When we had our first child in 1988, the Lamaze method for child birthing was in full vogue. My husband and I went to several classes, pillows under our arm (the badge of Lamaze members). The classes were comfortable and intimate and the instructors encouraging. I enjoyed the laughs, the camaraderie and the kindly advice. The best thing that I took away our Lamaze classes, however, has been a technique that has seen me not only through six more deliveries, but also through hundreds of other challenging situation.
Lamaze method, or Lamaze breathing has been one of the very best tool that I have learned. The idea with Lamaze breathing is to help the birthing mother concentrate, focus and manage the pain of labor. By practicing a regular measured deep breathing, the mother is able to channel her energy to help the birth the baby, instead of fighting the pain and actually making the birth more complicated.
Lamaze breathing is revolutionary, although I suspect that women who birth under more natural, less ‘assisted’ circumstances would probably sense that proper breathing was essential in the birth process. At any rate, proper breathing through a painful, stressful or traumatic situation is crucial to survival. Isn’t that a little extreme, you might question?
Here is my rationale for proper breathing as a coping skill. First, in any painful, stressful or tense situation, it’s automatic to hold in the breath. A sharp intake of breath proceeds after shock or pain. But to continue to hold the breath deprives the brain of it’s life fuel: oxygen. Holding the breath traps oxygen and air bubbles causing more pain. Additionally, shallow breathing doesn’t provide enough oxygen to the brain. Often hyperventilation, dizziness or fainting may occur as the body responds to the lack of oxygen and tries to restart proper breathing.
Lamaze or deep breathing is a process in which a person focuses on inhaling slowly and deeply through the nostrils for a count of four. Exhalation occurs through the mouth with a slow blowing out action, also for a count of four. The slow measured breathing serves three purposes. First, regular, counted breathing, helps to keep the mind occupied with a manageable task. Second regular breathing floods the brain with oxygen helping the brain to work most efficiently. In any difficult situation, the brain needs all the resources available to make healthy decisions. Deep breathing helps prevent panic attacks and irrational thinking. Last, deep breathing, or deep cleansing breaths as this type of breathing is often called, cleanses the system from trapped oxygen. As mentioned earlier, trapped oxygen can cause more pain.
Think about this simple coping strategy the next time you are in pain, under stress or in a difficult situation. Deep, measured, cleansing breathing will help you to think more clearly. Deep breathing will help you to make healthy, proactive choices. Deep breathing will help you avoid panic or fear driven actions. Deep breathing is an excellent tool for pain management as well.
Healthy habits=healthy life.
