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Having a Ball
Using Birth Balls to Ease Labor
By Kelly Burgess
"We don't do a lot of squatting like people in other cultures," says Douglas. "This can make it really difficult for a woman in labor if she really wants to squat, which is a comfortable laboring position, but her legs can't take the strain."
The birth ball can be used during pregnancy to practice those squats. Having regular access to a birth ball also enables the partner to practice holding and stabilizing the ball so he's not learning as he goes along while his partner is in labor.
It can even be used post-partum, providing gentle support to a sore bottom. Also, babies love the bouncing motion that Mom can make on the birth ball.
Birth balls also come in oval shapes. Known as egg balls, these more stable balls may just represent the future of birth balls. Mothers tend to feel more comfortable on them, and their shape encourages a deep squat, which helps open up the pelvis.
Livingston notes that birth balls, whether oval or round, should always be used with a "spotter," as pregnant women are often not well-balanced. Birth ball bases are available if a spotter is not always convenient.
* Name changed to protect privacy.
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