Pranayama or deep breathing
Yogic breathing is a way to peace, enabling a positive approach to labour, rather than a response to a stressful situation. Pranayama energizes the mother and the baby. Additionally, it empowers the mother to gain mental control to combat stress. With pranayama and meditation, an expectant mother feels relaxed and is able to maintain poise during moments of strain.
Ujjayi
This pranayama calms the mind and removes any tension in the expectant mother. It also improves the efficiency of the respiratory system.
Sit in a comfortable position. With mouth closed, inhale slowly through both the nostrils in a smooth, uniform manner. While inhaling, due to the partial closing of the glottis a peculiar sound is produced. This sound should be mild, continuous and uniform.
Then, hold the breath as long as you can and exhale slowly. Do not use your mouth to inhale or exhale. Close your eyes and concentrate on the movement of the breath.
