Breathe bilaterally. This means that you should breathe every third stroke. Stroke with your right arm, your left arm, and then breathe when you stroke with your right arm again; then, stroke with your left arm, your right arm, and then breathe when you stroke with your left arm again. As you come up to breathe, place your ear on one one shoulder and your cheek in the water, giving your mouth enough room to breathe comfortably.