Breathing is one of the most powerful natural tools during labour. Far from being automatic, the way you breathe can help manage pain, relax the pelvic floor, and support your baby’s descent. As physiotherapists, we teach specific breathing strategies, including the E Technique and the ABDOMG® method, to make birth smoother and recovery faster.

Why Breathing Matters in Labour

Pain management: Focused breathing lowers tension and makes contractions easier to cope with.
Pelvic floor release: Exhalation encourages the pelvic floor to relax, creating space for your baby.
Better oxygenation: Calm, steady breaths support both you and your baby.
Confidence: Breathing provides rhythm, helping you stay centred throughout labour.

The “E Technique”: Slow and Prolonged Exhalation

One of the most effective methods in labour is the E Technique.

Inhale softly through the nose.
Exhale slowly and steadily through the mouth, longer than the inhale.
Imagine blowing through a straw or sighing out tension.

🔹 Why it works: It lowers stress, reduces pain perception, and signals the pelvic floor to release, helping labour progress more smoothly.

The ABDOMG® Approach

Another powerful tool is the ABDOMG® method by Guillarme, a scientifically grounded approach that links breathing, abdominal synergy, and pelvic floor control.
During pregnancy and postpartum, this method helps women:

Improve core and pelvic floor coordination
Protect the perineum during labour
Optimise pushing without excessive pressure
Support safer, faster recovery after birth

By combining ABDOMG® with targeted breathing strategies, physiotherapists give women greater control over their bodies during and after childbirth.

Breathing is simple, yet transformative in labour. With techniques like the E Technique and the ABDOMG® method, guided by a women’s health physiotherapist, you can manage pain, protect your pelvic floor, and approach birth with confidence.

✨ Want to learn more? Book a session at Renard clinic to discover how breathing and specialised physiotherapy methods can transform your birth experience.