Having the right breathing technique during labour will make a difference to your birth experience. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ It’s important that your birth partner understands this technique also so they can put you back on track if need be. With your body relaxed, slowly breathe in through your nose and then release the air with a slightly longer breath out through your mouth. It is on the out breath that you produce most oxytocin. Use this breath in the up stage (first stage) of labour during every surge to allow you to remain calm and relaxed. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ With this breathing technique and upwards visualisations, the mind and body are working together which is a powerful combination.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ Down breathing is often referred to as the second stage of labour. Short breath in through the nose and a long breath out through the nose focusing downwards.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ During first stage, the long muscles of the uterus pull upwards and the round muscles pull apart and open. The baby will start to move down the birth canal and during this second stage of labour the long muscles will help with pushing the baby downwards hence the down breathing at this stage of labour.
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