Birthing Balls - why, when, how, which where etc?

[Spiritedwolf]

So I'm 32 wks + 4...

I have no birthing ball. I suspect it might be good for me to use one (often slouch on sofa, now propping myself up with cushions behind my back to be more upright). Did you use a birthing ball? Why did you use one and did you feel it was worth it?

When should I start using one? please don't say 6 weeks ago, my time machine is on the blink

How did you use it? Did you just sit and rock on it or did you do specific exercises? If the latter, is there a source of this information you can share?

Birthing Balls, Gym Balls... big price difference. Which do I need and what do I need to look out for?

Where did you get yours?

Thank you ladies xx apologies if this has been done to death

I bought a gym ball in tkmaxx, was far too small for a birth ball, think that your knees should be at a right angle not smaller angle when sitting on it (could be wrong?)

i got a gym ball from argos for £4.99 has been ok for me,one been useing mine 2 weeks and lm 37 weeks.very comfortable and eases mt back ache.

Mine is actually perfect for cooling overheated swollen feet... My number one use for it

Get a giant space hopper instead. It's just like a birthing ball but much more fun

I got a yoga / pilates ball, also from TK Maxx and I think it was about £7 or £8. If you make sure you get an anti-burst one I don't think there's any need for a specific birthing ball, they are basically the same thing. I would say that now is a great time to start using one. I sit on mine and bounce or rotate my pelvis. I do some of the exercises I'm learning at pregnancy pilates but I mainly just sit on it when reading or watching TV! As for whether or not it is worth it, I'm not sure as I haven't had my baby yet but it's comfy and the evidence points towards it being a good thing to get the baby into the optimal position for birthing, so I'd say give it a go. Good luck! x

They are the same thing. Just anything baby related just doubles the price. But tbh I don't see the point of them. Sitting on them for good posture and to engage your core yes. But as someone who works in health & fitness it gets my goat when people say bounce around on them! This is something were told you shouldn't do as a) it's bad for the spine and b) if it's pumped up properly you shouldn't b able to bounce on it! Moan over

I've found it most useful for sitting on whilst holding newborn and bouncing-calmed him down a treat!

I got a large exercise ball from Argos - Reebok or something similar, as I am tall and needed the extra height.

Worth every penny, particularly in labour, but also good for BH and just general back aches and pains.

Cloudc. My guy bought me a space hopper for my bday before we found out I was pg.... now itl have a brand new use :-D

I got mine from eBay, about £5 I think. I found it good for posture with ds and am now sitting on it every now and then with this preg.
Also entertains ds!

Another exercise ball here. Like you, OP, I tend to laze/slouch on the sofa. Having the ball means I can sit on it to read and watch TV and feel I'm being good! I find I'm only comfy in one position for a short while, so having it gives me a few more options.

I'll sit and rock/rotate on it, nothing special. Def like it though.

Thanks xx I got a shot of one at a class, very comfy, just have to get one of my own now :)