Birthing Ball Policy

sahm02 · Apr 20, 2010

If a pt wants to use a birthing ball, and there is no reason, baby is fine, and they can be kept on the monitor then we let them. We don't have them sign any release and not really sure why?

rickdon19 · Apr 20, 2010

Hey,

I know of two hospitals that do have a release signed by the patient. The hospitals supply their own balls, not the patients.

klone, MSN, RN · Apr 20, 2010

We supply birthing balls in all our LDRs. We have no policy on it, written or unwritten, nor do we have a waiver. If the mom wants to use it during labor, she can.

redbeads · Apr 21, 2010

Ditto above post. Why a policy or release.....seriously. Will it be rocking chairs next and squatting bars next?

cnm in progress · Apr 21, 2010

I have to admit, I'm speechless... maybe I'm being naive, but why would a hospital need a waiver for a patient to use a birthing ball? Next we're going to have women signing a waiver to be allowed to ambulate after her birth, or to be allowed to wear her own shoes.

akmama75 · Apr 21, 2010

Okay, so reading this policy did get a few laughs, but apparently we DO have a policy. Pretty much common sense. I agree with the other posts though, what next??!! Good luck to you. :)

PURPOSE: The Birthing Ball can be used to ease the discomfort of the laboring woman. It may facilitate labor progress and descent of the fetus by relaxing and stretching the pelvic muscles.

POLICY:

A. The Birthing Ball will be used only during the first stage of labor.

B. Patient and support person will be taught proper use of ball prior to its use.

C. The ball will NOT be used by women who have epidural, intrathecal, or spinal anesthesia. Additionally, the ball should not be used by women who are heavily medicated or are unable to stand without support.

D. The laboring woman should not be left unattended while on the birthing ball.

E. Document use of the birthing ball in labor record.

PROCEDURE:

A. Explain the purpose and use of Birthing Ball to patients during early labor.

B. When patient is unable to ambulate due to monitoring needs, suggest sitting on the Birthing Ball as an optional comfort measure.

C. Bring Birthing Ball to room, cover with sheet, blue pad or towel, and position for safety:

C.1. Ball should always be on the floor and always set into black plastic stabilizing ring.

C.2. Position ball against a wall or at end of birth bed so patient can hold mattress bar for stability.

C.3. A support person should stand or be seated on a stool or chair (without wheels) near patient to help her balance.

D. Move patient to birthing bed or birthing stool prior to her beginning to push.

E. Ball will be wiped down with hospital disinfecting agent after each use.

**canoehead, BSN, RN** · Apr 21, 2010

akmama75- That is way too many rules. Hardly worth pulling the ball out if mom is going to have to constantly say "is this OK?" Birthingball requires a staff member in attendance at all times? Are we talking about an adult using the ball? And someone with a history of not falling off beds and chairs in the past? Probably gonna stay on the ball even without the stabilizing ring. Plus something to hang on to like the bed, AND the support person... claustrophobic.

klone, MSN, RN · Apr 21, 2010

Does the stabilizing ring make it completely stationary? If so, that kind of defeats the purpose of using the ball, IMO. You need to be able to sway and shift your hips and pelvis around.

Mary C, MSN, RN, APRN, CNM · Apr 22, 2010

Seriously? A policy ? We use birthing balls all the time. The only thing I'm cautious about is making sure I can pick up FHR/ctx in an active laboring Pitocin patient. Otherwise, I let them sit on the ball and will dopple for 1 ctx q 15 mins per our policy for early labor.

There's no birthing ball policy that I am aware of.

akmama75 · Apr 22, 2010

So it seems like there was some negative response to my post re: the birthing ball policy. I was trying to help the person requesting a policy. I too, think the policy is sort of ridiculous. Honestly, I didn't even know know we had a policy until last night. If someone would like a policy for their unit, I guess that is their perogative, but it does seem like it is overkill to have a policy....

Also someone asked about the stabilizer for it. It doesn't restrict any movement, more than anything it just keeps the ball from rolling away when not in use.

Mary C, MSN, RN, APRN, CNM · Apr 23, 2010

So it seems like there was some negative response to my post re: the birthing ball policy. I was trying to help the person requesting a policy. I too, think the policy is sort of ridiculous. Honestly, I didn't even know know we had a policy until last night. If someone would like a policy for their unit, I guess that is their perogative, but it does seem like it is overkill to have a policy....
Also someone asked about the stabilizer for it. It doesn't restrict any movement, more than anything it just keeps the ball from rolling away when not in use.

I don't think we are having negative responses about what you said. More incredulous that one exists!