Aniball...

[NinaJames]

Does anyone have any experience with an Aniball?

Thanks!

I only just saw this(!) I have been using it since 36+6 weeks of pregnancy and I literally could not recommend it more (unless I had experienced childbirth already)...!

I'm now 40 weeks+5 days and have managed to slowly build it up to 26.5cm and "birth it out" without any injury..

Regardless of whether it works or not.. it has made me feel so much less scared of labour. When I first started with the ball I managed 16cm and so to build up to 26cm just makes me feel so much more prepared for labour.

Top tips for using it are...
1.) get loads (and use loads) of water based lube
2.) flatten it into a spoon shape when inserting every time, never try pumped up
3.) never start where you left off the day before, always build up with 3 attempts to make progress each day
4.) don't push yourself if you regress one day or need a day off that's fine but aim for 5-6 days a week
5.) listen to hypnobirthing tracks or birth affirmations whilst birthing the ball out(!) it really helps
6.) hold the ball, so it doesn't pop out too quickly, feel free to release some air mid way if you're worried it's too much
7.) relax as much as possible it's the tensing which causes injury
8.) try perineal massage in between attempts. I struggled with these massages before using the ball but using them in combination was really helpful

Good luck!

I'll post back after the birth with an update in case anyone is interested!

Wow @Help23 that’s amazing! Sounds like you are going to be great at birthing!
I found mine useless OP and wish I hadn’t bothered. Think I got up to 14cm and then tore in labour, but was pushing too fast as wanted baby out ASAP. I am nearly 32 weeks so will probably try again soon following @Help23’s regime above.

Just to add I found the whole process very boring and frustrating so found it hard to keep up with it everyday. It is such a weird thing to try and do, birthing a ducking balloon !- potentially I just needed some encouragement to get good results. My mum and midwife told me it was pointless so I was a bit half hearted with it.

Sorry but am I right in thinking this is a device to stretch yourself before labour 😬 absolutely unnecessary in my opinion

Yes for stretching like with a perineal massage but other benefits are pelvic floor exercises you can do using the device, knowing what crowning feels like (so you don't panic and tense up on delivery) and learning to "breathe it out".

There's a risk of feeling disheartened because that could have more of a negative impact on your psychology before the birth if using it feels too impossible but if you have the time (I just do it before bed after a warm bath, even if it means sleeping 30 mins later) and can follow a similar strategy it's genuinely really built my confidence.

There are a few other reviews on here which had helpful tips in and seemed to have great results when they checked back after the birth..

I read reviews and experiences on this forum before finally making the decision to try the Aniball as I was finding it challenging to do the perineal massage myself and I didn't want to rely on my partner. I was initially put off by the price, but if it did work I thought it would be small price to pay for minimising the possibility of tears - my midwife didn't dismiss the concept of using it either when I asked, she only raised that it's expensive. After the initial oddness of using it for the first time, I've found it fine and I've been slowly building up the number of pumps. What @Help23 suggests is pretty much what I've been doing - I've not used any hypnobirthing tracks, just breathed through the exercise. Finding it helpful so far in terms of trying to use my pelvic muscles to control the Aniball and squeeze it out slowly.

Did anyone start using it earlier? I'm being induced early, so wanted a good few weeks to practice (I'm coming up to 32 weeks atm). Aniball said it's to be used from week 36, or at your own risk of you decide to start earlier against advice

Just to update, I used this and have had my baby now. It's a pelvic floor and birth trainer rather than a stretching device.

I had an unexpected back to back birth, and an induction. Midwives afterwards said they were sure as a first time mum it would end in episiotomy and forceps, or the very least big tears. They were shocked that I got him out in an hour and a half of pushing, with no pelvic damage. It wasn't pain free by any means, it really really hurt! But I was familiar with the sensations and the pushing, and the crowning feeling and for me I think it really really helped prepare me and avoid injury and tears

Hi @A1b2c3d4e5f6g7
Thanks for updating, glad it went relatively well for you.
Can I ask, did you end up using the aniball early?

I am exercising with the Aniball and it feels like I have good control over my pelvic floor muscles (first exercise). It takes me ages to 'birth' the first part of the balloon but when I get to the part that imitates the baby's head (pumped up balloon) it slips out way too quickly. What am I doing wrong? Any tips on how to prevent it/ stop it and actually be in control?

I thought this was about a child's name!!

@selene01

I can't totally remember, feels like it was ages ago now 😅

It's relatively natural for it to slip out quicker at the last part, just due to the shape.

I think that I used to lightly hold it as it was coming out and put a bit of pressure to stop it from coming out too quickly.

Not using my pelvic muscles but I found if you clenched it would either slip back in or be propelled out!

When actually in labour though, the midwives will sort of do the same, encourage you to stop pushing & breath & they'll support the babies head on the way out so it's not too fast.

I didn't end up using one. Birthed my boy without pain relief and didn't need any stitches!!! I wouldn't stress too much about using it!

Ah so you managed to use the aniball early is what you're saying? I'm currently in the same position as you were back then and wondering if I can start using the aniball. 32 weeks at the moment but they're considering induction for week 37 if things don't improve with baby's abdominal circumference.