We continue to monitor COVID-19, flu and other respiratory viruses in our communities. Read the most current information about prevention, testing and where to go if you're sick.

COVID-19 Information

MoBap Breast Cancer Survivor Credits Annual Mammogram for Saving Her Life

Even though Jessica Hayes had no family history of breast cancer, as an assistant administrator at Delmar Gardens of Creve Coeur, she knew the importance of breast cancer screenings. “Work keeps me busy, and Missouri Baptist Medical Center’s Mammography Van had scheduled times at Delmar Gardens for residents and employees, making it convenient for me to get screened.”

Read more
Midwife Kari Reiman talks with expectant mom Kelly Pettigrove

MoBap Midwifery Services Offer Childbirth Options

Today, many women are choosing to see certified nurse-midwives (CNMs) for pregnancy care. At Missouri Baptist Medical Center, midwives work within the hospital setting to provide care for women before, during and after birth.

Read more

Preparing for Baby Classes and Support Groups

At MoBap, we believe that supporting healthy and happy babies begins with supporting their parents. That’s why we offer classes and support groups to guide new parents each step along the exciting path of parenthood.

Read more

MoBap Mom and AFE Survivor Shares Story and Gives Back

First-time mothers are often nervous before their babies are born. Experienced mothers are a little more comfortable because they know what to expect. For Courtney Johnson, a 35-year-old from Chesterfield, she was an experienced mother but was nervous because she knew something wasn't right. 

Read more
Terrell and his team of caregivers prepare to go outside.

COVID-19 Patient Makes Recovery After 49 Days on ECMO

The ICU team at Missouri Baptist Medical Center had seen more than their share of the critically ill from COVID-19 for nearly eighteen months. On April 26, 2021, they met Terrell Brown.

Read more
123468910Last

Related Content

Find a Doctor or Make an Appointment

Our new search tool will help you choose a doctor or health care provider that is best for you or your family.

Search Now

Mastering the Art of Proper Breathing

When experiencing stress reactions or pain, relaxation is essential for helping your body cope.

“Proper, deep breathing is perhaps the easiest and most important first step to help your body relax,” said Ted Gallup, Missouri Baptist Medical Center physical therapist. To help manage their pain and reduce stress, Ted has integrated deep breathing technique into his patients’ recovery plans and also recommends the technique to people of all ages for relaxation.

“Belly, or diaphragmatic, breathing is the proper deep-breathing technique that involves the diaphragm, the umbrella-shaped muscle between the chest and abdomen,” Ted described.

Many times when people are in pain or feel stress, they don’t know that their breathing patterns change. They often hold their breath for short periods or take quick, shallow breaths from the chest rather than from the diaphragm. Shallow breathing can trigger increased heart rate, higher blood pressure, muscle tension, and the release of stress hormones into the bloodstream.

“This is the fight-or-flight response that is the body’s way of protecting itself and usually passes once the stress is over,” Ted said. He explained that when people experience pain and stress for long periods, their bodies work in overdrive, leaving them vulnerable to chronic conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease.

A Breathing Exercise to Try

  1. Image
    With shoulders relaxed, stand or sit up straight or lie on your back. For comfort, place a bolster, or pillow, under the knees when lying on your back.
  2. Image
    Place one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. When sitting or standing, place both hands on your stomach. Close your eyes and imagine being at a favorite, peaceful place.
  3. Image
    Take a slow, deep breath in through your nose to the count of four or five, focusing on the air entering the nostrils. Make sure that the hand on your stomach– not on your chest – rises when you inhale.
  4. Image
    Breathe out through your nose to the count of four or five to fully empty your lungs. During this step, visualize pushing your belly button to your spine.

Repeat six times as needed or until you feel relaxed.

While this short exercise can be practiced most places whenever necessary, Ted also recommends integrating longer breathing sessions upon waking and before sleeping.

“This breathing technique is useful for relaxation in the morning to prepare for the day and at night when unwinding for bed,” he said. “Gradually increase the exercise time to five to ten minutes during these periods to get the best benefit.”