How to Breathe During Childbirth: The No. 1 Breathing Tip & Exercises to Help Pregnant Moms Prepare for Labor & Delivery Labor and Delivery

Worried about breathing properly during your baby's delivery? First and foremast, mom-to-be, just remember to breathe! Often when something is challenging, whether it’s emotional, mental or physical, we hold our breath. Holding your breath actually makes it harder to sustain focus, relax and get done what needs to get done!

To prepare for labor, practice breathing, deep breathing. When things get difficult do you tend to hold your breath? Exhale! The key is to exhale. Experiment with different ways to focus on your exhale and to relax at the same time. Set aside some time to practice daily, even if it’s just for two minutes. The daily practice will help remind you to breathe throughout the day, notice your breath and to remember to exhale! Here are some simple breathing practices you can try:

• Deep Sighing Breaths: Yes, it’s just like it sounds. Take a deep breath, sigh nice and loud and repeat several times. This breath will come in handy during the earlier part of your labor.

• Single Candle Blow Out: Exhale out as though you were quickly blowing out a single candle. Keep your body, especially your belly, relaxed as you do this. Repeat several times. This breath will come in handy during contractions.

The more you practice now, the easier it will be during your labor. 

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