Birth ball?

[Daisie125]

I'm fairly positive I'm going to want to use one, so I at least want to have one on hand. My hospital says they have them available, but I'm not about to trust them! Plus I'd like to have it for at home too.

Are they basically the same as the exersize balls? I've seen them REALLY cheap, but ones labled as birth balls tend to be more pricy.

[yvonnemlv]

as far as I know, they are the same thing. I have two exercise balls (55cm and 65 cm) and plan on using them for leaning on while on my knees, sitting on, etc.. (sit on them right now actually, at the computer, to keep my posture good for baby.

[kellykins]

I was wondering the same thing- if there is a difference between a birth ball and an exercise ball. I have a nice exercise ball that has sand or something in it so it doesn't roll away... If they are the same thing, I might just pack that ball just in case. My hospital says they have birth balls and rocking chairs for everyone, but juuuust in case...

[ellie_may12]

I wondered about these too. I was thinking about buying an exercise ball and using it.

Is it worth it?

[Tine]

Originally Posted by ellie_may12

I wondered about these too. I was thinking about buying an exercise ball and using it.

Is it worth it?

I think so. I bought one when PG w/ DS (Gaiam brand from Target) to use for exercising, sitting, and for birth (just in case the hospital one wasn't available).

Since DS's birth, I haven't used it much for exercise, but DS and I have used it a LOT for play. It also came in really handy when he was a few months old and colicky. He'd always calm down when DH or I would sit on the ball and bounce w/ him.

[yvonnemlv]

OH yeah, the ball was a lifesaver on bouncing baby, LOL. Much less effort to sit and bounce then it was to walk around and try to bounce.

[ellie_may12]

Couple more questions....how do you get the ball blown up? and what are the weight limits on one? meaning how much pressure can they take?

[Megs Mom]

Balance Ball Info from Gaiam.

[ellie_may12]

Thanks!!!

[RedOakMomma]

We have an exercise ball at home, and our kids love playing with it. It's fun for out in the yard, for bouncing on, etc. For infants, it makes for great tummy-time....just sit on the ground with the ball between your legs, drape a warm blanket over the top of the ball, then but baby on top (tummy down) and roll the ball backwards and forwards.

Our hospital has them, though, so I don't think I'll be dragging it along with us. Between our bags and all the pillows I'll want to bring, that'll be armload enough!

[honeybee]

I wouldn't rely on the hospital, either. We left our birthball in the car, because we weren't positive we would be staying. Once we realized we were going to stay, the nurse said she'd get a ball for us so dh or the doula wouldn't have to run back out to the car. Then she disappeared forever, came back briefly to say that one of the *2* balls the hospital had was on the other floor, and she was going to get it. By the time she came back without it, I was ready to push. :

Melissa