Benefits of breathing techniques during labor

Ana Paula Markel, Doula, shares advice on the two best breathing techniques for women to use during labor and explains the benefits of using breathing techniques during labor
Breathing Techniques During Labor: Types & Benefits
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Benefits of breathing techniques during labor

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Breathing techniques during labor and birth can be extremely helpful for two different reasons. The first one is if you think of the uterus as a muscle contracting, and you think of that muscle contracting with lots of oxygen in there, it will help to feel more like a wave and a sensation and not so much as a contraction. The second and most important reason why breathing technique is important is the mental role that it plays for the mother, putting the mother in a very calm and restful state. There are two main breathing techniques that women use in labor. The most common and popular is deep abdominal breathing where the mother takes a slow, deep breath all the way to the baby and out. That's kind of what the old Bradley techniques would teach. The second breathing is short and fast; it's a rib cage breath. That's the la mas breath. That is a distraction method. It's not very popular but it can be very helpful during the final stages of labor.

Ana Paula Markel, Doula, shares advice on the two best breathing techniques for women to use during labor and explains the benefits of using breathing techniques during labor

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Ana Paula Markel

Doula

Ana Paula Markel is the mother of four children. Having experienced two cesarean births, a medicated vaginal birth and a natural birth (in that order,) Ana Paula discovered a passionate interest in the childbirth process. Her goal is to assist mothers and families to explore the many options available in childbirth and to take responsibility for their choices.

Ana Paula has been teaching a very fun and active childbirth preparation workshop in Los Angeles for the past nine years and has supported hundreds of families during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum. Ana is also a doula trainer for DONA International and has been mentoring new doulas for the past six years. Ana Paula is honored to serve as Director of International Development for DONA International and to be on the advisory board for PAM (Pregnancy Awareness month.) In 2008 Ana founded BINI Birth, a center in Los Angeles dedicated to the childbirth education field, doula training and green pregnancy retail. BINI offers a variety of classes for pregnant couples and new parents. BINI offers yoga, Hypnobirthing, breastfeeding classes and support groups for new mothers and Ana’s very popular workshops. BINI Birth is also the premiere doula referral service in Los Angeles. Ana Paula is passionate about connecting families of all backgrounds with their ideal birth support.

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