A system (10) configured to prompt a subject (12) to consciously alter one or more breathing parameters during childbirth. The system includes a pressure generator (14) that generates a pressurized flow of breathable gas for delivery to an airway of the subject during childbirth and a processor (22) that controls the pressure generator to adjust one or more gas parameters of the gas in the pressurized flow of breathable gas to provide breathing cues to the subject in accordance with a breathing regime associated with labor contractions wherein the breathing cues prompt the subject to consciously alter one or more breathing parameters of respiration..
