The practice of toning in pregnancy and labour: participant experiences.

Women, primarily from the author's childbirth education classes, were taught the practice of toning, i.e. voicing the exhalation of breath on a single pitch, using a vowel sound or a hum. Women were encouraged to explore toning during pregnancy and use it as a resource for labour. Postpartum, 22 women described their experiences with tone, pointing to a variety of effects such as increased ability to cope with pain, useful forms of focus, feelings of connection with nature, bodily vibration, relaxation, emotional release, diminished anxiety and a greater sense of power. Holistic aspects of breath and tone are described, as are specific applications of toning for pregnancy and labour. Carers who wish to use tone with clients are encouraged to develop a personal toning practice.