Birth Ball question?

Burr · Jul 1, 2003

We have 3 balls here at work. I like having the coach (dad) also use one, sitting behind our laboring mom. They can both move side to side with each other. Mom is facing the side of her bed and leaning over as the contraction builds. They are also a great item to use before birth. As the baby grows in weight there are many stretching exercises that she can do for comfort.

Surch on-line for birthball exercises and you can find great information. We also use these in childbirth class. Even with internal monitors it is possible to use the ball.

lgowan · Feb 18, 2005

I as well as my moms who have used them love them! I am one of a few nurses at work who use the birthing ball. Helps tremendously with aiding in thinning the cervix, back labor, positioning. I got one mom up the other day who was 8cm. The nurse who was taking care of her asked me to help her with some doula techniques for the patient. She freaked when I got her up at 8cm! She went complete in no time! Imagine Sir Isaac Newton's theory working in childbirth!

I don't believe moms were meant to labor on their backs.

Lisa

BRANDY LPN · Feb 18, 2005

I used to sit on the ball at work while I charted while I was pregnant with my last baby, it felt great on my hips and back. So I thought I would love it in labor, I lasted about 3 ctx and then made the nurse take it completely out of the room, I didn't even want to look at it LOL. It hurt so bad. As far as pts I have had about 50/50 results out of the small number who were willing to try it.

jarrn03 · Feb 18, 2005

I used to sit on the ball at work while I charted while I was pregnant with my last baby, it felt great on my hips and back. So I thought I would love it in labor, I lasted about 3 ctx and then made the nurse take it completely out of the room, I didn't even want to look at it LOL. It hurt so bad. As far as pts I have had about 50/50 results out of the small number who were willing to try it.

I put one in the shower with the mom the other night. She sat in there for an hour with the hot water running over her back. She loved it!! It's those little things we do that makes such a huge difference!

Julie