Birthing Ball: Add This to Your Birth Plans

All birth plans should have a provision to use the birthing ball. Also known as a stability ball or just a standard physiotherapy ball, these modern miracles have done as much for pregnancy as the attractive maternity dress. Birthing balls are perfect for relieving discomfort during pregnancy.

Use one as a firm but yielding “chair” that encourages good posture and decreased muscle strain. Squatting on the birth ball during pregnancy can help mothers open up the pelvic area, stretching the muscles in preparation for childbirth. During labor, the birthing ball can be used in many ways to ease pain, and support the laboring mother in various postures. 

This informative video shows various techniques for using the birthing ball during childbirth. Live demonstration makes the exercises relevant to pregnant women and their partners. Whether home birthing or planning for a hospital birth, these strategies on the birthing ball can ease discomfort.

This video has some very good demonstration of exercises to do on the birthing ball during pregnancy. Personally, I would mute the sound because the soundtrack is pretty annoying, but the demonstration is clear. If you are hoping for a natural childbirth, it’s very important to use all the tools you can, including these type of prenatal exercises.

This video shows how to use a rebozo to ease a laboring mother’s discomfort. The rebozo is a traditional Mexican shawl about four to five feet long. During labor it is wrapped around a woman's body used to assist the mother into various positions and for relaxation. Any scarf or long piece of fabric can be used. The rebozo method is great for supporting the laboring mother's weight helping her get into, and labor in different positions.