How to breathe during childbirth? This question excites most modern women who expect the birth of a long-awaited baby. The best way to teach this technique is provided by experienced staff at schools of prospective parents. They will tell and show you how to breathe properly during childbirth, which will greatly facilitate this process and strengthen the general condition of the body. Any anesthesia has a negative effect on the fetus, having learned the special breathing technique, it can be avoided altogether or minimized the use of medications.
Each stage of labor, from labor and ending with the expulsion of the fetus, must be accompanied by a certain type of breathing.
With frequent and mild contractions, which bring slight discomfort, it is necessary to gently inhale air through the nose and gently exhale it through the mouth. In periods of calm, this can be done in the usual way.
As fights intensify, breaths should also become deeper. In this case, you need to try as much as possible to relax the perineum, lower back and abdomen.
If nasal breathing is difficult (in case of swelling of the mucous membrane or runny nose), the “dog-like” technique can be used. It consists in frequent, intensive “swallowing” of air, and the tip of the tongue should be located behind the teeth near the upper alveoli.
It is easier for some women to sing any vowel sounds during the bout (“s”, “and”, “e”, “y”, “a”, etc.), or to pull the consonant “m” (in this case, the sound should be directed upwards so that a slight vibration is felt in the nose, since it helps to relax and distract from pain).
A future mother should know not only how to breathe properly during childbirth, but also what body position to choose in order to maximize focus and ease her condition. There are several possible options:
- widely spread legs, leaning on the table, bed, window sill, etc .;
- get on your knees, leaning on your elbows;
- it is permissible to squat, leaning against the wall;
- shake your hips from side to side in a standing position (the so-called "tribal dance"). This will help relax your lower back.
The next step is attempts. They resemble the desire "for the most part" to go to the toilet. At this point, it is necessary to use diaphragmatic (abdominal) breathing. It is recommended to do this in four counts. At 1,2,3, we perform the “dog-like” technique; at 4, we perform a deep, deep exhalation (as if trying to extinguish the flame).
If you learn to breathe correctly in advance, you can control your desire to push yourself until the cervix is fully opened.
When the doctor finally allows you to push, you need to do the following: take a smooth breath during an attempt, then hold your breath, lower your chin down and strain, simulating an act of defecation. If you know how to breathe correctly during childbirth, during the period of one fight, you can even make several attempts. In this case, you can give birth to a baby for two or three attempts.
It is very important to listen carefully to the midwife. When the baby’s head appears, you will be asked not to push. In order to be distracted, you must again begin to breathe "like a dog." By following these recommendations, painful breaks can be avoided.
The last step is the birth of the placenta (the so-called "baby place"). To speed up this process and to reduce pain, it is recommended to cough lightly.
Knowing how to breathe during childbirth, you can facilitate the process of the baby being born. The main thing is not to allow yourself to scream, even if it is very painful, because at such moments the child does not receive oxygen. Think about your baby, because during this period he is much more difficult than you.