BREATHING AND MEDITATION

The purpose of observing your breath is to keep you in the now. Your body knows exactly how to breathe, even during labor. All you need to do is be mindful of your breath. Observe it and observe it and continue to observe it. Continue to receive the next breath. Your jaw will relax. Your hands will relax. This practice of observing your breath will benefit your labor when you reach it. Using the breath to calm yourself will seem like second nature by then and you and your support person can use it to remain calm and focused.

This is all you need to do when you meditate. Many feelings will arise when you begin to focus on your breath. It’s okay. Feel them. They, too, will pass. Continue to focus on your breath.