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Dr Odile Bagot (Gynecologist-obstetrician)
Do you know Winner Flow? Measuring around ten centimeters, this plastic tip is used to support patients in their breathing exercises. To what extent can it provide pelvic strengthening? Explanations from Odile Bagot, gynecologist member of the Doctissimo expert committee.
Small white plastic tip, slightly translucent, the Winner Flow helps patients undergoing respiratory rehabilitation. Indeed, this exsufflation tip allows people who use it to blow into it and face a greater or lesser resistance, in order to regulate their expiratory flow.
Can it be used during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum?
More precisely, the Winner Flow is made up of two ends which fit together with a screwing system. The more they are screwed in, the more resistance opposes the flow of exhaled air and conversely, the more they are unscrewed, the more air circulates easily.
The tool can therefore be used to exercise the breathing of pregnant women, during preparation for childbirth, during childbirth itself and for the postpartum period, during perineal rehabilitation. It is possible to obtain one in a pharmacy, for around ten euros on average.
Breathing that can be reversed
The need to correct one’s breathing may appear when one exhibits a reverse breathing reflex. This is the case if when you inhale, your stomach comes out. Normally, when inhaling, it is the torso that should extend forward and the stomach deepens. “When we inhale, the diaphragm descends and relaxes” confirms Odile Bagot “which allows us to relax the perineum“So breathing can help during childbirth,”but few women master this correctly” adds the specialist.
NO to diets, YES to WW!
Should you invest in a Winner Flow during pregnancy?
However, Dr Odile Bagot does not necessarily advise purchasing this medical device. “It is useful for patients with respiratory problems, in order to rehabilitate them, but from there to recommend it to pregnant women, no, I will not do it” decides the expert.
“This remains a known and proven respiratory rehabilitation technique, particularly for people with respiratory failure. In the context of pregnancy or postpartum, it can help to raise awareness of respiratory movements and those of the diaphragm in particular, as well as the relaxation of the perineum: this can make things easier, because you learn to better control your breathing. concludes the specialist, who recommends that women discuss its necessity with a midwife.
Slide: Strengthening the perineum: home rehabilitation methods