How to Use a Birthing Ball During Labor

As a childbirth educator, my favorite prop for my classes are my birthing balls. I make sure to blow one of them up during my first class and sit on it during discussions. If I notice a pregnant woman shifting in her chair trying to get comfortable, I always offer her a seat on the birthing ball. But how is the birthing ball helpful and why are birthing facilities starting to carry them in all their laboring rooms?

What is a Birthing Ball?

A birthing ball is a large exercise or Pilate’s ball. You will want to get a birthing ball based on your height. Check the following table to see what size ball you should get. The 65 cm ball is the most popular, and the easiest to find.

If you are under 5 feet, 2 inches tall get a 55 cms ball.
If you are between 5 feet, 2 inches and 5 feet, 7 inches tall get a 65 cms ball.
If you are over 5 feet, 7 inches tall, get a 75 cms ball.

Where can I find a Birthing Ball?

You should be able to find a birthing ball or an exercise ball just about anywhere. Most sporting good stores sell exercise balls, along with discount chains such as Target, Wal-Mart and K-Mart.

How do I use a Ball during Labor?

1) Sit on it! The most common way to use the ball during birth is to sit on it. Laboring moms will want to sit on it with their legs in front of them at a 90 degree angle. Sitting on the birthing ball during labor opens up the pelvis, encouraging the baby to rotate and fit through the pelvis. While you sit on the ball during your labor, have your coach give you a back massage or provide counter pressure if you have back labor. This position is the most popular for many laboring women.

2) Kneel and lean forward across the ball. This position feels great for many women during labor. You may need a pillow or a gardening pad beneath your knees to keep you in this position. Hands and knees is a great position to help a posterior baby rotate and alleviate back labor. Again, your coach could be giving you a back massage or applying counter pressure as you lean forward.

3) Stand and lean forward across the ball. Place the ball on your hospital bed and lean across the ball. This position again may help a posterior baby rotate and utilizes gravity. Once again, your coach should be helping with the contractions by massaging your back or providing counter pressure.

Always have someone help you sit or stand up from the birthing ball. Never use the ball or attempt to sit on the ball if you’re comfortable. Remember, though many women find a great deal of relief using the ball, not all women will find the birthing ball an asset during labor. Listen to your body, and use the ball if it helps to make the contractions less intense. This is your body’s signal that the birthing ball is helping you.