It's important to practice breathing techniques before you go into labor. Practicing gives you a chance to get comfortable with the various techniques, and gives your coach the opportunity to learn them along with you. This can be really important during labor. It's your coach's job to become familiar with your normal resting respiratory rate. That way he or she can make sure that during labor you don't exceed twice your normal resting rate, or hyperventilate. During the end stages of labor, it will become increasingly difficult to concentrate on your breathing. Your coach may need to step in and actually breathe with you. This is very effective in helping you maintain control.