Curriculum Topic: Group Activity, Educator Demonstration, Student Demonstration, Practice
Activity Type: Labor & Birth, Healthy Birth Practice 2
Supplies: Variety of birth balls in different sizes
Instructions:
“Birth ball,” “labor ball,” or “fitness ball” have become common names for a large inflatable ball that has been used by physical therapists for neurological, orthopedic, and fitness applications for many years . They are now found in gyms as a standard piece of exercise equipment, and are used in homes, classrooms, and labor rooms . Childbirth educators encourage their use by pregnant women throughout the childbearing year .
Caution: While there are large vinyl or plastic balls available for sale in many toy stores, it is recommended that adults use ONLY physical-therapy grade, burst-resistant balls.
Benefits of using a Birth Ball before, during, and after labor
If you sit on a ball at a desk or while watching TV, the abdominal and lower back muscles are used to stabilize and maintain your balance . This lessens back pain and improves posture . The pelvic inlet is tilted forward in relation to the spine, which encourages an anterior position of the baby’s head . The rhythmic movement that is natural while sitting on the ball can improve circulation and is most likely comforting to the baby as well . The gentle pressure of the ball is beneficial in alleviating discomfort from hemorrhoids . While sitting on the ball, moving your hips for comfort and balance comes naturally . Rocking the pelvis, changing position, and shifting weight in the upright position encourage the baby to descend . Sitting on a ball does not interfere with electronic fetal monitoring or induction of labor . Kneeling while leaning over the ball allows for free movement of the pelvis, while gravity encourages the largest and heaviest part of the baby to rotate off mom’s back to an occiput anterior position . Standing, while leaning on a ball that is placed on a bed or table, encourages pelvic swaying and rotation, which may help relieve pain and encourage the baby to descend . Or standing, leaning your back on the ball against the wall, offers pleasant pressure for an aching back or support for a wall-squat position .
The Correct Size
1 . The ball should fit like a chair .
2 . Hips, knees, and ankles should be bent to 90 degrees .
3 . Recommended sizes for heights:
- 4’10” to 5’2” . . . . . 55 cm ball
- 5’2’ to 5’10” . . . . . 65 cm ball
- 5’10” to 6’2” . . . . . 75 cm ball
Scenarios for Positioning on the Ball
- Begin with a circular or figure-eight motion while sitting on the ball. This relaxes the back and pelvic areas and helps to establish balance. Add pelvic tilts, moving forward and back, or side-to-side.
- Sitting on the ball, lean back into a partner seated in a chair.
- Sit on the ball and lean forward, relaxing on a pillow placed on a table, bed, or chair.
- Sit on a ball in the shower while enjoying the sensations of the warm water.
- Kneel on the floor or on the bed with the ball in front. Lean over the ball, rolling it forward and back to find a comfortable position for the upper body to rest. Hug the ball with the arms, or just relax arms while hanging over it. In this position a partner may massage or apply pressure to help relieve back pain.
- Stand by the bed, leaning over the ball placed on the bed. Breathe and relax.
- Stand with back or chest leaning into the ball placed against the wall. Sway gently side to side.
- Try both sitting and side-lying with a “peanut” ball.
Talking Points:
Consider introducing a peanut ball as well.
Safety Guidelines
1 . The ball should be stored away from sources of heat or direct sunlight .
2 . Before using the ball, make sure the clothing worn by the pregnant woman and the area around her are free of sharp objects that could puncture the ball .
3 . Because a pregnant woman’s center of gravity changes throughout pregnancy, she should have a source of support near her while using the ball, to provide balance if she needs it .
4 . The pregnant woman should use good posture and body mechanics while using the ball .
5 . There should be plenty of unobstructed space around the ball .
6 . While sitting on the ball, the pregnant woman should be barefooted or wearing rubber soled shoes .
7 . The ball can be cleaned with standard hospital disinfectants as long as there is NOT a warning on the label about using the disinfectants on vinyl (PVC) surfaces .
Reference: Adapted from Lamaze Toolkit
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