BREATHING TECHNIQUES |
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Breathing techniques help the woman to work more effectively with labour. Steady rhythmic breathing is calming, especially when learned and practiced in advance, and used together with relaxation techniques. Breathing techniques are always available as a coping method even when other comfort measures, such as movement or showers are unavailable due to circumstances of labour (eg., confined to bed or medication). They also help increase the supply of oxygen to the mother and baby by preventing the woman from holding her breath or hyperventilating in response to the pain of contractions. Mental imagery or visualization techniques may also be used during a contraction to promote relaxation. The woman forms a mental picture of something relaxing and/or positive. She may imagine being in a special 'safe' place which she associates with a positive experience. She may visualize the cervix actively opening around the baby's head, or the contraction as either a wave on which she floats or a mountain over which she climbs. Imagery and visualizations are usually creative and personal. |
GENERAL PRINCIPLES * Learn and practice breathing techniques before labour, so that you will use them effectively and without effort during labour. * Practice breathing techniques together with attention focusing and/or visualization and relaxation techniques. * Adapt the speed and rhythm of breathing so that you feel comfortable. * Keep your breathing steady; make the breath in even with the breath out; breathe easily and do not work too hard (breathing will sound tense and strained). * When you breathe deeply, breathe slowly; lighter breathing may be performed somewhat faster. |
PRINCIPLES FOR LABOUR * Start your breathing techniques when you are no longer relaxed using normal breathing and distracting activities during contractions. * Begin by using slow breathing and continue for as long as it helps you to relax; this is the most restful pattern. * Use breathing techniques only with contractions, and use regular breathing in between. * Switch to light breathing (accelerated) when slow breathing is no longer helpful. * Try to return to slow breathing whenever possible. * Your own preference and the intensity of each contraction should determine which type of breathing is used. * Begin and end each contraction with a relaxing breath. * Do not breathe in an uncontrolled manner (too deep or too rapidly); uncontrolled breathing will make you lightheaded and/or dizzy and cause numbness around the mouth and in the hands and feet (hyperventilation). |
ROLE OF SUPPORT PERSON * Learn each pattern so that he/she can coach during labour. * Watch breathing and ensure it is steady and rhythmical. * Help in promoting relaxation and guiding attention focusing. * Help to practice the patterns; do 60-90 second contractions using words (e.g., "contraction begins", "gets stronger", "peaks", "eases off", "ends"), or using slowly increasing and decreasing pressure on the upper arm or leg. |
BREATHING TECHNIQUES FOR LABOUR * Relaxing/Cleansing Breath Technique: A breath in through the nose (with mouth closed or open); depth taken only to woman's level of comfort. Followed by an exhalation through the mouth; may be a long sigh or a long soft blow. Purpose: Focuses the woman's attention. May also serve as a sign to others that a contraction is beginning or ending. * Slow Breathing Technique: Same as relaxing breath. Purpose: To achieve relaxation. Used during early and active labour. Rate: 5-12 minute. No less than 1/2 the woman's normail rate of respiration. * Light (Accelerated) Breathing Technique: Light breathing at a faster pace. Air is generally inhaled and exhaled with mouth open. The exhalation is emphasized slightly. May be used for the entire contraction or at the peak of a contraction, when preceded and followed by slow breathing. Purpose: Used during active labour. Te mediate the stress response (e.g., tendency to breathe very rapidly) by placing respirations at a controlled rate. Rate: Should not exeed two times the woman's normal rate of respiration. * Variation of Light Breathing (Patterned Breathing) Technique: Light breaths followed by a long exhalation at regular intervals to create a pattern. The long exhalation may occur after 2, 3, 4, or 5 light breaths, and may be a sigh or a soft blow. Purpose: May be used during hard labour. May be used to avoid pushing. Rate: Should not exeed two times the woman's normal rate of respiration. |
BREATHING TECHNIQUES FOR BIRTH * Spontaneous Bearing Down Technique: Do slow or light breathing followed by a bearing down effort. For bearing down use either short breath-holding (5-6 seconds), a long gentle blow; or vocalization. Do 3-6 pushes with each contraction. Breathe lightly in between pushes. Begin and end with a relaxing breath. Use a variety of positions (semi-reclining, side lying, squatting, hands and knees). Bear down when urge to push is strong. Rest when urge to push is no longer present. * Directed Pushing Technique: Take two deep breathes, then hold the breath and push for a fast count of 10, then exhale. Take 1 or 2 quick breaths in between each push. Push 3-4 times with each contraction. End with a relaxing breath. Purpose: Used when the woman has an epidural and does not have the urge to push, or when the baby is not descending through the birth canal using spontaneous bearing down.
Note: Avoid very prolonged breath holding that leads to a sensation of air hunger or feeling faint. |
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