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

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.

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

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.

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.

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!