birth ball, birth stool, yoga positions experience?

[sunnyjan]

Hello :wave:

Anyone here used the birth ball, birth stool or yoga positions to aid the birthing process?

I'm a 1st time mum-to-be and opting for an all natural birth. 38 weeks now.

Thanks for sharing :hugs:

[Tam-I-Am]

I've moved your question to a thread of its own as I think it'll probably get more answers that way (and not hijack the other thread either ;) :))

To answer your question - yes I used a birthing ball during labour, and it was great. I had a homebirth, so sat on it with my arms over the back of an armchair, and bounced/rotated my hips through contractions, and then rested with my head on my arms after the contraction had passed. I also used it in the shower earlier in my labour. I used it until about 2 hours before my DS was born when I got into the birthing pool :)

HTH :)

[Seacretsquirrel]

Hi there one of my GF's used the birthing ball and loved it she had a 10lb 4 oz bub with no drugs or stiches so worked really well for her.

I tried it but I found it put pressure on my perenium and was really uncomfy. TBH the most comfy place was the toilet (although I am sure a birth stool would have the same effect - but the hospital I had DD at their last one grew legs unfortunatley).

good luck with your birth.:hugs:

[mummeeto2]

I used the birth stool & loved it. Labored on the bed with gas til I was fully dilated, then onto the stool. 3 pushes & DD had arrived. No stitches/tearing

[Mirad3k]

I used a birth ball and it was great. :thumbsup: The same way as Tam, just rocked my hips through the contractions while leaning on the bed. It got me right through to transition.

[ck2b]

I used a birth ball for the first few hours until I got into the bath and had a waterbirth - where I continued to lean over the edge of the bath. They are great if you have a back labour - which I did:eek:

ETA - I meant that I used it to lean over. I didn't find sitting or bouncing on it did anything.

[QTB]

i hated any pressure down there when i was birthing, so sitting on anything hurt... i tried a birth stool and hated it, sat on the birthball and hated it... but i ended up on my knees on the floor leaning over the birth ball and it was fantastic!!

[sunnyjan]

Dear all,

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences here. Do keep them coming...they're very helpful :thumbsup: I will add my own when my bub pops out...anytime now :cloud9:
Will try all methods to see which ones suits me best...might be a combination...

Thanks for the well wishes...have a great week! :sunshine:

[teenie]

I tried all sorts - was so restless during labour! In the end ditched everything - stool, ball, spa, and opted for the good old fashioned floor (on knees, head down). This was the most comfy! Next time will go straight to this postion. It's a very individual thing. Just go with what feels right - if you're not into it - move on. I wish I'd been down on my knees for much more of my labour. All the best!!!! You sound like you have an awesome attitude - so you're halfway there already :yes:

[MelissafromSyd]

Hi there,

It's great that you're researching your options for your birth.

Are you planning to birth in a birth centre or hospital or at home? If it's in hospital or birth centre, it might be good to ask them what they have - some places don't have balls or stools etc. It's also an idea to ask if you can birth on the birth stool or use the birth ball for birth, as some places ask you to birth on the bed.

The birth ball and birth stool are fantastic for helping with pushing! The birth ball is also good for general fitness, office work (great posture if you sit on it while you're at your desk).

[sunnyjan]

Hello :wave:

Special thanks to all who shared :hugs:
Thanks for the well wishes and my birth in a hospital was good in the end.

I was away from the forum since 3rd Sept cos my waters broke early that morning. Maybe went to the hospital too soon as I was worried about the gushing waters. Had induction the next day as labour was not fast enough for the safety of my bub.

Was trying out some natural birth methods and trying to stay calm and relaxed...all without the use of pain killers...but nearing the end, I caved in and tried using gas which did not have much effect on the pain. The birth ball was soft and I felt more pain sitting on it. The bathroom was cold so the warm shower left me feeling warm on the parts I had warm water and cold where I did not. Was not allowed in the bath initially as they wanted to ensure the safety of the bub. The birth stool was used by another mum so they suggested that I used it towards the end (which I did not).

Seeing that I couldn't do much with the pain and cold, I tried to be on all fours but still not so good with the pain. I then sat on the bed and braved the strong contractions. I felt like pushing before that but the midwives didn't think I was that far into the labour. After a while, I insisted that they check how dilated I was cos I had to call the cord blood collector before it's too late. It was then that the midwife said I was fully dilated. My hubby quickly called and hoped that she'll make it in time.

Seeing that I was in great pain, and the bub was stable, I was allowed in the bath which helped greatly. The pain was not as bad and I was more relaxed in the warm water. Only 10 mins or so inside the warm bath my bub came out with 1 push. He was immediately lifted and put on my chest crying loudly. The cord blood collector rushed in just then which was a relief.

So for me, the birth ball, birth stool and different positions might have worked better earlier in the labour. For eg, my pelvic area opened up fast as I stretched it open while sitted on the bed. This is not suitable when the contractions are close and strong due to immense pain. Perhaps good in between contractions and with deep breathing to remain relaxed.

For other 1st time mums: What is good for me may not be good for you cos each person's body react differently. However, having some knowledge beforehand had helped me greatly. Get pain relief if you can't tolerate it. Tiring your body and building pain may lead to complications and C-sect. The doctor warned me beforehand when she saw me in the labour suite.

All the best for those birthing soon.
Do post more experiences here.
Have a blessed week :)

[atara]

I'm not in labor yet, but I have been using the birthining/stability ball since the day I got pregnant and boy - I totally love it! My baby has been head down and facing back! So, I would start using that ball now to keep the pelvis flexibile and loose! It seriously helps!