Birthing ball......

[mumof2andabit]

Just ordered myself one of these and was a bit chuffed about the free pump! Thought I'd share

www.birthease.co.uk/birthease_shop/Birth-Birthing-Ball.shtml

Looks really good! I highly recommend them in pregnancy and labour. You can then use it later after baby is born for exercising....

I've got one, they're brill. And smell yummy, a bit like vanilla, I have to stop myself licking it at my yoga class.

LOL at licking the birthing ball.....mind you i've done stranger things

Doulalc - I'm fascinated - did you use a ball during birth yourself? Just that I took mine along and the first time I tried sitting on it during a contraction, as suggested, I had to scream at DH to hoist me off.. it was agony (sorry OP, don't wish to put you off!)...

Did try a couple more times, but it just was awful.

So, personal experience or theoretical?! I'm curious as to whether I've got different bits or something

PS Yes, excellent for getting muscles back after!

Didn't have them around when I was having my kids... I use them with women during their pregnancies and labours. Often times they find it helps with lower back pain and the pelvic pressure that is common towards the end of pregnancy.

Have used them mostly at the side of the bed with the mother slightly straddling the ball and leaning on the bed with pillows (how far apart the legs are can play a part in the comfort level). Either partner or I will usually be doing counter pressure on her back as well. Have also used them in the shower....mother either sits on the ball or might use a mat for her knees and kneels leaning over the ball with the warm water on her back. She can be rocking back and forth or side to side in this position as well. Plus the weight of baby and uterus are off her back.
It can also be used against a wall with your back pressed against it as you stand leaning back. This puts you in an upright position, lets you rock your hips side to side, and also provides some counter pressure on the back from the ball. There are a number of ways it can be used.

As with anything else, it certainly won't bring relief to everyone. I've known women who loved their gas and air, and others who hated how it made them feel. Most love waterbirths, but some just can't get comfortable. The birth ball is just one other option to try for comfort.

I spent the whole of my second labour sat on the ball. I thought it was amazing. I'd feel a contraction coming and start rocking and rolling on it and it really helped me stay focused, and most importantly, relaxed. The ball was then put on the bed and I then leant over it on all fours for delivery. I loved it.

Mm, maybe I was using it wrong - thanks wishingchair (maybe change to wishingball??), maybe i'll take it again this time and try something different!

For some reason it just felt as if I had nothing supporting my bits and as if everything was falling out...... and painful!

jackaroo I used the ball for my second labour (DS is 5days old) and wow it was ace. I sat on it rocked through the contraction and then laid over it on all 4's it was the only way I could get comfortable. I would've used it at delivery but only had 11 minutes once I got to hospital so midwife was when I asked for a ball .

Second doulalcs positions for using it, it probably suits some depending on babies position

Maybe it was trying to fit it into the 6 days of induction that did it?! I think by the time I got to the serious bit (well, the productive bit), everything felt wrong/was wrong/didn't work

THIS time WILL be different - I've already told the foetus he'd better behave!

thanks for the details though, very helpful, I'll make a note......