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Relaxation and Breathing Practice
E. Stages of Labor: Breathing
techniques (Detailed description is provided at the end
of this Class.)
1) Stage I = dilation from 0 to 10
cm; three phases of Stage I
(a) Early: Mild contractions, 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 mother 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
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