HypnoBirthing® UK

[trish1200]

I'm currently reading Marie Mongan's Hypnobirthing book. I understand Sleep Breathing and Slow Breathing, but I'm very confused with BIRTH BREATHING. I understand that I'm meant to take a quick deep breath in, but how do I breathe out, is it meant to be fast or slow. If anyone could explain how I can use this technique I would be very thankful. I'm 38 weeks pregnant, and feel that time is running out, I must get it right.

[mia]

Hi Trish,

Congratulations on your pregnancy. If you haven't already had your baby - relax. You don't "need" to get birth breathing "right" to have a great birth. It's much better to not worry about it and let your body guide you on the day. You can wee, poo and vomit when you need to, and you can expel your baby when you need to also, so long as you are chilled. The only "rule" we would say is try not to hold your breath during this phase.
But for the fun of it, the idea is to breathe down slowly - as though breathing down through your vagina (though, of course, the air is actually going out of your nose or mouth). It's very similar to the outbreath of slow/surge breathing. You can put a little force behind it (with a slight grunt or "moo"), or do it nice and gently like in the first two videos - you can't plan this, your body will tell you, but do not hold your breath.
Practice each time you have a bowel movement, and you will start to "get" how it works.
Have a wonderful birth - and next time, book a practitioner so they can show you, guide you, and reassure you

[shefmama]

Hi Trish,

I would reiterate the sentiments of the last post, the birth breathing is intended to bring oxygenated blood to the baby throughout the birth process, which forced pushing & breath holding does not allow. The breath is quite easy to master, do so on the toilet, but know that the breathing facilitates the baby's journey through the birth path rather than actively makes it come out: the Natural Expulsive Reflex, using the wonderful uterine muscles, does that for you!!!

BTW it is not too late to contact your local practitioner and fit in some classes. I taught one class to a couple who actually gave birth 2 days after the 3rd class, which we did over a bank holiday weekend. They had a wonderful experience, and say that it was one of the best decisions they've ever made, they can offer a refresher for a subsequent birth too. I have found that many people who just use the book tell me that the next time they will come on the course, as there were a few elements here or there that they didn't learn as they should or "get". The book is intended as a course book to accompany the course, and much of the course is over and above the book, and a great guidance for them.

I wish you a very happy birthing day.

[LauraB]

Hi Mia,

You mentioned "do it nice and gently like in the first two videos". Are these videos demonstrating Birth Breathing? If so, can I view them online somewhere?

Cheers,
Laura

[Danielle]

They are what is shown in the classes-the HB course isn't really designed as a home study course, but you can do a search on u tube and see some wonderful HB births

[LauraB]

Thanks Danielle.

[Tums2Mums]

Hi there

You may find this useful to read

http://tums2mums.blogspot.com/2009/06/a ... -hard.html