Labor Positioning with a Birth Ball

A birth ball is becoming quite popular in many hospitals, birth centers and home births. You may also see these physiotherapy balls in use in many exercise classes. They are very handy for use in positioning in labor and birth, but they can also help provide you with much comfort during your pregnancy.

Sitting on the birth ball is not difficult. You should plant your feet about shoulder width apart and simply sit on the ball. If you maintain upright posture and keep your feet wide enough balance should not be an issue. If you are concerned that you will fall off the birth ball, consider buying an alternative - the peanut ball.

You should choose a birth ball according to your height. The most common size is the 65 cm ball.

Using movement with the birth ball can increase the benefits. You can sway side to side or in a circle. This movement is easy to do in labor. It also helps stretch your body and move the baby into a good position for birth by using movement, gravity and upright positioning.

_{Photo © Robin Elise Weiss}