Though pregnancy comes with its fair share of challenges, using a birth ball can help alleviate some discomforts and provide support. Keep reading to learn more about how a birth ball can be beneficial during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum.
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The Birth Ball
The Birth Ball ™ is a Doula & Midwife Recommended For Easing Labour & Back Pain. They come in a great little pregnancy/birth pack which includes non-slip socks, an exercise guide, a carrier bag and a hand pump. The great thing about the Birth Ball is that they are super thick, completely non-slip and anti-burst ensuring you and your baby are safe while using.
Pregnancy
Back pain is a very common complaint during pregnancy, and it can be caused by many things. The extra weight of the growing baby puts pressure on your spine, which can cause discomfort in your lower back and hips. Your body goes through a lot of changes during pregnancy as your baby grows. This can lead to some challenging side effects like back pain or poor posture. bouncy on a birth ball is a great way to help improve your posture and alleviate some of that back pain. If you have a desk job, you can replace your office chair with a birth ball to alleviate some of the pressure on your pelvis.
Additionally, practising different positions on the ball can help prepare you for labour. It helps position your pelvis so it’s ready for labour. When you’re on the ball, it can push up against your back, which makes it easier to relax. The pressure from the ball can also encourage more movement from your baby in utero and can help him or her engage in a better position for birth.
Meditation can also be a useful experience for pregnant women. You can use the birth ball in your daily meditation practice and gently do a body scan. The body scan is a meditation technique that guides you through the body, helping you notice any pain, tension or discomfort.
Labour
One of the benefits of using a birth ball during labour is that it can help position your baby in a way that may make delivery easier. Additionally, the ball can provide support when you are in different positions during labour. For example, leaning over the ball can take some of the pressure off your back.
You can use it to move around, squat, and breathe deeply—all of which will help you feel more relaxed and open up your pelvis for easier delivery. You can use the ball in different positions to help you relax and open up your pelvis for easier delivery. You can also use it as a support during contractions. The ball can be placed between your knees, allowing you to relax and rest during labor. You can also place the ball under your head or back for comfort during contractions.
The ball can help you move around if necessary. It’s best to use it in combination with other positions—such as squatting, kneeling.
Postpartum
After you have given birth, bouncing gently on the ball can help mimic the movement your baby experienced while in utero which can be calming for both you and baby.
The ball is also great for exercise once you have been cleared by your GP. Sitting on the ball while doing gentle exercises can help improve your strength and tone your muscles. It can help you get back into shape. In addition, it can provide relief from lower back pain and reduce physical stress levels during this time of transition. You can use the birth ball to improve your core strength and posture, as well. It’s also helpful for providing relief from back pain during postpartum recovery.
The pregnancy journey comes with its fair share of ups and downs (literally!). Utilising a birth ball during pregnancy, labour, and postpartum can help alleviate some discomforts, support different positions, and even aid in healing post-birth. If you are pregnant or postpartum, consider giving one a try!
If you’re pregnant or newly postpartum, consider reading our blog post on the amazing power of skin to skin contact. or advice on how to prepare for the fourth trimester.