Reinforce the client’s focus on
the deliberate breath out, as the
effort increases, and relate this
to training for labour.
A focused breath out during a hamstring stretch can train breathing awareness
Childs pose sequence
A good sequence for combining stretching and focused breathing is
the yoga asana ‘balasana’ or child’s pose (photo 6).
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Instruct the client to:
• from a seated or kneeling position on the floor, gently move into
child’s pose
• hold the position and focus on the breath out
let the breath in come naturally
• deliberately breathe out tension from the body
• become aware of any jaw clenching and, if tension is being held,
unclench their teeth and lower their jaw and refocus on the breath out
• take 5 more breaths out, unless they need to move out of the pose
for reasons of comfort (precaution: there should be no pain or
discomfort in the hips, back or pelvic joints or in the lower
abdominal wall or pelvic floor area)
• move into 4-point position, stretch one calf muscle and focus on
a long-extended breath out
• repeat for the other side.
Labour is a uniquely demanding experience for women, both
physically and mentally. By helping your pregnant client harness the
power of focused breathing, you can help her face it with increased
confidence and a greater sense of control.
FOR REFERENCES & FURTHER READING CLICK HERE
Dianne Edmonds
A physiotherapist based in an obstetric GP clinic, Dianne is a
course creator, Women’s Health Ambassador for Australian
Fitness Network and the Director of The Pregnancy Centre. She
has worked in women’s health and fitness for 25 years and was
integral in the development of the Pelvic Floor First resources.
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Dianne has created six pregnancy-related CEC courses available
exclusively in Australia through Australian Fitness Network.
Ranging from Antenatal Core Training, to Advanced Postnatal
Core Programming, all courses are accredited for CECs and other
professional development credits, and Network Members, as
always, receive special rates.
Click here to view Network’s complete range of female-focused
fitness courses.
Balasana’ or 'child’s pose' combines gentle stretching with focused breathing
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