Birthing/exercise ball

[DixieWitch]

Has anyone ever used one to help them during labor? I've been thinking about getting one. I can't find one around here cheaper than $30 and I honestly can't afford that much. But at Wal-Mart tonight, I saw one of those HUGE bouncing balls that you can get for your kids to play with. I sat one one and it seems pretty sturdy and able to hold my weight...which is pretty heavy right now mind you!! ~lol~ So do you think something like this would work in place of an excerise ball? It cost about $3.00. It's not a huge as a birthing ball, but it seems like it might somewhat serve the same purpose. What do you think?

[DreamSpell333]

I've never used one,but I believe most hospitals offer them.. ?? Im not sure. I would ask the hospital where your going to deliver if they have them..

[KaidaMidnight]

Those big plastic ones at wal-mart are NOT the same thing!! LOL.. I know, cause I thought about that too. Hospitals now a days usually have birthing balls and offer them. I used one with my last labor, and it was soooooo much better than just sitting / laying in the hospital bed. Rocking while sitting on the ball (I sat facing the bed, so I was leaning with my arms and head on the bed during contractions) helped with the pain so much, and it actually helped speed up labor cause it puts you in a really good position. :) The balls are different from the ones at wal-mart, as they are heavier material, bigger (a lot bigger, width and hight wise) and more sturdy. :)

[HorseCrow]

Birthing balls are really good to use during labour/birth. Maybe there is a birthing centre or such in your area where you can rent one so you do not have to buy it?

[Tzhebee]

I used one with my last labor. I bought one of those exercise balls to use at home, and it was SOOOO worth the $30! I could sit on it and rotate my hips without pressure, roll back and stretch my back without hurting myself or being in a possition where I couldn't get up...it was Awesome!

Then, at the hospital I asked if they had one, and I did the same as KaidaMidnight, I sat facing my bed, with my arms on the bed. My friend massaged my back for me (Yeah, my butt was hanging out, but at that point I could care less) and I was able to releave some pressure...but Pitocen is a bitch and the ball only helped for so long.

[GEBS]

I can't find one around here cheaper than $30 and I honestly can't afford that much.

I got my exercise ball for $12. It was either Burlington Coat Factory or Khols. I don't remember which. I'd keep looking or maybe even try eBay.

[farm girl]

I would definitely look around because I have seen them cheaper then $30. Those balls are wonderful! Beyond labor, they are excellent for getting the tummy back in shape after pregnancy!!! Have you tried something like ebay or craigslist?

[Kalika]

The exercise balls are a lot sturdier than the bouncing balls you are talking about - they are less likely to be punctured, etc.

Also, keep in mind that the hospital you are going to may not allow you to bring in something that isn't specifically for that purpose, like the exercise or birthing ball would be.

Check with the hospital and see if they offer them to their patients - it is becoming more common for them to offer things like this in addition to the jacuzzi, etc.

You also might check out local gyms - sometimes they will sell used equipment... including exercise balls.

Secondhand stores (even the maternity/baby variety) may have them as well.

:hugz:

[Lunacie]

My daughter really wanted to use one during her first labor. She had also wanted to spend some time in a warm bath but that was also out of the question. She had some serious problems and was confined to the bed, on her left side, with all kinds of monitors attached. She hated it. Twelve hours later, when she was in active labor for almost an hour, she started ripping everything off and throwing it across the room. :lol:

[Chesna]

If your hospital has one..do you need to buy one?? I used one in the hospital and it was wonderful..and I did ot hav to buy it or clean it up afterwards. So check with your hospital..they may already have one for you.

Chesna

[DixieWitch]

I'm really not sure if our hospital has them. But regardless if they do or not, I want one of my own for afterwards when I can start exercising. Lucky me!! I saw some at Ross for $10! But that was last weekend. So I'm going there today with the hopes that they still have them!!

[HorseCrow]

I just did a search on eBay (search: birthing ball) and there are loads, very cheap as well- some of them are at $2 or less.