kateandlisaLabor Positioning With a Birthing Ball
Using a birth ball is becoming popular for birth women in hospitals, birth centers and at home. These physiotherapy balls are the same ones you use during exercise classes. They are very helpful for use in positioning in labor and birth and they also an provide comfort during pregnancy.
Sitting on a Birth Ball
Sitting on a birth ball is easy! Plant your feet about shoulder-width apart and just sit on the ball! If you maintain an upright position balance should not be an issue-keep your feet wide enough!
Choose a birth ball according to your height. The most common 
size is the 65-centimeter ball.
Using movement with the birth ball can increase benefits. Sway side to side or in a circle. This movement is easy during labor. It helps to stretch your body and move the baby into a good position for birth by using the movement, gravity and upright positioning.
Leaning on a Birth Ball
Leaning over a birth ball while in labor allows your doula or partner to rub your back. Making a swaying motion helps stretch out your lower back or upper back with the movement. Make sure the ball is stable and you can use the ball on the bed as well as the floor.
Leaning Over the Bed With the Birth Ball
Leaning over the ball while standing when the ball is placed on a bed is a great position. You have the comfort of leaning over and standing up! By standing you are using gravity by helping to move the baby down. Your upper body can rest against the ball.
Make sure you are leaning into the ball enough to help stay secure on the bed while using this position. Have someone sit on the opposite side of the ball or use a roll of towels will work.
Sitting Upright With Peanut Ball
Peanut balls are great tools during labor. If you need to be in bed it can be a great tool. Studies have shown the use of a peanut ball reduces cesarean rates in moms who have epidurals. This can help to keep moving in bed while still resting.
Side Lying With a Peanut Ball
Peanut balls can be used for side-lying positions in labor – this can be a great position for resting or even sleeping. It can be used with an epidural.
Getting help from your doula or nurse to get positioned with the ball will help with positioning. This helps your pelvis stay open while you are resting.
For help with pregnancy, birth and postpartum information or concerns, look here. Also, let’s chat-set up a discovery call and we can work through your concerns and create a plan that will be helpful for your during labor and delivery. I’m here to help!
