Labor Positioning With a Birthing Ball

Sitting on a Birth Ball

Sitting on the birth ball is not difficult. You should plant your feet about shoulder-width apart and simply sit on the ball. Balance should not be an issue if you maintain an upright posture and keep your feet wide enough. 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-centimeter 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.

Leaning on a Birth Ball

You can lean over the birth ball while you are in labor. This allows your doula or husband to rub your back. If you make a swaying motion you can help stretch out your lower back or upper back with the movement.

You can do this position either on the bed or on the floor. Just be sure that the ball is stable if you use a taller surface.

Leaning Over the Bed With the Birth Ball

Placing the birth ball on a bed and leaning over it while standing is a great position. You get the comfort of leaning forward, as well as the comfort of standing up. Standing allows you to use gravity in your favor by helping to bring the baby down. The upper body can rest against the birth ball.

When using this position, you need to make sure you are leaning into the ball enough to help it stay secure on the bed. A roll of towels or having someone sit on the opposite side of the ball can also work well.

Sitting Upright With Peanut Ball

A peanut ball is a great tool in labor. It is particularly good if you need to be in bed during labor. Sometimes this is needed because of monitoring or medications being used, including the epidural.

Some studies have shown the use of a peanut ball reduces the cesarean rate in mothers who have an epidural. This can be a great way to help keep moving in bed while still resting.

However, many hospitals do not have a peanut ball and you may have to bring your own with you. This is something that you would need to ask about in your ​hospital tour.

Side Lying With a Peanut Ball

The peanut ball can also be used for side-lying positions in labor, which is a great position for resting or even sleeping. It can be done in conjunction with an epidural in labor.

You may need help from your doula or a nurse to get positioned with the ball. This helps your pelvis stay open while you are resting.