Is it worth buying a birth ball?

[macaco]

do they help or is it just something extra? What do I do with it, just sit on it?

Would be lost without mine and I have one at work too. Always try to sit at my desk on one as it stops the backache that always arrives after a while with a normal chair.

I also find sitting on one for a bit gets things moving in the digestion department, which is no bad thing!

Lola sit on them whenever you want, and yes, a doddle to inflate but once you've used it it won't get deflated again, you'll be converted!

Mine has helped me move a back to back baby round. As well as sitting on it, if you put a pillow or folded up blanket under your knees, you can then rest with your arms/upper chest on the ball so you're in a supported all fours position - quite comfy for watching telly!

One last post on birthing balls - i will check if my cousin has used it she had twins last year two healthy little boys and shes 46 ..:-) yay ...go girl >.

great for back ache later in pregnancy.I found it comforting in (a really long and horrible) labour. it helped keep me occupied and away from the epidural until it had to happen. mind over matter in labour, any preoccupation helps but it doesn't affect how hard/easy it might be. Of course it will be very easy for you...pop stright out...

I wonder if im allowed to say the one i purchased had the second name of "Ease" . Im 5 ft five and weigh 8 stone 3 . It seems to have good reviews and good if you have an allergy to Latex which i have ..i think its worth looking at what they are made from and do they slip ..and all safety aspects . Or use one they use in hospitals is a safe bet ..

"its a pile of tosh, i dont know anyone thats given birth sitting on a ball"

How would that work, exactly? You're blocking the exit!

Mine's a BirthEase, too, Cath41. They're slow to deflate if punctured, which makes them better than normal gym balls, IMO. They're the ones my MW uses.

Be careful, my £5 ball popped! Luckily it was my dh sitting on it at the time and not me (35.5 weeks) to hit the floor with a bump. Not impressed.

Sorry to be thick but" struggling to get my head around this:

1. Why does it help the baby get into optimal position? Do you just sit on it in weeks before due date?
2. What position do you re "assume" in the labour ward with the ball? Still just sitting?

Thanks!

The are great! Used mineloads in preg to sot on and lean or kneel over it, ditto in labour.

Yes it helps get baby in the right position because it encourages good posture from you, google optimal fetal positioning.

I gave birth on a birthing ball - spent most of labour on it and then just stood up when DS2 was ready to come out. I lost the one I used for DS1 and DS2 so I've bought another one for home - a cheapy yoga ball for £5.

You can lean over it to encourage the baby to get in the right position, put your feet up on it if your ankles swell and its the only thing I'm comfortable sitting on if my back plays up.

Aha! Thanks

i bought one for tenner off ebay and found it great have no use for it now my baby is here tho lol :)