birthing ball

OSibyl

did anyone use a birthing ball before/during/after the birth? I am going to buy one soon and just curious to see what size people liked. Most charts say I should get  65cm. (I'm 5'7") However, I'm leaning towards getting a larger one since I don't think I will use it for working out much and more for sitting, bouncing, laboring and pacifying baby after s/he is born. (husband is 6'3" and would probably be more comfortable sitting on a larger one.) Any thoughts?

aylafsu88

I had one and loved it.  I used it a lot before birth to sit on or lean over it.  I thought is was really comfortable.  I used it in labor when I was in triage and waiting to get into the tub at the hospital.  The doula put the ball on the bed and I leaned over it while she did counter pressure on my back.  I thought I would love the ball during labor but I actually prefered to be in the tub.  I bought the standard size 65 cm, which will probably be good for you.  When you sit on the ball you want you feet to be able to hit/touch the ground so that you can stabilize yourself, especially if you are holding LO. If H wants one I would consider buying two as they are not very expensive.  I think I got mine for 10$.  GL!

vintagejjane

I had one, and didn't really use it. Walking/pacing helped me more. But everyone is different. I'm glad I bought it and had the option though!

resilient61

I'm 5'7" also (w long legs) & have the bigger ball for exercise.  I used it until 39 weeks for stretching, sitting, relieving back pain, etc. then DS1 was so low it became uncomfortable.  I didn't use one at all during labor for that reason, but it was invaluable the 1st month home.  Our son liked bouncing more than rocking- especially the 1st few weeks.  If the bigger ball is too big, and you can't reach, you could let some of the air out.  Less air would also give the ball more stability, but you lose bounce, too.

OSibyl

aylafsu88:

I had one and loved it.  I used it a lot before birth to sit on or lean over it.  I thought is was really comfortable.  I used it in labor when I was in triage and waiting to get into the tub at the hospital.  The doula put the ball on the bed and I leaned over it while she did counter pressure on my back.  I thought I would love the ball during labor but I actually prefered to be in the tub.  I bought the standard size 65 cm, which will probably be good for you.  When you sit on the ball you want you feet to be able to hit/touch the ground so that you can stabilize yourself, especially if you are holding LO. If H wants one I would consider buying two as they are not very expensive.  I think I got mine for 10$.  GL!

 

Thanks! I thought about getting 2... but I'm not sure if we have room for them both! seems like they take up quite a bit of space!!!

ncbelle

I think you'd be fine either way.  Honestly, they should be standard issue - great for sitting on when you have pregnancy induced back pain and fantastic for bouncing a fussy baby.  I MUCH prefer sitting on one over a desk chair - sitting on mine right now in fact.  Best $10 I ever spent!.

Oh...I didn't actually use mine in labor though  

BLPL101

My hospital had two and I used it during the beginning of labor. It didn't really help me much though, but I had bad back labor.

Celyn

You want to have one that allows your knees to be at 90 degrees or more while you're on it, and you don't want it hard as a rock to achieve that.  

pepomntpat

I used it a lot towards the end of my pregnancy espcially. I did sit on one during labor for a while when I was hooked to the monitor. Better than being in bed. And I used it a TON after LO was here to settle DD to sleep.

Hyaline

Our hospital had them available, so I didn't buy one.  If you'd only use it during labor I'd find out if your hospital or birth center has them available.  I wouldn't have used it other than during birth, though, so if you would it's probably a good investment--a friend of mine swore by hers for bouncing the baby during his colicky phase!

luvmyducks

I don't remember the size I got.  I used it the couple days before labor to try to get things going and I sat on it some while in labor.  Will probably do the same this time.

cocoatdy

I'm 5'7" and actually have two balls.  I originally bought the med. sized one for exercizing on, and it works really well for abs., but for sitting I found I was reallly unballanced as it was too small.  I bought the largest one availiable for work and replaced my chair (sitting on it now!).  As everyone else said, absolutely the best $10 spent.

alandals

I had one at home and used one in the hospital. I LOVED it. I spent almost my entire labor on it.

I wouldn't get one too much larger than what is recommended because your feet might not comfortably touch the floor when you sit on it.

hellomommyhood

i couldn't sit on it! felt like i was sitting on his head... it was ok for leaning my body over.  they are good for calming a fussy newborn though (bouncing seated in your arms)