Learn the surge breathing technique for your birth preparation


Listen to Esther LIVE as she explains Surge breathing!

In this post Esther will explain Surge breathing.

Esther Jones is a Hypnobirthing practitioner and has been working with women and couples since 2007.

This is one of the most important techniques in your preparation for birth.

It is a very long, slow breath that helps you to let go of any tension and flow with the surge (the contraction), making sure that neither the mind nor the body offers any resistance to it.

It is all about allowing the deep powerful sensations of the uterine muscles to flow through the body without tensing into them.

So let’s get started…

Surge Breathing

A breath that helps you maximise how effective your contraction is.

By working with the rise of the surge, you’re working with the movement of the muscles of the uterus. The uterus has two layers of muscles that work together. During a surge, the vertical muscles contract up and as they do, the circular muscles open, opening the cervix as they do. You can imagine this as a wavelike motion. And, of course, using this breathing technique ensures that the uterine muscles are receiving all the blood and oxygen they need to do this work.

So, make sure your body is relaxed.

A relaxed, oxytocin-filled body is loose and floppy.

So, you could try doing a couple of Calm Breaths first.

Then, imagine your belly like a bowl, containing the uterus and your baby.

Beneath this bowl, the rest of your body stays calm and relaxed.

The energy of this breath will be directed only to the muscles of the uterus.

No other muscles in the body need to be involved in the surge.

Then you’re going to inhale the longest, slowest breath that you can.

As you inhale, put your hands on your belly and push the belly up, visualising that you are inflating a big, red balloon.

As you reach the end of this breath, imagine releasing the balloon into a beautiful blue summer sky, and exhale, coming down just as slowly as you went up. Never hold on to your breath.

It is likely that many surges during your labour will last between 45 seconds and a minute, so this long, slow breath will give you enough time to work with a lot of the surges. When you do need to take a second breath during the same surge, just let go of the first breath and take a new slow breath in. The important thing is that you stay relaxed and free of tension.

The important thing is that you stay relaxed and free of tension.

It is likely that many surges during your labour will last between 45 seconds and a minute, so this long, slow breath will give you enough time to work with a lot of the surges. When you do need to take a second breath during the same surge, just let go of the first breath and take a new slow breath in. With practice you’ll be able to make the breath longer.

Watch the video

Listen to Esther LIVE as she explains Surge breathing!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=YA_sPfSZEeA%3Ffeature%3Doembed

Pregnancy Wellbeing Online

Join pregnancy specialists, Pilates Master Natalia Laing and HypnoBirthing specialist Esther Jones as they share their care and passion for birthing, health and wellbeing with you.

 Learn how to stay fit, prepare for birth and recover well with Pregnancy Pilates!

Unique guided HypnoBirthing programs that empower and give confidence to all parents.

Self guided and personalised tailored programs!

Related Topics

subscribe to Wellness Notes, Studio Australia Barcelona’s exclusive newsletter!

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Learn the surge breathing technique for your birth preparation


Listen to Esther LIVE as she explains Surge breathing!

In this post Esther will explain Surge breathing.

Esther Jones is a Hypnobirthing practitioner and has been working with women and couples since 2007.

This is one of the most important techniques in your preparation for birth.

It is a very long, slow breath that helps you to let go of any tension and flow with the surge (the contraction), making sure that neither the mind nor the body offers any resistance to it.

It is all about allowing the deep powerful sensations of the uterine muscles to flow through the body without tensing into them.

So let’s get started…

Surge Breathing

A breath that helps you maximise how effective your contraction is.

By working with the rise of the surge, you’re working with the movement of the muscles of the uterus. The uterus has two layers of muscles that work together. During a surge, the vertical muscles contract up and as they do, the circular muscles open, opening the cervix as they do. You can imagine this as a wavelike motion. And, of course, using this breathing technique ensures that the uterine muscles are receiving all the blood and oxygen they need to do this work.

So, make sure your body is relaxed.

A relaxed, oxytocin-filled body is loose and floppy.

So, you could try doing a couple of Calm Breaths first.

Then, imagine your belly like a bowl, containing the uterus and your baby.

Beneath this bowl, the rest of your body stays calm and relaxed.

The energy of this breath will be directed only to the muscles of the uterus.

No other muscles in the body need to be involved in the surge.

Then you’re going to inhale the longest, slowest breath that you can.

As you inhale, put your hands on your belly and push the belly up, visualising that you are inflating a big, red balloon.

As you reach the end of this breath, imagine releasing the balloon into a beautiful blue summer sky, and exhale, coming down just as slowly as you went up. Never hold on to your breath.

It is likely that many surges during your labour will last between 45 seconds and a minute, so this long, slow breath will give you enough time to work with a lot of the surges. When you do need to take a second breath during the same surge, just let go of the first breath and take a new slow breath in. The important thing is that you stay relaxed and free of tension.

The important thing is that you stay relaxed and free of tension.

It is likely that many surges during your labour will last between 45 seconds and a minute, so this long, slow breath will give you enough time to work with a lot of the surges. When you do need to take a second breath during the same surge, just let go of the first breath and take a new slow breath in. With practice you’ll be able to make the breath longer.

Watch the video

Listen to Esther LIVE as she explains Surge breathing!

https://youtube.com/watch?v=YA_sPfSZEeA%3Ffeature%3Doembed

Pregnancy Wellbeing Online

Join pregnancy specialists, Pilates Master Natalia Laing and HypnoBirthing specialist Esther Jones as they share their care and passion for birthing, health and wellbeing with you.

 Learn how to stay fit, prepare for birth and recover well with Pregnancy Pilates!

Unique guided HypnoBirthing programs that empower and give confidence to all parents.

Self guided and personalised tailored programs!

Related Topics

subscribe to Wellness Notes, Studio Australia Barcelona’s exclusive newsletter!

Get monthly updates with wellness tips, holistic health insights, and expert guidance. Start your journey to a better well-being and healing today!

News & articles

Best Anti-Ageing Treatments for Your 50s, 60s & 70s: What Really Works in 2026?

12-Day Integrative Reset for Digestion, Energy & Nervous System Balance

The Gift of Wellbeing | Luxury Wellness Experiences in Barcelona & Online

Why Trigger Point & Myofascial Therapy Could Be Your Key to Healing – Treatments in Barcelona

Pilates & Rehabilitation for Back Pain Relief in Barcelona: Strengthen & Heal Naturally

What Causes a Puffy Face? 7 Hidden Triggers and How to Treat Them Naturally

Caring for Your Lymphatic System: A Useful Guide for Conscious Travellers 

Discover the Power of Naturopathy, Phytotherapy & Herbal Medicine, Iridology and Nutraceuticals for Optimal Health | + Bonus Wellness Tips!

Practice What We Preach: Healing With A Functional and Integrative Approach

Types of Drinking Water and How They Impact Your Health

subscribe to Wellness Notes, Studio Australia Barcelona’s exclusive newsletter!

Get monthly updates with wellness tips, holistic health insights, and expert guidance. Start your journey to a better well-being and healing today!