Breathing Techniques

For Pregnancy, Labour and Delivery

The following are breathing techniques which can be used during labour and delivery. These techniques are to be used as one tool to enhance comfort and relaxation during pregnancy, labour and delivery. There is no prescribed format for their use. As labour progresses and one technique does not seem to be effective any longer, try another. There is no one right way to breathe in labour. Experiment and find out what works best for you.

The Complete Breath (Cleansing Breath) 

• to be done at the beginning and end of every contraction
• breathe in through the nose as deeply as possible, exhale with a full blow out through the mouth
• BREATH IN SHOULD BALANCE (equal) BREATH OUT
  **ALWAYS END A CONTRACTION WITH A COMPLETE BREATH AND ATTEMPT A SMILE

Slow Rhythmical Breathing 

• not as deep as a cleansing breath
• similar to normal breathing pattern but is done slowly and rhythmically
• breathe slowly and rhythmically in through the nose and out through     mouth throughout the contraction
• practise will enable you to find a rate and depth most suitable to you

 Shallow Breathing 

• take shallow breaths in and out through your mouth (emphasis should be on the breath out) - "H" or "Hee" or "Huh"
• breathing should be light, shallow and comfortable
• if mom becomes dizzy, breathing is too rapid - slow down

  Pant-Blow Breathing 

• the tip of the tongue if placed behind the front teeth will reduce the amount of dryness in throat and mouth
• do shallow breathing but insert a shallow blow every three to six breaths (Hee, Hee, Hee, blow..)
• the ratio of pants to blow should be altered to suit the mother's comfort
• the pace will depend on the mother's need for oxygen

 Pushing - Modified Breath Holding Method 

(NOTE: MOTHER SHOULD NOT PUSH WHEN PRACTICING!) 

• breathe normally until urge to push is present
• inhale deeply and let out a small amount of air gradually as you push
• make a noise-it is the music of labour.
  

Hyperventilation

To prevent hyperventilation in all levels of breathing, the depth of the breath in must equal the depth of the breath out. Watch for tingling in hands and feet, dizziness, or light-headedness.
Try to slow down rate of breathing. Concentrate on breathing out not breathing in. Breathe into a paper bag, or breathe into cupped hands