Guide to breathing techniques for labour?

[runtus]

Anyone know of a good book or DVD to show me how to do Lamaze breathing during labour? I don't have the time to attend a whole host of classes but I would very much like to do a bit of reading and teach myself some practical tips - if that is possible.

Anyone?

the lady that did the antenal class that i attended didn't bother teaching us breathing techniques as she said we all knew how to breathe... i kinda wish she'd told/shown us a bit though.

I really want to try and apply some breathing during labour, as my mum said how helpful it was for her. Sadly, she can't remember a thing about it now though - daft old bat!

There must be a book or DVD about?

i just remember when i felt a contraction start i was using the yoga breathing........in through the nose slowly and out through the mouth. the midwife did the whole 'panting' thing with mne right near the end, i always thought it was a silly distraction technique but it really did work.
i can't believe there are no books/dvds about it though. maybe try some American sites....i always thought Lamaze was very popular over there.

I rented a DVD titled "Understanding Childbirth." I haven't gotten through the whole thing yet because I tend to nod off during the relaxation techniques bit, but there is 10-15 mins on breathing techniques. Mind you the video looks like it was filmed in the early 80s -you will need to look past the fashion, it's not pretty.

At my pre-childbirth classes they were adamant we should learn two breathing techniques. We learned them, but I thought then - and turns out to have been right - that when it came down to it I would just know my body and how to handle what I would be going through. For me, the best preparation was actually having been an avid runner for a long time. I think yoga helped a great deal as well. When you have been doing any kind of exercise for a while, I think, it really has served to prepare your mind for labor - you've just been acquainted with your body for so long - just more attuned to what you need to do for yourself & when.

If it helps at all, I was nervous about it before my first, but labor just turned out to be a long, drawn-out, extremely difficult, but entirely doable, workout. So this time (due in Sept.) I'm not nervous at all.

In 'Junior Pregnancy and Baby' magazine was an article about breathing for birth. Don't know which issue, but quite recent.

Too long to type in, but they mention the following techniques, so may be you can look them up on the internet (google?):

1. golden thread breath
2. counted breaths
3. straw breathing
4. sounded breath
5. alternate nostril breathing

If you are really desperate and can't find anything let me know and I will go through the various issues to find out which one it was (I tore it out to put in my notes for when I go into labour but didn't write down which issue it came from)

I did triangles to work through contractions...

Visualise a pyramid
Climb up the left side and breathe in for a count of 3
Climb down the right side and hold for a count of 3
Walk across the base and breathe out for a count of 3
All the time try and relax your shoulders (v important)

Thanks girls - much appreciated. I will have a hunt on google for those breathing types and see what I can find.

Even just knowing the Triangle thing might come in handy.

Marls, I love your description of labour as a work-out - that's great! Puts it in perspective for me a bit, and has encouraged me to pay more attention to my fitness levels for the rest of my pregnancy - walking, yoga and swimming as well as breathing and relaxation techniques. Bring it on! Well, not for another 22 weeks, please...
Pinchy xxx

Hi Runtus,
I agree with Queenrollo, the yoga breathing really helped me through it. Also the bandhas in yoga help with the pelvic floors!! And practice some snorkelling to help with the gas and air