Surge Breath
Calm · Beginner · 10 rounds
One slow breath per contraction - the rhythm to rehearse before labour.
During a contraction the instinct is to hold the breath and tense; both make the pain worse and tire you out. A slow nasal inhale with a long, loose-jawed exhale keeps oxygen flowing to the uterus and keeps the pelvic floor soft. Practise it for months beforehand so that on the day the pattern is automatic rather than something to remember.
How to practice
- Inhale for 4 seconds (through the nose)
- Exhale (Long, Loose Jaw) for 8 seconds (through the mouth)
Benefits
- Keeps you off breath-holding during contractions
- Softens the jaw and pelvic floor together
- Gives each surge a beginning and an end
- Rehearsable long before the day
When to practice
Daily from the third trimester. In labour, one cycle per surge.