Breathing During Labour & Childbirth
Posted by in Labor and Birth on October 22, 2011
It does sound a little strange to say “remember to breathe” during labour, but you’ll be surprised how often we hold our breath in day-to-day activities, let alone while giving birth.
When you’re experiencing any sort of discomfort, the immediate reaction is to hold your breath. This will cause you far more discomfort, as well as making you light headed, unfocused and increase your experience of pain as well as making you stressed and irritable.
To force your breath while experiencing any discomfort or intense feeling will also create muscle tension, even if you’re trying to breathe deeply. The ideal way to breathe during labour is to focus on your breathing. You don’t need to try to change your breath, just make sure you are breathing and stay focused on that. Pay attention to what part of your body you are breathing in to; your upper chest, your belly and the sides of your belly. Once you’re focusing on your breath it will naturally and automatically start to change and become more relaxed, full and deep. Whenever your attention goes to something else, bring your focus back to your breathing. Read the rest of this entry »
Involving Children in Labor and Birth
Posted by in Labor and Birth on October 22, 2011
It is a hard call on whether to involve siblings in the
active birth of their new brother or sister. You may feel
societal, family or institutional pressure not to have the
children involved, to protect them from potential “trauma.”
But you know your children best. The two main questions
are:
1) Are they interested in birth and have you intellectually
prepared them for the birth?
2) Will their presence help or hinder you?
1) Are they interested in birth and have you intellectually
prepared them for the birth?
Do they want to be there? Some children will specifically ask to come to the birth. They may ask, “where will I be when the baby comes?” or “who will take care of me?” Advise them ahead of time if they will be left sleeping if labor happens at night. They might be shocked to wake up to sitter or even a new baby! Read the rest of this entry »