Dumb question...

Jsthomas618

I have been practicing hypnobirthing in my goal for a natural birth and now hat I am close to time, I have a dumb question.  I have a cold and really can't breathe through my nose like the hypnobirthing book suggests.  I have a feeling it's not going anywhere fast, so want to have a back-up idea.  Do you think maintaining the same counts for mouth breathing will work or cause a hyperventilating state?  Other thoughts for maintaining strength and will if I go into labor feeling unwell?

cecilyandgautam

I studied Bradley, which also enoucrages deep breathing but I'm not sure if it's the same as the hypno breathing. I have a couple of ideas that may or may not be helpful:

-If you go into labor while you still have this cold, definitely extra fluids to stay hydrated and try taking a hot shower to clear out your nose - I find that steam makes it all come out, ew I know. Then you should have an easier time breathing.

-If you passage ways are clogged after the shower/bath, then breath in whatever way is most relaxing to you. Keep plenty of fluids nearby and maybe some hard candies if you're breathing out of your mouth.

fryrat

You can breathe through your mouth, but pretend that you are drinking through a straw. There are 2 benefits of nose breathing. One is that the air goes up into your sinuses, and gives a more uplifting breath, but it also prevents you from taking huge "gulps" of air. If you position your lips like you are drinking from a straw, it accomplishes the same slower breathing that nose breathing does.

LindseyJW

fryrat:

You can breathe through your mouth, but pretend that you are drinking through a straw. There are 2 benefits of nose breathing. One is that the air goes up into your sinuses, and gives a more uplifting breath, but it also prevents you from taking huge "gulps" of air. If you position your lips like you are drinking from a straw, it accomplishes the same slower breathing that nose breathing does.

this.

practice facial relaxtion and wtih your lips perfectly relaxed and loose, allow them to separate right in the middle, not big enough for a pea or a straw to fit in. then do your breathing techniques. just make sure that you are not holding any tension in your face and especially your jaw as you do this.

chances are pretty good though that your congestion may be cleared up in time for your labor.