Breathing Techniques

• Done at the beginning and end of every contraction
• Breath in and out should be equal
• Always end a contraction with a complete breath and attempt a smile!
• This type of breathing technique is used up to 7-8 cm dilation

• Similar to cleansing breath but not as deep
• Breathe slowly in through the nose & out through the mouth throughout contraction
• Find a rhythm, rate and depth that suits you best
• Breathing pattern used as contractions become quicker and last longer (4-7 cm)

• Shallow breaths in and out through the mouth
• Emphasis on the breath OUT      “H” or “hee” or “huh”< /font>
• Should be light, shallow and comfortable
• If dizzy, slow down the breathing rate
• Breathing pattern used as contractions become <1 minute apart and last 60-90 seconds

• Place tip of tongue behind front teeth to decrease dry mouth and throat
• Pant-blow breathing is like shallow breathing but blow out every 3 to 6 breaths (Hee, hee, hee BLOW!)
• Alter the ratio to suit mom & pace depends on mom’s oxygen need
• Use this pattern of breathing when contractions are on top of each other, and when you’re asked to stop pushing

Pushing - Modified Breath hold  *** Do not push when practicing! *****

• Breath normally until you feel the urge to push
• Inhale deeply, let out small amount of air gradually as you push
• With each push, the baby comes closer to being born!

• Watch for tingling of hands & feet, as well as dizziness & lightheadedness

• Depth of inhalation must equal depth of exhalation 
• Slow down rate of breathing. Concentrate on exhalation vs. inhalation
• May need to use a paper bag or cupped hands to breath into