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Peanut birthing ball

cw2009cw2009 member
in Natural Birth

First of all, let me thank you all for your posts and birth stories. As a first time mom, reading this board has been very important as I imagine my ideal birthing experience. Now on to my question- 

Has anyone had experience using a "peanut ball" during labor and delivery? If so, I would love to hear how you used it and if it was useful to you.

One of the nurses on my hospital tour recommended them and cited one study that suggests the use of the peanut ball reduces the number of hours in labor and the c-section rate. I'd like to purchase one myself, but would like recommendations about what size and brand to get (Amazon has several brands in sizes ranging from 40 to 70 cm). 

Cynthia
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Re: Peanut birthing ball

  • AmyRIAmyRI member

    My hospital's birthing balls are all the "peanut" shape. It was easier to sit on that and rock than using a regular birthing ball, as it only moves in 1 direction. I thought I was going to be all about it... but when I was in labor, it was super painful for me to sit like that. I was much more comfortable on my hands and knees or leaning over the bed than straddled on a birthing ball.

    If I ordered one, I'd err on the side of a smaller ball because you want to make absolutely sure you can fully straddle and have your feet still touching the ground even with slightly bent knees, if that makes sense. You don't want to just be perched on the top of a really tall ball, you want to be able to comfortably rock from one side to the other with both feet on the ground.

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  • sschwegesschwege member
    That's really cool, I've never seen that before!  I don't know that it would have worked as well for me because what I really found helpful was swirling my hips, so the birthing ball would kind of rotate in a small circle during contractions, which I'm not sure would work on a peanut ball.  But I like the idea of it and could see how it would be effective.
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  • pixieprincsspixieprincss member
    I have not seen these before, but I liked a ball for hip swirls and to sit on in the shower with water streaming on my back. I don't know if a non-round shape would work for the swirls or fit in a shower. Also, I already had a ball for working out with, so it was free.  Not trying to disuade you, just sharing some thoughts...

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  • cw2009cw2009 member

    Thanks for the feedback, everyone! I think it makes sense to get a ball on the smaller side (however it might be used in the actual labor process). The study says that it is particularly helpful for women who have had an epidural and can't change positions much. I am not planning on getting an epidural, but am anxious about how much I will actually be able to move around in the hospital environment, so this seems like a good purchase for me. 


    Cynthia
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  • CelynCelyn member
    This and the studies she cites are the sum total of what I know about them: https://navelgazingmidwife.squarespace.com/navelgazing-midwife-blog/2012/5/11/the-miracle-of-peanut-balls.html
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  • nosoup4unosoup4u member
    I used one during my first labor, and it was good. I sat on it and leaned over the bed. I think I prefer the regular yoga balls, but they aren't bad.

    Do you use the same size peanut ball as a regular ball? Look up recommended sizes for those, I would guess...
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