A couple asks the nurse to explain the use of breathing techniques during the labor process. Which should the nurse include in the response? (Select all that apply.)

Question

a. Start to use the focused breathing as soon as labor begins.
b. The use of complex breathing patterns should start during early labor.
c. The breathing pattern chosen to use during labor should be practiced frequently.
d. Focused or controlled breathing techniques are considered just one of many coping strategies.
e. One helpful technique with breathing is to visualize oxygen entering on inhalation and tension leaving on exhalation.

Answer 1

ANS: C, D, E
If a couple plans to use specific breathing patterns, the woman and her partner should practice the techniques frequently to gain comfort with them. If the woman has not practiced, they may not be helpful during labor. Although they were once the major focus of many classes, focused or controlled breathing techniques are now considered just one of many coping strategies used to enhance the woman's ability to work with her labor during birth. While practicing relaxation techniques, the woman can picture oxygen entering her body to nourish her baby as she inhales and tension leaving each time she exhales. Use of the more complex breathing patterns in latent labor may increase fatigue. Focused breathing techniques should not be used in labor until they are actually needed, which is usually when the woman can no longer walk and talk during a contraction.