Breath Practice
We always have control over our breath and the way we breath can help regulate our central nervous system. It’s important to practice breathwork prenatally so it becomes more second nature during birth.
Practice these breaths suggested as well as meditations to work them into your practice!
**Note for partners: if you see the birthing person starting to lose control over their breath (hyperventilating or holding breath), instead of telling them “remember to breathe” over and over, just have them mimic your breath. You could do this by placing their hand on your chest so they can feel your chest rise and fall with each breath or being intentionally audible with your own breath.
Bodies tend to hold breath when tense. We want to keep everything loose and relaxed and when we take deep breaths, our body will automatically become more relaxed with intention. Babies still rely of the birthing person for their oxygen so it’s important to keep breathing throughout.
Labor breathing -
Partner counting inhale and exhales for birthing person to match
Diaphragmatic breath (belly breath)
Visualization - This could mean sending breath to baby or breathing in strength, and breathing out tension. It’s important to be intentional with breath
In for 4, out for 6 - The goal here is for exhale to be longer than inhale. If these numbers don’t feel right for your body, count on your own!
J breath
Open Glotis
Closed Glotis (or purple pushing)
