Uses of a Birthing Ball during Labor

The birthing ball is many women’s best friend in labor and one of my favorite props. The birthing ball is simply a large exercise or Pilate’s ball. A good birthing ball is one that if it gets a hole in it, it won’t pop, but slowly deflate. Many women in labor also enjoy a ball that has a small packet of sand in the bottom of it for stability since their balance is often off during pregnancy. You can purchase a birthing ball online, at sports stores or at large chain discount stores such as Target.

The birthing ball is surprisingly versitle and there are many positions you can use during labor.

Sitting on the Ball

When you sit on the ball, you’re in a supported squat, opening up the pelvis, aligning your torso and engaging gravity. Your back is open so someone can be providing back massage. If it feels good, you can even rock or sway on the ball during contractions to help deal with them.

Hands and Knees

Hands and knees is a comfortable position for many women during labor, as it can help alleviate back labor and help a posterior baby turn. However, it’s hard on the knees and wrists. But the ball can help here too. Get into a hands and knees position and lean on the ball. Some women will actually sleep between contractions in this position. There are some things to keep in mind though if you use this position.

• Deflate your ball to about 85% so it’s soft.
• Put a pillow on the ball and one beneath your knees
• Put cool compresses on the ball to rest your cheek on if you’re hot

Lean on the Ball

Place the ball onto your bed, raise the bed to a comfortable level and lean over the ball. If it feels good, you can sway in place. This is a great way to stand, opening the pelvis and engaging gravity, but also be resting. Like with hands and knees some women can actually sleep between contractions in this position.

Use a Wall

Lean the ball up against a wall and press your lower back into the ball. Lunge in one direction throughout the contraction and then the opposite direction during the next contraction. This is a great way to do a lunge, but it’s not so hard on your legs and knees. In addition, it provides pressure on the lower back, helping to alleviate painful back labor.

Tips with the Ball

• Inflate it enough so that your legs are at a 90 degree angle when you’re sitting on it. There are 55 cm, 65 cm, and 75 cm balls. Most women are fine with the 65 cm ball as long as their legs are at a 90 degree angle. This may mean inflating or deflating the ball a little. If it’s inflated as full as you can get it and you still feel too low to the ground, go up a size in the ball.
• Put cool compresses on the ball if you feel hot.
• Coaches and support people should be helping you breathe, massage your hands, back and feet while you're sitting on the ball. They should be offering you cool compresses, drinks of water and fanning you. If you don’t want their help, they should be sitting next to you simply offering support.
• You can still be monitored and be using a ball. Just keep the ball close to the fetal monitor machine and have your nurse put the monitors in place while you're using the ball.