birth ball, birth stool, yoga positions experience?

**sunnyjan** · 28-08-2008 14:20

Hello

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

**Tam-I-Am** · 28-08-2008 15:35

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** · 28-08-2008 19:56

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.

**mummeeto2** · 28-08-2008 22:13

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** · 29-08-2008 10:52

I used a birth ball and it was great.

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** · 29-08-2008 21:30

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

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

**QTB** · 29-08-2008 21:33

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** · 02-09-2008 10:36

Dear all,

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences here. Do keep them coming...they're very helpful

I will add my own when my bub pops out...anytime now

Will try all methods to see which ones suits me best...might be a combination...

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

**teenie** · 03-09-2008 13:46

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

**MelissafromSyd** · 07-09-2008 17:14

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).