There are three stages of childbirth: the period of unfoldment, the period of exile and the successive period. In the first period, the cervix gradually opens, which is accompanied by contractions. At first they are practically painless, then they all grow until the cervix opens completely. After that comes the period of expulsion of the fetus, as it is called in obstetrics. The baby moves along the birth canal and is born into the world. These two stages of labor are the most painful. Proper breathing and other relaxation techniques can help relieve pain during labor and help a woman give birth to a healthy baby.
So, the very first rule during childbirth is to forget about fear. Fear causes a spasm, everything shrinks, while, on the contrary, it is very important for the expectant mother to relax and, as it were, let go of the pain. You should not be afraid, childbirth is a natural process. Think more about your baby, about how you will enjoy the first meeting with him. If you are not opposed to partner childbirth, ask your husband or mother to be with you at this crucial moment, with them you will be calmer.
Practice breathing with your husband. During childbirth, he will be able to prompt and breathe with you if you forget or get distracted.
The main aid in relaxation is correct breathing. If you breathe correctly, your body relaxes, fear prevents your muscles from tightening, your lungs are oxygenated and the opening happens as it should, gradually and gently. While the contractions are not yet painful, breathe evenly and calmly, shallowly. Try to rest or even take a nap as there is tough work ahead.
Can't take a nap anymore? So it's time to take a vertical position. It is advisable to move all the time, until the attempts begin. The constant movement of the woman in labor in the first stage of labor also contributes to the opening of the cervix. So, the contractions are getting stronger, it's time to apply the first type of breathing. During the contraction, take a deep breath for three counts, then hold your breath for a second, and exhale deeply for six. Count to yourself, it distracts from obsessive thoughts.
Another type of breathing that you can use is pulse breathing. Wait for the contraction to begin, place your hand on your wrist and feel for your pulse. Now inhale for four beats of the pulse, hold your breath for four beats, and exhale also for four. Use whichever of these two breathing patterns is more comfortable for you.
Take a player with your favorite calm music to the delivery room, this will help pass the time and distract yourself. Find out which essential oils have a calming effect and are right for you. Apply to wrist and inhale occasionally.
The first birth usually lasts long enough, on average 12 hours. During this time, you can try various positions, find the most suitable and comfortable position for yourself. The most effective pose is the knee-elbow position. It will help relieve the pressure on the pelvic region that occurs when the baby passes through the birth canal. Get on all fours on a bed or rug, lower your elbows. Relax by rotating your pelvis. If there is a fitness ball in the birthplace, squat down and lean on it. It will help to save strength and just swing while sitting on the ball. You can do this position while standing, leaning your elbows on the wall. It may be convenient for you to hug your partner by the shoulders, as if hanging on him, swinging your hips from side to side.
Ask your midwife to massage your lower back or belly during a contraction. This will help relieve the pain. Movements should be light, stroking, from bottom to top. Massage with force the sacrum, a point on the lower back.
When the pushing begins, know that you will need to push three times in one contraction. Inhale as deeply as possible, into all the lungs, hold your breath and push until you run out of air. Then inhale again, and so on three times. When the contraction is over, exhale gently. During attempts, it happens that the head moves incorrectly and you cannot push, even if you really want to. If the midwife told you so, breathe like a dog. Short inhalation, short exhalation often, often. These are all the types of breathing you need to know.
If you feel dizzy during breathing training, press your folded palms like a mask to your nose and mouth and breathe a little like this, the discomfort will disappear.
Remember, to breathe properly during labor, you need to exercise every day. When you find yourself in a stressful situation, you don't have to frantically remember what to do, everything will work out automatically. Practice the knee-elbow position during pregnancy to relieve lower back pain. Exercise every day with happy thoughts about your unborn child. Think of childbirth not as torture, but as intense labor that will result in the most precious reward - your wonderful baby. And during the birth itself, do not feel sorry for yourself, remember that the baby is even harder and more scary than you. Listen carefully to your midwife and doctor to help your baby come into this world as gently and painlessly as possible.
