Stages of Labor: Breathing Techniques, Review (CLASS Two, I, E) - Childbirth Classes by BringingUpBaby.Com®

Birth Classes

CLASS TWO, SECTION I, E

I. Labor Discussion (Review)

E. Stages of labor: Breathing techniques (Detailed description is provided at the end of Class Three.)

1) Stage I = dilation from 0 to 10 cm; three phases of Stage I

(a) Early: Mild contraction, 0 to 5 cm dilation. Regular breathing to conserve energy with slow deep breath before/after each contraction. Coach should check for tense muscles and do gentle massage if woman desires (with flat hand-center to outer body). You can also incorporate any relaxation techniques that work for you throughout labor.

(b) Active: Moderate contractions, 5 to 8 cm dilation. Pick focal point, concentrate on it throughout contraction, regular breathing increasing in speed, working into howt breathing as needed with the increase in pain.

(c) Panting: 10 cm dilation Just as it sounds; pant as if out of breath. OB provider may request this to help control delivery.

Practice: Caution-do not push for real when practicing! 2) Stage II: From 10 cm dilatation to birth of baby (a) Pushing: With contractions and provider direction, push, breathing deep breath in and out before contraction, deep breath in and hold, bear down with BM muscles for 10 seconds or as long as you can with the direction of the OB provider during the contraction, then deep cleansing breath after push to oxygenate you and the baby.
Practice: Caution-do not push for real when practicing! 3) Stage III: From birth of baby to delivery of placenta

Continue on Class Two, Section I, F

BringingUpBaby.Com®
Please submit any questions or comments to: BringingUpBaby.Com

lsb 05/12/2002