Birthball
Information
What is it?
A birth ball is a large anti burst,
non slip inflatable ball filled with air.
What do I do with it?
The ball should be inflated either
with compressed air from a garage or a foot or hand
pump. As you sit on the ball keep your legs open
with your feet firmly on the floor. Your hips
should be higher than your knees.
Essentially the ball provides support.
When sitting astride the ball there is no muscle
tension because the thighs and the perineum are
gently supported by the gentle counter pressure
from the ball. The feet should be firmly grounded,
and the spine will naturally adopt a position of
good alignment.
Why should I use a birth ball?
Listed here are a few of the benefits
achieved by using a birth ball:
- Sitting on the ball at a desk
or table raises your hips higher than your knees.
This encourages your baby to settle into an optimal
position for birth.
- The softness of the ball absorbs
your weight and helps to prevent and relieve back
strain
- Kneeling over the ball takes
the weight off your back and is great practice
for labour
- Sitting on the ball is ideal
for practising your pelvic floor exercises
- Rolling with the ball encourages
rhythmic movement and pelvic mobility
- Natural movements with the ball
help to gently tone your internal and external
pelvic muscles.
- You could use it daily for massage
and relaxation
- Contractions tend to be less
painful than if you were lying down.
- You are literally 'on top' of
the pain. This can improve your ability to cope
dramatically.
- It will allow you to move freely,
change positions and go with the flow of contractions.
- The ball provides you with perfect
support in upright labour and birth positions
- The rhythmic circular movements
dissipate the pain and give you something to focus
on.
- Sitting on the ball and swaying
your hips can encourage the baby through the pelvis
and into the birth canal.
Can I use the birth ball after
the baby is born?
Yes of course. It is best check
with your doctor prior to starting any post natal
exercise but after this clearance you could use
your birth ball for stomach toning.
To purchase
a birth ball please click here 
