A key component to Dr. Lamaze's natural childbirth program was for the mother to use panting breathing as a distraction from the contractions she was feeling. Although other natural childbirth advocates taught the more successful abdominal breathing, it was Dr. Lamaze's program that captured the attention of the nation, leaving behind the false impression that when in labor a woman must pant through contractions. What does breathing during labor really look like?

In the early parts of labor, women breathe normally. It is generally not until a woman is moving into active labor that her contractions require any attention from her, and at that time her breathing normally deepens. This is the same reaction you would find when running or doing another physically exerting activity. Abdominal breathing at this time will be helpful because it increases lung capacity, thereby increasing the available oxygen for both mother and baby. In addition abdominal breathing uses less of the mother's energy than shallow chest breathing and will help the mother to relax, one of the keys to being as comfortable as possible during labor.

How to Breathe Abdominally

Abdominal breathing is not generally practiced among women in western societies where a high value is placed on the smallest stomach possible. When first learning, it may be difficult to isolate the correct muscles or relax the abdominal wall. Most women find it takes a week or more of practicing before they feel comfortable with it.

Make sure you are in a comfortable position, either sitting back or lying down with your hands placed on your belly. Slowly begin to inhale deeply and exhale deeply, paying attention to your belly. Your belly should rise as you inhale and return to normal as you exhale. If your belly is not moving pay special attention to your chest and shoulders, keeping them in place as you inhale. After your stomach has expanded as far as it can, you can still take in more air by filing the chest cavity. This will make your chest and shoulders rise. Be sure to raise the belly completely before raising the chest.

When to use Abdominal Breathing in Childbirth

Through most of labor If you become frightened If labor is very intense If you cannot relax

Abdominal Breathing Techniques for Labor

As labor continues to progress, you may find your breathing becomes faster through contractions. Allow your body to determine how fast or slow you breathe, not trying to make it faster or slower unless need arises.

Have a partner sit in front of you, face to face. Your partner should model the deep breathing for you so you can match your breathing to the slower, deeper pace.

Either with or without a partner, slow down your breathing so you are using the deepest breathes possible. On the exhale, allow the air to exit through your vocal cords. This will make a low moaning or groaning sound.

Match the volume of the sound (not the tone) to the intensity you feel. For example, as the contraction builds your moaning will become louder but does not turn into screaming.

Match the intensity of contractions by opening your mouth to make different types of sounds - but keep the general tone of your sounds low. Some mothers exhale in a way that allows them to make sound patterns, being sure to take as deep of breaths as possible between the exhales.