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. For your birth partner, the more they practise during pregnancy, the easier it will be for them to feel calm when you are in labour. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ 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.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀ FUN FACT: When breathing through a contraction remember to keep your mouth slightly open and jaw relaxed. Believe it or not your jaw is related to your pelvis, so if your jaw is relaxed then so too is your pelvis.
