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Childbirth Class Online - Class One

By Robin Elise Weiss, LCCE, About.com

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Relaxation and Abdominal Breathing

Abdominal breathing is a very natural form of breathing. The key is to watch your abdomen rise as you inhale and contract as you exhale. Doing so slowly will ensure good oxygenation of your blood and will begin to relax you without much effort at all. This type of breathing is the most important form of breathing for labor and birth.

You can practice this at any point throughout the day. Some women choose to practice with their partners just before bed, learning to add other forms of relaxation with the abdominal breathing. You might also try this at points in your day that you find stressfull. Learn to create brief rituals that help you relax. This will serve you well in labor.

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Abdominal Breathing

If you have any questions or comments, don't forget to head over to the forums to discuss it with the others! See you in Class two!

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