Breathing techniques

[Michaelangelo]

Its been 4 years since DS was born and with No2 due any day I am a bit panicky that I can't remember breathing techniques for labour (you prepare so well the first time and then when it comes to No2 don't read a single book/attend a sikngle class). Can anyone refresh my mind on how I should breathe at different stages?

I'm sure others will remember in more detail but what stuck from my class:
Stage 1: start to breathe before the contraction hits. Take deep breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth during the contraction. Rest in between contractions.. repeat..

I think you just breathe as normally as possible while pushing? I think we were told that at this point its important to remember to breathe as baby can become distressed if s/he isn't getting sufficient oxygen.

Then when the head crowns, don't push, but pant - short, quick breaths out.

I think the midwife will guide you through this anyway so probably not to worry if it doesn't stick!

Hi Michaelangelo - I'm in exactly the same position as you [except dd is nearly 3] - its amazing how you can do NO preparation for number two!
From what I can remember you use yogic breathing thechniques in that you try to focus on lengthening the out breath, which relaxes you and necessarily in turn lengthens the in breath [easier said than done!]

I remember being told about bubble-blowing technique. Take a deep breath in then blow it out in short bursts like you're blowing little bubbles. I'm sure it was like 1 breath in then take about 10 small breaths out. Does that make sense? Can't remember when you use it, think it's just during contractions. Kinda takes your mind off pain as you're concentrating on the breathing...

I think you just go with the flow anyway so don't worry too much about it!

I did exactly this with dd2 ... how do you forget everything? I was also told key thing is long outbreaths - another technique from a yoga teacher was to imagine your breath as golden thread/golden light coming out of your mouth - imagine watching it as in curls in the air. Possibly a bit airy fairy - worked for me with ds1, but with dd2 everything was way to fast to think about golden anything!!
And lots of panting when the head's crowning...

er, well I gave birth 4 wks ago and breathing consisted (as instructed) of not breathing really - taking in a huge breath, holding it while pushing, and catching a second or third breathe in fast - to keep pushing and finally letting it out (between contractions).

There was nothing that felt "natural" about it at all, in fact it was very Buster Bloodvessel...

Thanks for the tips I am hoping it will all come "naturally" when the time comes (due date is today but no signs), I'll practice my panting and long deep breaths.