I've used one for this pregnancy and my last two. With #2, I labored on one in the hospital.
"Little seahorse/Floating on a primal tide/Quickening like a/Spark in a haystack side/I already love you/And I don't even know who you are" -Bruce Cockburn
BOOKWORMS and BUTTERFLIES
I use my exercise ball. It helps keep my lower back and hips loose. I use it for various stretches, basically modified versions of what I do when not pregnant.
Interestingly, I did not like it in labor. I did like swaying and rocking on all fours, for which the ball exercises helped prepare me. So, I liked it more for pregnancy and less for labor.
IVF/ICSI #1 - BFP, DS born Jan 2013
IVF/ICSI #2 - BFP, DD born Feb 2015 IVF FET - BFP, due April 2017
I have an exercise ball that I bounce on which I love. Before Little Man dropped, I would bounce on it as a way to get him out of my ribs and some temporary relief before bed. Now I'm bouncing on it to open up my hips and make for a (hopefully) smooth delivery.
I love love love mine. With my second pregnancy I took it to the hospital and sat on it for two hours (only 4 our labor). I was induced and they didn't let me walk around but I could sit on that. It was amazing. Using now to help this baby drop and get into position:)
Re: Birthing balls?
Interestingly, I did not like it in labor. I did like swaying and rocking on all fours, for which the ball exercises helped prepare me. So, I liked it more for pregnancy and less for labor.
IVF FET - BFP, due April 2017
Sorry for thread jack.
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Eta: I hate our yoga ball, as we have no where to store it while inflated. I don't wanna get it out unless it has a purpose.