The questions are:
Can these methods help to relieve labour pain?"
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For some women - yes, breathing can be an effective technique for part (or all), of their labour. This is particularly so when combined with other natural methods of pain relief. |
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Some women take the focus of their 'in' and 'out' breath to shift their awareness away from the pain. This is the basis of psychoprophylaxis. The idea is to keep your breathing as natural as possible and allow your mind to follow the breathing instead of focusing on the pain. You may be able to keep your breathing in line with your body's natural rhythm. |
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Other women find that breathing is not effective. Their efforts in placing all their energy and focus on breathing the 'right' way, only serve to tense them, slowing their labour, rather than relaxing them and helping with the pain. |
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Sometimes the use of patterned breathing early in the labour can prematurely tire the woman. It is recommended that pre-rehearsed breathing patterns should be reserved for when the labour is in the active phase of the 1st stage and onwards. |
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"Will I know how to breathe?"
Your body knows how to breathe naturally without any conscious thought. Although, patterned breathing is a practised art for those who wish to truly utilise the original psychoprophylaxis breathing methods.
Breathing in labour does not need to be a technical process. It is about allowing your breathing to work for you. You can use the 'out' breathe to 'let go' or release tension and relax your mind and body. Breathing in your own way can be done unconsciously, without focussing on strict regimes.
Occasionally a woman's breathing can become too rapid (or she can
hyperventilate