The centre for emotional health and wellbeing
Birth Breathing
Breathing your baby into the world
Katherine Ferris
Breathing methods are frequently overlooked as a vital part of the birth preparation. In essence, the vital element present in breathing is obvious when we realise that we can live without food or water for quite some time, yet we cannot live without taking a breath for much longer than a matter of minutes. Research also suggests that focused or connected breathing promotes the release of tranquillising hormones necessary for a more calm and comfortable childbirth. Focused or conscious breathing helps to create a safe space for a pregnant mum to calmly participate in the wonderful experience of childbirth. As events unfold, she can reconnect with the natural ebb and flow of her body and surrender to the natural process.
What outcomes can you expect from focused breathing?
1. Overcoming tension and resistance
2. Surrendering rather than resisting
3. A calmer experience of childbirth
4. Enriched experience of being in the present moment
5. More peace and calm, less stress as you move through each stage of birth
6. Empowerment to create the kind of birth you want
7. Enhanced physical well-being
8. Loving participation in bringing your baby into the world
9. Connection with your true, infinite nature as a goddess and chalice of life
Breathing for each stage of birth
In between contractions, the breath is relaxed, gentle and flowing freely. This phase allows a pregnant mum to remain deeply relaxed and to rejuvenate her energy in preparation for the next contraction.
During contractions, the breath is deep and slow, releasing muscular tension and reducing discomfort. It helps to eliminate toxin build-up, empowering a mum to fully participate in her birth experience, feeling calm and in control.
As the baby begins crowning the breathing changes, allowing a mum to breathe her baby into the world, free of stress and strain. The old method of purple pushing is obsolete, replaced with a focused, controlled breath that eliminates muscular and physical trauma. Breathing your baby into the world lovingly and peacefully provides a wonderful welcome for your baby. Most mums experience a sense of relief after childbirth and in many cases this may be accompanied by elation and peacefulness.
Why is correct breathing essential in childbirth?
The breath is the essence of our being and a major source of energy. Eastern cultures have always understood the power inherent in the breath and call it 'chi' or 'prana'. The natural state of breathing is relaxed, rhythmic, flowing, and open. Research suggests that focused breathing promotes the release of hormones necessary for a more comfortable childbirth.
Poor breathing habits are characterised by short, shallow irregular breaths. Shallow breathing creates internal stress, confusion, tension and lack of energy.
Learning how to breathe correctly during pregnancy increases the flow of vibrant energy and 'feel good' hormones in your body. The importance of the breath is very rarely contemplated in the Western world. Unless we are made aware of breathing, we go through life breathing unconsciously not even fully filling the lungs. Conscious breathing takes practice, because many of us have never done it before. It's important to spend moments being aware of your breathing and in that awareness realising just how much air you are taking in. When the focus is directed, and we breathe consciously into the abdomen, significant changes occur. Our vibrational rate starts to increase and we seem to 'shift gears' and open the doorway to a heightened state of consciousness.
When a mother is properly prepared mentally, physically and spiritually she can give birth to her baby in a way that is calm, nurturing and empowering. Breathing is just one aspect of this preparation; to read about other helpful childbirth preparation techniques see HypnoBirthing...
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