Relaxation and Breathing

As well as improving your overall well-being during labour, relaxing can have positive medical benefits for your unborn baby.

 

v      Blood pressure can reduce.

v      Blood supply to your baby increases.

v      Endorphins are released.

v      Your muscles work more efficiently.

v      You conserve energy.

v      You feel more in control, which may lessen the need for medical intervention.

v      Breathing helps you to work through your contractions as a distraction.

v      It ensures you are taking in plenty of oxygen and do not become light-headed.

v      Panting at the right time can also help to prevent you from pushing and reduces tearing.

v      It is useful to practice with your partner now so you are prepared.

 

Visualisation during pregnancy and labour can promote positive feelings about labour, childbirth and motherhood.  During labour itself the technique works by diverting your concentration away from the pain of contractions and refocusing your mind on the positive outcome ahead.

 
Images for labour

v      Think of the cervix as a flower bud gradually opening up, petal by petal.

 

v      Visualise your contractions as waves crashing on a seashore, then ebbing away, each one carrying you closer to your destination.

 

v      Imagine your uterus as a strong pair of hands gently pushing your baby into the world.