Birthing Ball

So my latest discovery - and I am not pretending that I am the first one to ever come to this discover, but it is something I feel like I should share with all my pregnant friends - is a Birthing Ball.

I actually read about this a few times in various books that touched on the subject of finding more comfortable ways to sit and relive pressure, but it wasn't until we went down to our birthing class a few weeks ago that I was able to get a trial run with it...and let me tell you - it was awesome.

What is a Birthing Ball - honestly, it is nothing more that one of those large plyo balls that you can use (often gyms and trainers have them to use for stability exercises, core workouts and such) that are great to use for sit ups, back workouts and stretching...I have used these before and enjoy the work out they provide...but I have a totally new found respect for them now!

I went to Target the other day to purchase one - they are not expensive, I got a large one for around $10 - and had Mike inflate it with the pump this past weekend. I have pretty much been using it all weekend and even last night, when I couldn't sleep and couldn't get comfortable, I pulled it out to sit for a little while.

Just rocking from side to side and back and forth - with both feet on the ground and near a solid or sturdy item to help you should you start to lose your balance or need help up - seems to work wonders on relieving the tremendous amount of pressure that I am currently experiencing in the lower half of my body. I even commented to Mike yesterday, just how crazy it was that a little (well not so little) ball could really provide this much temporary relief.

I am running out to Target at lunch today to purchase another one for the office - It will be nice to be able to sit on that as opposed to sitting on my crappy desk chair in the remaining few weeks of this pregnancy. We are also planning on bringing the birthing ball with us to the hospital when I go into labor. While we were told that they have a few available for use - they do not have enough for every room on the L&D floor and if we want to ensure that we are able to have one to use, the best bet is to bring our own. Check and Check!

Seriously - pregos...if you are even remotely starting to feel pressure and a little pain in your lower half...namely as the baby's head starts to press lower in your pelvic region...this thing is a true relief!