The thought of going into labor can send shivers down the spine of even the toughest mama. But fear not, pregnant friends! Birthing balls are here to help you through this epic event in your life. A birthing ball (also known as an exercise ball or yoga ball) is a game-changer for all stages of pregnancy - from keeping comfortable while you catch up on that long-awaited nap, right through to rocking baby's passage earthside.
What is a birthing ball?
Birthing balls were designed for pregnant ladies during their periods of expectation because quite often, sitting on chairs might be uncomfortable due to carrying around extra weight and size; thus posture changes which ends up being uncomfortable. The makers came about with this ingenious design filled with air whose benefits end up changing the perception regarding how mothers should sit ergonomically throughout their childbearing journey.
A typical birthing ball comes in three sizes catering primarily for all shapes and sizes/ height ranging between 45cm-65cms in diameter/sphere shaped and feel like a pillow when touched. They come deflated but incredibly simple inflating instructions accompany each purchase package making it relatively easy work and giving you a great arm workout!
Benefits of using b̶i̶r̶t̶h̶i̶n̶g exercise balls during pregnancy?
Quite simply put, there are many benefits demanded by users:
- Provide better lumbar support hence preventing lower backache.
- Encouraging good posture ensuring less hunched backs
- Help increase blood circulation within reduced leg pain.
- Easing stress reliever reducing anxiety & emotional tension
There’s no doubt that regular use provides incredible comfort levels not just at home but also beneficial both pre-labour during birth itself providing plenty perks enjoying movement and upright positions.
Getting started: choosing the right birthing ball
As mentioned earlier, there is not only one standard size for these balls but a range between 45cm-65cms with three prevalent sizes depending on preference. It’s good to select an accurate choice that fits perfectly in-line with your height, narrowing down preferences between labour stage or personal exercise regime throughout pregnancy journey/ postpartum period.
Below are some guidelines to help you choose the optimal diameter of sphere-shaped loving goodness suited to your needs!
- For women under five feet tall (60inches/152 cm) during prelabour stages smaller ball sizes (22 inches dia) are best.
- A birthing ball measuring 65-75 cms is fantastic accommodating most motions whilst still comfortable when maintaining an upright posture. Suitable for users at least 5’4” upto even six feet tall
- Lastly the largest size starts from around DO NOT Use Forward Slash up to (85 cms) perfect extended leg room often utilized by taller persons whom experiencing leg pain & achiness caused due weight compressions.
Above all listen what feels right both physically as well as mentally seeking comfort throughout different periods felt during childbearing stages.
Time To get moving?
Now we've got our trusty old friend - the Birthing Ball – next up, let's introduce ways it can assist us dilating without further ado!
Rocking away into Labor
Initially starting out will allow pregnant ladies sit comfortably simply bouncing gently practicing later progressing towards swinging much like a pendulum back-and-forth repeatedly using hip movements transferring gentle force relaxing pelvic muscles causing greater blood flow dilation upwards allowing baby dropped into pelvis slowly over time efficiently. Bouncing movement also helps open up pelvic area releasing space reducing any strains hence leading towards more efficient contractions ultimately speeding labor resulting in shorter birth durations.
For moms-to-be that want additional resistance may try using an elastic resistance band wrapping around the hip allowing tug which traction also aids birthing ball.
After long hours carrying out these various movements sweat and/or pain could leave quite difficult. But wait there’s more! Birth ball practically used within comfort of our own homes for stress relief whether you’re yearning soothing sound to settle your nerves, filling it up with lukewarm water or ice, or sometimes even alternations by using roller shapes guided underneath feet focusing relieving pressure points a multi-faceted all-in-one support mechanism combating anxiety, emotional instability/ tension leaving body less tense throughout pregnancy & labor stages.
With everything considered rocking yourself closer towards birth through Dilation stretching is sure to give everyone involved much easier time during labor welcoming that new arrival in most comfortable way possible!
So what have we learnt here today? The birthing ball ushers people undergoing gestation into a profound experience whilst awaiting the momentous arrival of their newborn infants- Conducive blood circulation leading towards effective service delivery easing both mental & physical anguish. Lean towards softer cushions made with love, choose appropriate sizes and getting programmed setting up your living room; now get rolling/literally sitting on air while eagerly anticipating sharp baby cries upon breakthrough!
Final Thoughts
A birthing ball has tons of advantages beyond just being helpful during labour. Whether it's comforting you when you take a nap or providing some lower back support - this tool can be useful in multiple ways throughout pregnancy. So don't be afraid to rock your way into motherhood - grab one of those big balls (yes, pun intended) and start bouncing those dilating hips!