Pregnancy, Birthing and Fitness Ball

The Bounce-a-Bye Baby Birthing Ball and Fitness Ball is a parents perfect companion. It can be used as a birthing ball, a baby soothing motion seat, and a pre and post pregnancy fitness ball. Unlike any other balls on the market, this was designed to be seen and loved by all. No need to hide this one away from company. A great way to soothe fussy or colicky babies through rhythmic gentle motions. Bouncing a baby simulates a more womb-like atmosphere. The birth ball can also ease the pressure and discomfort of labor while properly aligning the pelvis. Using the birth ball throughout pregnancy will stimulate postural reflexes and keep deep supportive muscles strengthened. Great for workout toning and strengthening body muscles pre and post pregnancy. Weight tested to 600 lbs

Birth Ball Tips

Using Your Birth Ball During Pregnancy

There are two main ways to use your birth ball during pregnancy; for sitting and for leaning. When you sit on it the first time use both hands to balance or have someone support you from behind while you get used to how the ball moves, bounces and changes position whenever you shift your weight. Sitting on the birth ball at any time, but especially during pregnancy really helps relieve the strain on your hips and low back by forcing you to engage your abdominal muscles and sit with good posture. In fact, some women in their third trimester switch it out for their office chair and use the birth ball to sit on while working at the computer. Most women also find it easier to get up from a birth ball than from a couch or deep chair because all they have to do is shift their weight forward rolling right up onto their feet.

The other way to utilize your birth ball is to lean over it. This is helpful if your care provider suspects a posterior baby you can use the birth ball as one tool to encourage your baby to turn. Place the ball on the floor in front of you and lean across it, knees on the floor, arms and shoulders draped over the ball. You may prefer to cover the ball with a blanket or towel. This is a comfortable position to read, watch TV or even sit and talk around the family room.

Using Your Birth Ball as Support During Labor

The birth ball allows you more flexibility in terms of positioning yourself during labor. We’ve all heard that upright and active positions help labor be more comfortable, give you a sense of control, as well as shortening the overall time of labor, however you may find yourself unsure of how to achieve the upright positions once in active labor when you begin to feeling tired. During labor, the birth ball becomes an important tool affording laboring moms a variety of comfortable positions and allows alternatives to the restrictive position in a bed. The birth ball allows you to sit in a semi-squatting position without straining the muscles of your legs. It will also allow you to assume a supported hands/knees position, or even place the ball on the hospital bed or couch of your living room and stand up leaning over it. You may find you appreciate being able to use these positions with or without a birth partner supporting you. Some mothers also appreciate being able to rock side-to-side during contractions and feel it helped move their baby through the birth canal.