What is diaphragmatic breathing?

Also known as belly breathing or deep breathing, diaphragmatic breathing is one of the most natural and powerful ways to calm your nervous system and nourish your body. Unlike shallow chest breathing, this technique draws the breath down into the diaphragm, the dome-shaped muscle that sits just beneath your lungs and above your belly.

This type of breathing reduces stress, supports digestion, and improves oxygen flow. In Ayurveda, the breath is known as prana, your life force. When prana flows smoothly, the mind settles, the body feels balanced, and your connection to your inner world deepens.

Why it's especially helpful after birth

After childbirth, your breath can feel shallow, restricted, or out of sync, especially if you’ve had abdominal or pelvic trauma, a long labour, or C-section. Diaphragmatic breathing gently reconnects you to your core and pelvic floor, without needing to “do” anything intense.

Postpartum benefits:

✔ Calms the nervous system (less fight-or-flight, more rest-and-digest)

✔ Supports emotional balance and reduces anxiety or overwhelm

✔ Encourages gentle core and pelvic floor reconnection

✔ Promotes healing circulation to the abdomen and pelvis

✔ Helps regulate sleep and digestion

✔ Reminds you to pause and rest, even just for a few moments