There are three basic patterns of breathing: slow, light and variable. You will use these breathing patterns during your contractions to assist relaxation and ensure adequate oxygenation and to enable you to respond appropriately to the intensity of the contractions. Then you may want to switch to either the light or the variable pattern, depending on which is more comfortable for you.

Slow Breathing : use slow breathing, when it feels better to use it than not to use it. A good rule is to begin slow breathing when the contractions are intense enough that you can no longer walk or talk through them without pausing. Take an organization breath, a big sigh as soon as the contraction begins. Release all tension as you breathe out. Focus your attention. Keep your shoulders down and relaxed. Relax your chest and abdomen so they can swell as you inhale and collapse.

Light breathing : begin using it only if and when you find that slow breathing is no longer relaxing. To do light breathing, breathe in and out rapidly through your mouth about one breath per second. Keep your breathing shallow and light. Your inhalations should be quiet, your exhalations clearly audible. If your contractions peak slowly, you may combine light breathing with slow breathing.

Variable breathing : variable breathing is really a variation of light breathing. it is used in the first stage if you feel the need to try something different from slow or light breathing. If you feel overwhelmed, unable to relax, in despair or exhausted, a switch to this variation may help. The variable breathing patterns begin with a quick breathing at speed ranging from two breaths per second to one breath every two seconds.