Top 5 Uses for a Stability Ball During Pregnancy and Postpartum

As a birth doula in Toronto, one of the first questions I ask expecting parents is if they have a stability ball at home. It has so many wonderful uses that range from labour positioning to help ease your discomfort, to helping you get back into shape after your little one arrives. 

Here's a short list of my top 5 uses for a stability ball

1. Sitting on a stability ball during the last few weeks of your pregnancy can actually help your baby get into the best position for birth.  Although it's great to sit back and relax before your baby arrives, it's also very helpful for you to spend some time sitting upright, allowing gravity to do it's job.
2. Some people believe that bouncing on a stability ball at the end of their pregnancy could actually encourage labour to begin.  If you're past 40 weeks in your pregnancy and ready for your baby to come, give it a try!   
3. Once you're in labour, there are many wonderful positions that you can try to help you get more comfortable.  Just sitting and swaying back and forth can help you focus on getting through one contraction at a time.  If your having your baby at the hospital, check to see if every birthing room has a ball available for you to use.  If one is not available, be sure to bring your own.  
4. A stability ball can be a wonderful way to calm a fussy baby too.  The first 3 months of your new babies life is an adjustment period for everyone.  Your little one will have fussy periods when they will need some help to calm down. Swaddleing your baby & holding her close while bouncing her on a stability ball might just do the trick.  If she is particularly upset a fairly loud 'shhh' will also help!  
5. And last but not least, once your doctor or midwife has advised you that you can start exercising again, you can use your ball to get back into the swing of things!  There are so many wonderful exercises that you can do to help build up your core strength from the comfort of your own home, no babysitter required!  
   

If you can think of any other great uses for the stability ball, please add to the list by commenting on this post!