Breath by breath, moment by moment
Breathing During Pregnancy and Beyond
Nurturing Calm and Connection
Breath is life. It’s the most fundamental part of our existence, and yet, it’s something we often overlook. When you’re pregnant or navigating the postpartum period, breath takes on a whole new significance. Intentional and conscious breath practices are essential tools for a new mom’s physical, mental and emotional well-being.
Breath techniques have the power to create space, restore balance and promote healing. Let’s dive into why observing the breath is a game-changer during these transformative stages of early motherhood. Let’s explore how you can harness the power of your breath to stay calm, present, and connected.
“Disciplined breathing helps the mind concentrate and enables the practitioner to attain robust health and longevity.””
The Body | Mind Connection
It’s no secret that the mind and breath are deeply interconnected. Think about it: When you’re anxious, scared, or stressed, your breath becomes short and shallow. When you’re calm and at ease, your breath flows smoothly and deeply. By learning to control and direct the breath, you can guide your minds toward a state of calm.
Breath practices help disrupt mental chatter and create space, quiet and even tranquility. When you focus on your breath, you anchor yourself in the present moment. This is especially beneficial during pregnancy, where emotions and hormones can cause stress or overwhelm. By taking a few moments to breathe with intention, you’re not just nourishing your body and your baby, you’re also soothing your mind and cultivating inner peace.
Creating Space: In the Body and Mind
As your pregnancy progresses and your body changes, your breath is affected. With a growing baby pressing on your diaphragm (located below your breastbone), you may notice it’s harder to take a deep, full breath. This can create tension and discomfort, both physically and emotionally.
Breath techniques can be super helpful here. By practicing mindful breathing, you can create space within your body, allowing for greater breath capacity. With each inhalation, you create room for the breath to expand and fill your lungs, easing the strain of pregnancy. And as your body finds more ease, your mind follows suit, creating a sense of calm and presence. Remember, the physical space you create within your body is reflected in the mental space you create for yourself.
The Power of Womb Breathing During Pregnancy
One of the most powerful practices for a pregnant mama is Womb Breathing. This practice involves directing the breath toward the sacred womb center, building energy for you and your baby. Womb Breathing supports the growth and vitality of your child while helping you manage stress, reduce anxiety and cultivate a sense of calm.
The beauty of Womb Breathing is that it’s not just about the present moment—it’s about preparing for labor and postpartum too. By practicing daily, you are laying the foundation for a conscious, empowered birth. Womb Breathing helps reduce fear, create focus and even supports the possibility of an unmedicated birth if that’s your goal.
Belly Breathing for Postpartum Healing
After the birth of your baby, you may feel physically and emotionally drained. Hormonal fluctuations, interrupted sleep and the challenges of new motherhood can leave you feeling depleted. This is where the practice of Belly Breathing comes in. I call it: Womb Healing. Womb Healing directs the breath into the abdominal region, helping to release tension and toxins while supporting blood flow and circulation - all to promote healing.
By focusing on the inhale and exhale, you help restore balance to your body and mind. The act of breathing deeply into the belly creates space and relaxation, encouraging your body to heal from the inside out. Even a few cycles of Womb Healing can have a profoundly restorative effect, especially when sleep is scarce, and the demands of motherhood feel overwhelming.
Breathe with Intention, Mama
Your breath is a constant companion. It holds incredible power when used with intention. During pregnancy, labor and postpartum, conscious breathing can help you stay calm, grounded and connected to both your body and your baby. Whether you're using Womb Breathing to nurture your baby as you prepare for birth or Womb Healing to heal and recover, each breath is an opportunity to create space, restore balance, and promote healing.