Birth Ball question

[hopefulfaith]

Two silly questions:

What are the benefits of using a birth ball?
And, how do you use one, exactly?

This doesn't seem to be in any of my books....

[~Megan~]

I think it can be a comfortable way for some women to sit in labor.
Its also good during pregnancy for exercise.

[jlpetitte]

I have seen some women lean their head, chest, and arms on it for a modified hands and knees position. I have also seen some women sit or rock on it. Husbands some times sit on it on the bed to support a squatting women. I think if you get one and bring it to labor with you will do whatever comes naturally on it! And postpartum they are great for sitting on and exercising with.

[Persephone]

It's just another tool for making a woman comfortable in labor. Sitting on it can help you relax and open more, and as the PP said, you can lean on it too. (Though when I tried that - not in labor- my boobs got in the way, and hurt. ) My friend said she couldn't stand to sit on it in labor. I wasn't there, but I don't think she was able to sit still for long anywhere. I use one as my desk chair! Bouncing lightly on it right now...

[hopefulfaith]

Thanks, mamas! I think I'm going to try one.

[Doodlebugsmom]

I couldn't get off the darned thing during labor with my ds! I rolled and bounced on that thing for about 5 hours, until I was ready to push. (Well, I did get up to go to the bathroom about a zillion times!:LOL) I sat on it with my legs apart over the sides and rested my arms on the bed. I thought I was going to have a water birth, but when the time came I just wanted to be on that ball! :LOL