Birthing Ball Techniques

For centuries, women have been going through the labor process in an upright, seated position. This allows gravity to gently guide your baby's head down the birth canal. With the birthing ball, you can better to control the pain of child birth, as well as shorten your labor.

First Stages of Labor

• Use the birthing ball to shorten the first stage of labor. As you sit on the ball, you should move your hips in a circular motion. This allows the baby's head to press against your cervix, which promotes dilation. Make sure that you are balanced and near the bed or birthing chair in case you need physical support.

Back Labor

• Place your knees on the floor, and your chest on the birthing ball to ease the pain of back labor. Back labor is often caused by a baby who is in the posterior position---face up instead of face down. Laboring in this position with the use of the birthing ball will remove the pressure on your back, and encourage the baby to turn to avoid a painful posterior delivery.

Pelvic Pain

• Use the birthing ball to relieve pelvic pain and pressure. Have your nurse or midwife place a heating pad on the birthing ball. This will help you to relax your pelvic floor, which eases pain while promoting dilation.