Birthing Ball??

jjmrotek · October 2012

Have one? Using one? Recomendations?

I had DH bring up our 'birthing ball' or athletic ball from the basement last night and am planning on sitting on it for about 30 minutes a night going forward... wondering if anyone uses one, has used one,or has an opinion on using one? Did you find it helpful? A waste of time? Painful? What exactly did/does it help with?

Thanks!

rachael_c26 · October 2012

I bought mine the night before last. I plan to use it. I just need to blow that bad boy up. I am pretty sure it will be helpful though, because I have already gotten to the point where I'm sitting on my gliding ottoman and gliding back and forth on it. I need to get air in that ball stat before I break my ottoman!

I also plan on using it during labor.

It's supposed to help you remain in a position that promotes the opening of your pelvis/cervix.... Confused

wawa84 · October 2012

I have one. My labor with DS was so fast that I didn't get the chance to use it at home during actual labor, but there were many nights that I would just sit on it. I would roll my hips in a circle, bounce a little , whatever. It helped take some of the pressure away. It was really comfortable to sit on. It can help get baby's head down, dilate you, help with effacement, all kinds of good things. I just got an excerise ball from walmart and used that. Plus, DS loves playing with the "big ball" now.

abfromva2 · October 2012

FTM here but my hospital has them for every room. They said it might help open the pelvis and that even moving a little bit is better than tensing up in pain on the bed. You might want to check if they have them or if you need to bring your own.

btudorica197 · October 2012

Oh hellllll yeah I'm using one! I love it now. I like to rock on it when my hips hurt and lean against it. I want all the comfort I can get, and I really feel like it helps me.

btudorica197 · October 2012

rachael_c26:
I bought mine the night before last. I plan to use it. I just need to blow that bad boy up. I am pretty sure it will be helpful though, because I have already gotten to the point where I'm sitting on my gliding ottoman and gliding back and forth on it. I need to get air in that ball stat before I break my ottoman!

I also plan on using it during labor.

It's supposed to help you remain in a position that promotes the opening of your pelvis/cervix....

This. *thumbs up*

jjmrotek · October 2012

My hospital provides one in every room, I was more curious as to how/why to use it right now.

Perfect - Thank you for your answers!

QuintonsMummah · October 2012

I had intended to use mine with DS but had back labor and the only thing I could do to get through a contraction was to get on my hands and knees or lean my elbows on a table. I tried to sit on the ball during contractions and it didn't help me one bit

I was pretty bummed. I will try it again this time around, but with the random contractions I have been getting are the same as last time. We'll see I guess.

erin070804 · October 2012

Use it now! It helps relieve pressure, opens up your pelvis and helps baby to drop!

I use it now when I'm uncomfortable sitting. I also used it laboring at home with DD.

Ax2 · October 2012

I know it's been said by PP's, but I use mine at home most nights, just while I'm sitting watching tv. I bounce a little, roll my hips in circles, it really helps take the pressure off. I'll be using on in hospital if I have time.

3GirlsMama · October 2012

Ditto PP on using it now at night. Really helps with that tense lower back feeling. I used mine at home in early labor but never in real active labor, I didn't find it helpful AT ALL to be on my hands and knees leaning over anything (I didn't have back labor, though, so just my own experience).

groundedwife · October 2012

I currently use my ball now but as a foot rest when I am sitting on the couch. Does that count?

jillc2010 · October 2012

I have one and plan on using it during labor. I've actually had to use it several times already due to some serious hip and lower back pain. I fell asleep on it leaning up against the bed

kateraid · October 2012

I have one and plan on using it to labour. You can also kneel and lean over it while DH massages your back. Feels awesome!

angelacarmen · October 2012

QuintonsMummah:
I had intended to use mine with DS but had back labor and the only thing I could do to get through a contraction was to get on my hands and knees or lean my elbows on a table. I tried to sit on the ball during contractions and it didn't help me one bit I was pretty bummed. I will try it again this time around, but with the random contractions I have been getting are the same as last time. We'll see I guess.

If you have the same issues this time around, maybe try hugging the ball while on your knees and rocking with it. Or put the ball on the bed and hug it. These are my favourite positions with it now, with an achey back, although I imagine back labour is way worse.

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