In this article I want to tell you about one of the alternative techniques for pain control in labor, possibly one of the most used and popular; the different types of breaths and that will surely teach you your midwife in the classes of preparation for childbirth.
Sometimes doubts arise about its usefulness and it is frequent that we are asked this question in the consultation; Are breathing really useful during labor? ... I hope to make it clear to you so that they serve, when to use them and what to expect from the breaths.
We have to understand that when we speak of "breaths" we speak of different breathing techniques, with which, what we really consider, is to control our own breathing, to control us ourselves. It can really be considered a "distraction" technique, well done and at the right time make us focus on something other than the contraction and the annoying moment that they can cause us. Are they not a relaxation technique? No, although used at a time other than delivery if they can function as such.
When to use them?
When we have a contraction and whenever that contraction be enough intense enough to need to focus our attention elsewhere. It makes no sense to do the breaths when i have no pain, in the same way that if my head does not hurt, I do not take a painkiller and it does not make sense to do the breaths when the contraction has passed, then what I have to do is rest and perform a "free breath."
How are they done?
There are many types of techniques that use the breath control. Until not long ago they taught us several to use depending on how dilated you had, which made you go to the hospital with a notebook and ask the midwife fiercely if you had dilated or not… A horror I assure you. I, personally, am inclined to teach you only one breathing technique, which will serve you perfectly for the whole dilatation.
It is important that our breathing is rhythmic. A comfortable breathing and effective is to breathe in through the nose mentally counting to 2 and exhale more slow through the mouth, mentally counting to 4. We take a breath and let it out slowly. It is not a shallow breath, we breathe filling the lungs. It is important that the exhalation is carried out smoothly and it is important that it be longer in time than the inspiration. Sometimes when you are having very strong contractions, your breathing can become more superficial and that is not a problem, as long as the breath does not start to get faster and faster and we get to hyperventilate...
This type of breathing, when we use it outside the time of labor, is very relaxing and at bedtime it is very useful to help us fall asleep.
How do we use it during delivery?
The contraction begins and we do a deep breathing and complete to oxygenate our baby, then we do the breaths as I have described before, counting to four when expelling the air, as the discomfort increases, breathing becomes faster, but always checking that when we expel the air we do it more long that when taking it and when the discomfort subsides we return to the count to four with the exhalation until the contraction ends, that we will take a deep breath to oxygenate our child again.
And the role of our partner?
Fundamental. It is important to bear in mind that at some point in the birth process we can lose concentration and nerves and that is when our partner has to know how to guide us again so that we can be masters of our body again and not get carried away by anxiety. If that moment comes, it is important that you speak softly to you and focus your attention on what you are saying, it can guide you by counting out loud during the contraction. Sometimes you will need the midwife support to accompany you during labor. Once the critical moment passes, we will return to focus our minds on inspiration and our expiration.
My advice
- Talk to your midwife and both of you sign up for preparation for childbirthIt is important to go both whenever possible.
- Practice pain management techniques during pregnancy to know them well and be able to use them correctly.
- During childbirth our partner will be the best partner for the mother, because pregnancy, childbirth and upbringing are a matter of two.