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. (more…)
