birthing with sound & vocal toning

What is vocal toning?
When you slowly exhale your breath while making a low vibrational sound, you are toning with your voice. The sounds that you make can be a specific sound that you decide on and practice beforehand. It could be an in-the-moment soul song, where you make up words and sounds as you go along, or it could even be you singing your babies name.  The lower vibrational vocal tones helps to engage the lower half of your body during contractions. I have had clients that have sang their babies Earthside without even having to push.

What are the benefits of vocal toning & sound in Labor?
Naturally manage pain - Toning can help to ease our fears, and the sensation of pain and discomfort during labor. By openly making low vibratory sounds during contractions, you are more able to release and let go of fear and pain. Fear and pain can cause anxiety and stress during labor, effecting our pelvic region and the dilation of the cervix, and can potentially slow down the progress of labor. Vocal toning during labor leaves no room for self doubt, anxiety or fear as you focus on the sounds, and move more deeply within yourself.

Mindful Breathing - Vocal toning helps to increase the length and depth of our breath, allowing an increase of  oxygen to you and baby. When taking in a new breath, and slowly letting it go with a low vibratory tone, your body and your baby are more able to take in that oxygen allowing for better circulation. By aligning with this pattern of breath, it releases anxiety and creates a safe space for you and baby. While there is no right or wrong way to breathe during labor, it is important not to hold the breath as this creates more tension in the body and increases the sensation of pain.

Relaxation - Vocal toning releases sound vibrations throughout the body. Sound Therapy is commonly used as an alternative healing process which effects the body on a cellular level. It relaxes the muscles by releasing tension from the body, improving circulation and maximizing energy flow within the body. The relaxation that sound brings allows the cervix to open more freely and the baby to descend with ease. 

This video is a beautiful example of a laboring woman vocal toning during birth,
​using each of the vowel sounds to help her stay calm, and relaxed through a contraction.

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