Vocalization in Labor

Vocalization in labor (making noise during labor) can be a great tool for releasing tension and stress from your body. But not all noise is equal. You need to understand what type of noise to make.

Making too high-pitched of a noise, like a scream, screech or a squeal, tightens up your chest and neck muscles. Every muscle in your body is connected, so these tight muscles will diminish your ability to relax in labor.

And high-pitched noises like screams don't make you feel very relaxed. They feel out of control, panic and fearful. When you hear these noises, even if they are made by yourself, you begin to feel panic and fearful.

So, how do you use vocalization in labor? You need to make noises that come from a relaxed neck and chest, and that encourage you to relax fully. These noises sound like low moaning or groaning, possibly a low sigh or chanting.

To make these types of sounds, begin by relaxing your body. Be sure your neck and jaw are relaxed. Try opening your mouth by just dropping your jaw, not by trying to make a large open mouth which puts tension in your jaw again.

Start doing some deep abdominal breathing. You should begin to feel really relaxed after just a few breaths. With the next breath, sigh as you exhale. That was a simple vocalization.

The variations of vocalization in labor will happen as you vary the force with which you exhale, the position of your jaw (although it should always be relaxed) and the length of your breaths.

Become comfortable enough with this technique that you can use it easily during labor. If you find that you are too self-conscious to make a moaning noise in front of people, choose a word that helps you focus such as your baby's name or the word baby. Do the exercise again, but this time instead of just "breathing" sigh your word. Experiment again with different ways to say your word using low tones.

You May Also Be Interested In: What changes are being assessed during a cervical exam. The Natural Childbirth Directory can help you find more information about birth and locate childbirth professionals. The Coach's Notebook helps you learn tools and techniques to manage labor. So some self exploration to discover how you will act in labor.

© Copyright 2000-2008 Jennifer VanderLaan and Birthing Naturally

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