Yoga uses the breath as a tool. While we are observing how we breathe, we bring our attention into the body. The breath provides feedback, alerting us if we have gone beyond our comfort zone in a yoga pose, as well as when we are uncomfortable with something in our lives.

This awareness of breath and body, and how they correlate, is key for laboring and giving birth. During asana practice and in birth, moving in sync with the breath encourages the body to soften, releasing areas of tension. Prenatal yoga classes tend to allow extra time for practicing these breathing techniques, which are useful during childbearing as well as mothering.

As we become aware of our breathing patterns, we may familiarize ourselves with a variety of ways to practice breathing. Deep and steady breathing is the path to mental clarity and relaxation. Through this breath work, yoga practitioners gain resilience in stressful situations.

Whether a woman has a long labor or a short labor, she will reach the point where her body is working hard, as if she is exercising. It is at that point that the breathing exercises done in yoga class really help the birthing mother to remain calm and focused.

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