Ways to use a birth ball

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ways to use a birth ball

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A birth ball is simply an exercise ball that can be used in labor.

What to do on it

• Sit
• Sway or rock side to side
• Do circles (clockwise, then reverse).
• Do figure 8s.
• Lean on it.
  • With the ball on the floor, get in hands and knees position (optional: place a pillow under your knees) and lean onto the birth ball.  
  • With the ball on the bed, lean on it while you are sitting or kneeling in the bed.
    
  • With the ball on the bed, stand next to the bed and lean on the ball.
  • While standing, lean on the ball against the wall.

Where to put the ball

• Place it in an open space, preferably on carpet rather than a smooth floor.
  
• Put the ball on the floor, sit on it, and lean forward onto the bed or couch.
• Sit on the ball in the shower.
  
• Place the ball on the bed and lean on it. You can do this while standing to the side of the bed. You can also do this while sitting or kneeling in the bed.

How to use it with a partner or doula

• Sit on the ball in front of a chair or the bed. Have your partner or doula behind you. With this, you may also rest your arms on their legs or lean back into them for support.
  
• You can also wrap a rebozo around the partner/doula and use that to add comfort and stability.
• A partner or doula can position behind the laboring woman and do counter-pressure or massage.
  

Maternal-infant Wellness Education
with Leanna Mae

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