at the beginning and end of each contraction. Even if you opt for pain medications, a cleansing breath can help calm and prepare you mentally for the work of pushing. Try inhaling for a count of five and exhaling for a count of five, keeping your body relaxed.
Slow Breathing
Slow breathing can be employed any time that you feel calmer and more in control. It provides the maximum amount of oxygenation to your body and allows you to relax. In slow breathing, you'll breathe about as half as often as you would normally, no less than four breaths per minute. Try counting to five as you breathe in and out, focusing on the numbers and the quality of breath that you take in for the most benefit.
Blowing Breathing
Pregnancy-Period.com describes the "blowing breathing" exercise as a way to practice taking air in through your nose, and pushing it out your mouth as a way to concentrate on something other than pain or stress throughout the birthing process. When you practice blowing breathing, take in air through your nose for three counts and push it forcefully out of your mouth, as if you were blowing through a straw.
Patterned Breathing
Patterned breathing, the breathing exercise that is well-known through the birthing and pregnancy community, is not a way to combat pain in the place of medications, notes Lamaze International. Instead, patterned breathing, or focusing on a pattern of "he, who, he" breaths, can help maintain focus during contractions and help empower women to feel strong and in control throughout the birthing process. There is no "right" way to practice patterned breathing---instead choose two or three words that cause you to push air out of your lungs and say them in succession as you breathe.
