Balls, they got you into this mess. And luckily, they'll help get you out.
There is little better you can do as a pregnant, laboring, or new mom than invest in a birth ball. You don't need anything fancy, just a standard stability ball like this one does the trick. And you don't need to do anything fancy, just get on and do what feels good.
Side note: make sure you get the size right for your height.
Hip circles for dayyyysssss.
Once in your third trimester spend lots of time on it. It is your friend. Sit at your desk on it, watch t.v. on it, talk on the phone on it. By sitting on the birth ball, your hips open, your core is engaged, and your baby can get into a good, healthy, head-down position.
Once you go into labor, the ball is your best friend. You can use it to rock, roll, and balance helping to progress labor and minimize pain. If you are hiring a doula or birthing at a birth center you will likely not need to bring your own ball to the birth location, but if in doubt do not leave it at home. You can get creative with your positions and uses of the ball, so feel free to explore in advance or in the moment.
Side note: Remember to put a sheet over the birth ball to avoid the gross transfer of the floor germs to booty.
This is hour 16 or so of the induction. Don't worry, it got less glowy around hour 26. Ha!
Personally, I had an induced labor with a foley bulb (more on that little delight in a future post), which meant that I could not get out of bed the way I thought I would be able to. I still used my birth ball and was so glad to have it to drape my upper body, reduce tension in my neck, shoulders and arms, and most of all to keep my hips nice and wide since standing, lunging and walking were out of the question.
Pure motion magic.
Once your babe is born, the ball will be your best friend forever (or at least for the first few months). Sitting on the ball and gently bouncing mimics the motion of the momma walking and it incredibly soothing to babies. Be smart to wean it slowly, but early enough that it doesn't become a crutch. If not, on occasion you'll still be bouncing a 28lb 14 month old. Anyone? Definitely not me....(!)
Below is a great infographic on the birth ball:
Did you use one? Love it? Hate it? Any tips?
Love + Light,
Ali