Let’s talk birth balls!

I have been seeing more and more about the benefits of birth balls (exercise/peanut balls) everywhere on my social media pages. I thought I would compile this information for you to learn about in one space!

Before labor

The birth ball can be used before labor for your comfort. Sitting on the ball will strengthen your abdominal and lower back muscles allowing them to stretch and possibly lessen pain. You will also be able to pull tension off of your joints and bones. In the last few weeks of birth, you may sit on the birth ball will help to put the baby in proper positioning.

During labor

The use of a birth ball and peanut ball is becoming increasingly popular in many places. Some methods to use are sitting, standing, kneeling, movement, and with the peanut ball between the legs. Sitting on the ball allows for you to keep a proper posture to improve labor. Kneeling with your knees open and your torso on the ball will allow for you to stretch your lower back and hips which eases pain. You can also stand while doing similar positioning to ease the pain. The birth ball also helps to continue the movement, swaying and bouncing on the ball are great techniques to encourage movement and labor progression. Peanut balls allow you to lay on your side and stretch your lower back and hips while the ball is between your legs. It is a great position that both allows for you to rest and open up your pelvis. Below I found a document of multiple positions you can try with a birth ball and another with peanut ball positions.

After labor

Much like the use of a rocking chair you can use a birth ball to assist in soothing the baby. Also, it is a great low-impact workout for you!

What size?

You may think that all birth balls and peanut balls are the same but each size should be right for your size!

As always do your research! feel free to comment tips/ tricks you have found related to birth balls!