CTDA doulas hosted their first annual doula share, at Any Baby Can in Austin, Saturday, May 22nd, 2010.
Two very experienced doulas, Shelley Scotka and Karina Bolger, taught this informative, fun class.
They began by covering some of the benefits of using a birth ball in labor, and then demonstrated positions in which a birth ball is helpful.
Some of the benefits of using a birth ball in labor are: laboring mom conserves energy but is still "upright", it is often more comfortable than sitting on a hard surface, it may relieve back pain, it can be brought into the shower (be careful it doesn't cover the drain), it may shorten labor because mom is upright, moving, and baby can find the best position for descent.
A birth ball is the same as an exercise ball. They come in all different sizes. Taller women will need a larger ball. Your legs should be at right angles. The ball needs to have a little give. Make sure you are safe and stable, and have your birth companion(s)close by for support.
There are many ways to use a birth ball, including just sitting on it, moving your hips around. Your support person can sit behind you and support you.
Or, use the birth ball by placing it on a table if you are tall, or a chair if you are petite, and leaning over it. This leaves your back open for massage and counter pressure.
You can also use the ball on your back, in between you and the wall, rubbing your back as you move, deciding how much pressure and where you want the pressure. In this way you, the laboring mom, get to drive and follow your own rhythm.
The ball is also a great option for the hands and knees position because it saves your wrists! The support person can tuck their feet under the ball so it doesn't move.
It is a good idea to start using your ball prenatally to become comfortable on it.
© 2010 Sarah Webb, CD(DONA). All rights reserved.
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