What is Down Breathing:
The lowdown: The Lamaze methoD
The Lamaze method.
This includes conscious relaxation and controlled breathing as an alternative to drugs for the management of contraction pain during childbirth This includes conscious relaxation and controlled breathing as an alternative to drugs for the management of contraction pain during childbirth.
The Research:
Lamaze breathing is a breathing technique based on the idea that controlled breathing can enhance relaxation and decrease the perception of pain.
Breathing was first brought into focus by Lamaze, and Lamaze was originally known as the American Society for Psychoprophylaxis in Obstetrics. In the 1960s, Lamaze taught women how to use strict, controlled breathing patterns to cope with labor sensations. However, Lamaze actually stopped teaching these strict breathing patterns in the 1980s.
The Pro’s:
The Lamaze method is still taught today. It’s easy to learn, and, in certain situations, it might be one of few comfort strategies available.
Used through all stages of labour.
The Con’s:
Some of the labor comfort strategies recommended to make the breathing techniques more effective include:
changing positions
moving
slowly dancing
massage
Breathing,
However, is usually not used by itself. It’s typically combined with other relaxation methods such as guided imagery, visualisation, hypnosis, continuous labor support, or progressive muscle relaxation. And one of the problems you’ll find when we talk about the research is that because breathing is usually combined with a variety of other comfort measures, it’s nearly impossible to tell the effects of breathing by itself on pain levels during labor.
The How:
1. Start with a slow deep breath as your contraction starts and then slowly breathe out, releasing all physical tension from your head to your toes. ...
2. Slowly inhale through your nose and then pause. ...
3. Each time you exhale, focus on relaxing a different body part.
slow, deep breathing
maintaining a rhythm
breathing through your mouth or nose
keeping your eyes open or closed
focusing on one simple physical item, such as a photograph or your partner
Here are some more resources on this method
https://www.healthline.com/health/lamaze-breathing https://evidencebasedbirth.com/breathing-for-pain-relief-during-labor/ You can find this and other great resources in the app https://www.thenakedbirth.com/shop