As a singer and voice teacher, I have always been interested in the power of the voice. Vocalization was one of my most powerful tools during my labors to help me deal with the pain of childbirth. I found an interesting article on www.myyogaonline.com about this subject.
BENEFITS OF VOCAL TONING:
- open throat = open birth canal
- increases the length and depth of the exhalations
- sound vibrations also carry tension out of the body
- relaxing
- the sound helps calm and focus mind and body
- helpful tool to cope with labor contractions
- helps to let go of anxiety
- creates a sound of familiarity/continuity (and therefore reassurance) for your baby
- it is also a powerful breathing exercise
HOW TO TONE
Always tone from a soft throat and the sensation of an open throat tone for the entire length of the exhale, always following a deep inhalation low vibrations help to resonate the lower body, higher vibrations help resonate the upper body during labor, tone for the full length of the contraction if you are un-able to intake a deep breath during labor, try layering the breath in 2 or 3 short inhales, and then tone for the full length of the exhale/contraction.
Go with your intuitive sound. If “owww” is what works, go with it. There is no wrong or right sound.
PRACTICE
Start experimenting with different sounds. An easy one to start with is : ” ahhhhhhhhh”. Practice “mmmmmmm” The try all the vowel sounds “a e i o u” noticing what those different sounds feel like as you vocalize them. Everybody gravitates to their own personal sound. There is no wrong or right sound. Feel free to combine sounds, or even use a word.
PRACTICE WHILE PREGNANT! Your baby will listen! You are creating a comforting sound for baby.
PRACTICE WITH YOUR BIRTH PARTNER! So that they can help match your rhythm during labor,
and so that they know what to expect. Their voice can add a powerful support for your momentum during labor.
PRACTICE IN THE SHOWER, THE CAR, WHILE DOING DISHES, WHILE LYING IN BED……
DO NOT ALLOW ANY ONE TO TELL YOU TO “SHHHHHH” OR BE QUIET DURING LABOR. If this is suggested to you, request that this person leave the room. You are the one in charge of your labor, and ultimately, the birth. Be Empowered to know your voice can be spoken.
ENJOY, RELAX, FIND RHYTHM IN THIS RITUAL
