A few weeks ago, an obstetrician told me:
“When I see a ball, I go crazy!”
And no he didn’t mean a football!
I completely understood him. I first discovered the Birth Ball during my second pregnancy, and it was love at first bounce. I used it for simple exercises or even as a chair (always safely), to relieve tension and back pain. During labor, it helped me ride the waves of birth more comfortably and naturally.
Since then, I’ve never stopped using it. It keeps my back strong, helps me relax, and improves my posture and balance.
Benefits of the Birth Ball
Studies have shown that proper use of the Birth Ball offers significant benefits for the mother:
- It shortens the duration of natural labor (with or without an epidural).
- It reduces the likelihood of a cesarean section.
- It relieves lower back and pelvic pain.
It encourages optimal fetal positioning during pregnancy
The Peanut Ball
Another wonderful tool is the Peanut Ball, shaped like a peanut. It’s especially useful when, due to hospital protocol or an epidural, the mother must remain in bed throughout labor. Even in that position, the Peanut Ball allows for changes in posture, promotes pelvic opening, and helps labor progress smoothly.
Choosing the right size
For both types of balls, size matters, it should be chosen according to the mother’s height (or the user’s). For specialized birthing positions, using more than one size of Peanut Ball can be helpful
A tool that belongs everywhere
The Birth Ball and Peanut Ball are affordable, accessible, and incredibly effective tools. They deserve a place in every birth space, hospital, birth center, or home
