Can someone remind me r.e. labour breathing please?

[sassy]

Got a dd aged 2 and 31 weeks with no 2. Just started thinking about labour, and really don't want to be as ill-prepared as I was last time. I'm too late to sign up for NCT classes, and the local hospital ones are as much use as a chocolate teapot! Last time I distinctly remember wanting to curl up in a little ball and push against the pain (like I would with a normal tummy ache) even though I knew this was the totally wrong thing to do! I sort of remember the right way to do it but would appreciate a virtual refresher course if anyone can explain it.
Ta in advance.x

[yoyo]

You'll probably find that it all comes back to you with that first contraction! Each labour is different - all I remember was to breathe through the contractions rather than tensing up and holding your breath as if you want to stop it from happening. I found it helpful to breathe out through my mouth making an "OO" sound - don't know why! I've found standing and swaying to be good for me too. For the later stages the midwife will probably advise you.

Good luck with it all.

[pupuce]

Breath through the pain
Relax your shoulders
Relax your jaw
Move your hips
Blow the pain out

[pupuce]

O sounds makes your body open
A sounds makes your body tense up
Try it.... put your hand on top of your pubic bone/vagina and makes the sounds you should actually feel the difference.

[MissusWoman]

I remember with my second labour I used Rescue Remedy (a few drops in a glass of water and sipped it throughout) and relaxed into each contraction (let the bottom half of my body go completely limp) while doing short panting breaths. Worked really well! I think I got the technique from a Sheila Kitzinger book.

[Skate]

Like Pupuce says, I found that blowing the breath out was best and also consciously thought about relaxing my shoulders as each contraction started and it really helped - you have to really think about it though because naturally you would tense them up.

The other thing I cannot recommend enough is sitting on a birthing ball and rocking on it. Absolutely brilliant.

Good luck!! Hopefully with your 2nd you'll be quicker!