The basis of yoga is Pranayama or breathing practices. Even a simple awareness of the breath brings a sense of calm presence to what is happening right now.
Throughout the course you have access to different practices which are included in the yoga classes as well as on 2 audios – Breathing Practices 1 and 2
During pregnancy practicing regularly and incorporating awareness of the breath throughout the day will help you to reduce stress and tension both in your body and your mind, as well as give you more energy.
For labour using the breath as a focus is one of the most popular and effective ways to stay away from fear and tension and to stay present
As you practice the yoga postures bring in one of the breathing practices – slow diaphragmatic breathing or Ujjayi breath are good ones – and use it to give you focus. The exhalation is always helpful to let go of tension, especially when accompanied with saying to yourself “let go” or “relax”
And, of course, practice using different breathing for your contraction practices in various positions and see which ones work for you