Breathing technique for childbirth: why it is so important

The right breathing technique during labour is far more than just support - it is essential for you and your baby. Here you can find out why conscious breathing plays such an important role and how it helps you to master the birth with strength and self-determination.

Why breathing is crucial during labour

Your body is working at full speed during labour. The uterus, your muscle organ for labour, needs a lot of oxygen in order to carry out the contractions effectively. At the same time, the placenta's surface area decreases during each contraction - this means that your baby is temporarily supplied with less oxygen. Your conscious breathing compensates for this moment and ensures that your baby is optimally supplied with oxygen.

The three major benefits of conscious breathing:

1. Oxygen for you and your baby: An effective breathing technique will strengthen your uterus and help your baby to cope with labour without stress.
2. Calm your mind: Your breathing influences your brain. Conscious breathing helps to reduce stress and anxiety so that you remain calm and focussed during the birth.
3. Optimum balance: Stress often causes us to breathe in more air than we breathe out. This can burden your body with CO2. You can restore the balance through targeted exhalation.

Myths about breathing techniques: not a "panting course"

You may have heard that antenatal classes are ridiculed as "panting classes". In fact, panting during labour is not healthy. It means that not enough CO2 is exhaled from your body. The aim of the correct breathing technique is to inhale deeply and exhale used air completely - this keeps you and your baby in balance.

How does correct breathing work during labour?

1. Deep abdominal breathing: Imagine you are breathing in up to your baby's head. This will help you to take in enough oxygen.
2. Long exhalation: Breathe out in a soft, sweeping arc. The exhalation should last longer than the inhalation.
3. Nose in, mouth out: Ideally, breathe in through your nose and out through your mouth. If your nose is blocked, breathe through your mouth, but make sure you consciously prolong your exhalation.
4. Slow breathing rate: Practise calm, controlled breathing during pregnancy.

Powerful sounds: your voice as support

Did you know that sounds can help during labour? Deep, resonating sounds such as a drawn-out "A" relax your glottis and give you strength. This can help you to create space for your baby. Humming or snorting a "Brrr" with your lips also relaxes your pelvic floor and supports the opening of the cervix.

Breathing technique for the stages of labour

• Between contractions: Use the breaks to breathe in a relaxed manner and recharge your batteries. A gentle "Brrr" helps to soften the cervix.
• Exit phase: Support the final birth of your baby with a powerful "F" or a short "f-f-f", like blowing out candles. This gives your baby time to find its way gently and safely.

Practice makes perfect

Our breathing is normally intuitive, but in stressful situations such as childbirth, it can be helpful to master a conscious breathing technique. Start practising specifically during pregnancy. This way, you can fall back on it during labour and benefit from the stress-reducing effects during pregnancy at the same time.

Strong together: breathing technique for partners

Your partner can also play an important role. By practising together, you not only strengthen your bond, but are also better prepared for the birth. Your birth companion can support you during labour, remind you of the breathing technique and encourage you.

Conclusion:

Sign up for a birth preparation course now and discover how breathing techniques can make you stronger!