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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

birthing ball

22 replies

redbullbloodandbump · 17/10/2006 19:12

just thinking ahead and thinking about a birthing ball, anyone used them before are they any good or waste of money?? TIA

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BettyBatShapedSpaghetti · 17/10/2006 19:16

I found it great for sitting on when I was pregnant (had bad SPD and sitting on the ball was the most comfortable way for me to sit). I would tell you what its like for labour but we forgot to take it into hospital with us!

You can get the exercise ones for about £5 in Argos and various other places -a lot cheaper than the birthing balls from specialist places. From what I read on here theres no real difference either.

HelloMama · 17/10/2006 19:16

It was brilliant during my labour - I sat on it for ages before going into hospital with my DH massaging my back. I didn't use it much before (except as a foot rest!) or after, but it was invaulable during!

HelloMama · 17/10/2006 19:18

I didn't bother getting a particular 'birthing ball' I just got a sports one with a free DVD on how to tone your abs (thought the DVD may be useful for after the birth- but its still in its cellophane wrapper 2 years later!) the ball was fine though.

juuule · 17/10/2006 19:19

Used one during my last labour and it was brilliant.
I had been sat in a chair reading and had pain in my tailbone and lower back. It disappeared when I sat on the ball.

Kiwiem · 17/10/2006 19:29

Used one during pregnancy just to relax my back and found it good; have to say for me though, that when I went into labour it didn't help at all!

IndigoBlue · 18/10/2006 09:08

I found it was quite good when i was pregnant, it is quite hard to get comfortable on a sofa towards the end. Also sat on one for about 5 hours of a 10 hour labour.

Original poster

redbullbloodandbump · 18/10/2006 09:11

think im going to have to get 1!! they sound brilliant, i found when i was in labour with ds i had to lean on something and rock so the birthing ball sounds ideal

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Rookiemum · 18/10/2006 09:36

Its quite helpful. They will have them in the hospital probably.

DashingRedhead · 18/10/2006 09:48

Am just 39 weeks with my first so no experience of one during the birth. But it has been absolutely brilliant during these last few weeks of pregnancy. I'm v short and get lots of backache and the ball is easily the most comfortable place to sit and you don't need dozens of cushions and pillows to prop up all the aching bits!

twocatsonthebed · 18/10/2006 10:25

Agree with everyone - and the sports ones are all of 4.99 in Argos!

crimplene · 19/10/2006 19:42

Didn't use it much while pg. Dp said it was a waste of money. Used it a lot in labour, but the best thing about it was afterwards for colicky baby, or to settle him to sleep; held ds upright or put in a carrier and bounced up and down with him. Peace. He still loves it when he's miserable(5 mths)and much less effort than anything else, especially in the small hours. Dp now says it's the best bit of gear we bought.

popsycal · 19/10/2006 19:43

als had sone a few weeks ago fir 3.99

KenningtonKitty · 19/10/2006 20:03

They are fgeat - Used them during labour for both of mine - but my doula said during number 2 that can slow down waters breaking due to pressure - so I stood up thinking I wanted to get on with it and waters broke straight away !! ds arrived 30 minutes later !

Psychobabble · 19/10/2006 20:17

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ilovecaboose · 19/10/2006 20:28

I used my sisters exercise ball in pregnancy esp with braxton hicks. Was very good.

Didn't fancy deflating it, taking it to hospital and then having to blow it up again though.

But if you can get an exercise ball cheap I would definately recommend it for when you're pregnant. It really eases your back.

7up · 19/10/2006 20:28

they had one in the labour room when i had ds but i didnt like it!

Original poster

redbullbloodandbump · 19/10/2006 20:38

thankyou for all your advice, think i will get one im sure ds will like it as well!!!

OP posts:

horseshoe · 19/10/2006 21:52

Best thing ever for me. I only had gas and air when it was time to push. It helped bring my labour on nicely and I loved it. Dont pump it right up though...leave it a bit cushiony!!!

Kif · 20/10/2006 14:52

I'm thinking that my older child (2.5) would enjoy it in the garden even if I didn't... world's biggest football!

lemonAIIEEE · 20/10/2006 14:58

I liked it when pregnant, and after the birth holding DS while sitting on it and bouncing gently was a good way of getting him off to sleep. But I didn't like it at all during labour.

VanillaMilkshake · 20/10/2006 15:18

Also very good to lean over in late PG to ease back pain, or help coax a transverse baby into the head down position.

Very good for sitting on during labour to keep your pelvis open.

twocatsonthebed · 20/10/2006 15:35

Also fun for rolling at the cats and pretending that they are in an episode of The Prisoner...

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