According to Paula Ford-Martin, author of "The Everything Birthing Book: Know All Your Options and Choose the Method That is Right for You," Lamaze exercises teach you how to identify tension in your body so you can relax and prepare for the birth of your baby. Knowing several different Lamaze options will allow you choose the exercises that work best for you.
Cleansing Breaths
Cleansing breaths are designed to relax you so that giving birth is less painful and more enjoyable, write Susan Scott Ricci and Terri Kyle, authors of "Maternity and Pediatric Nursing." A cleansing breath begins at the start of a contraction with a deep inhale. Another deep inhale is taken as the contraction comes to an end. Ford-Martin adds that cleansing breaths are intended to help you relax so you can manage your pain during a contraction and to help you refocus your energy once a contraction has ended.
Slow-Paced Breathing
Slow-paced breathing focuses on relaxation and each breath occurs at half the rate of normal breaths, say Ricci and Kyle. When you are using slow-paced breathing exercises you will be taking between six and nine breaths per minute. In order to get the most relaxation and pain management benefits, breathe in through your nose and then breathe out using your mouth.
Modified-Paced Breathing
Ford-Martin writes that modified-paced breathing results in your taking double the amount of breaths you normally take in one minute. The purpose of modified-paced breathing is to help you remain mentally alert and focused on giving birth. You will most likely use this exercise when your contractions get closer together.
Patterned-Paced Breathing
According to Ford-Martin, patterned-paced breathing is an important Lamaze exercise because it helps you refocus even if you are in pain. This type of breathing relies on quick, panting type breaths that occur in a consistent pattern. As you concentrate on breathing in the same pattern, you may be able to take your focus off your labor pain. This exercise is often used to help you keep from pushing until it is time, adds Ford-Martin.
Abdominal Massage
Abdominal massage, often called Effleurage, is used in conjunction with breathing exercises to help relax and calm you. The purpose of massage is to help ease your pain as well as help you refocus your energy on your task at hand. When you choreograph abdominal massage and patterned breathing at the same time, you will likely be so focused on doing both at once that you will be able to focus on something other than your pain.
Focal Point
A focal point helps you concentrate on something while you work through each contraction, says Ford-Martin. The idea is to choose an object that is meaningful to you, such as a favorite family photo or a beloved baby item, to focus on as you have a contraction. Your partner can hold the focal object for you or you can place it a few feet away from you so it is available when you need it.
References
- "The Everything Birthing Book: Know All Your Options and Choose the Method That is Right for You"; Paula Ford-Martin; 2004
- "Maternity and Pediatric Nursing"; Susan Scott Ricci and Terri Kyle; 2008
