Re: [ozmidwifery] Re: Gym balls/birth balls

[JoFromOz]

I use them all the time in women I am looking after.  They usually are more receptive to it when not in full labour, ie. about to be induced.  I find it harder to introduce them if the woman is in full labour, as they are usually harder to convince to MOVE. :)   Most of my experience (limited!) recently is that the women love them... bouncing their way through contractions, giving them something else to think about apart from the pain - keeping balanced.  They are great for opening up the pelvic bones, and it is very hard NOT to relax the pelvic floor while sitting on one.  I have had some rather fast labours using the birth balls recently.. a few hours from start to finish, especially inductions in primigravidas.  They are most impressed!   HTH   Jo