birth ball for a difficult and unexpected labor
by Jane Lacey
The birth ball helped me tremendously. From the very beginning I didn't want any drugs to deliver my baby, but my doctor told me I had a streptococcus infection and would require some antibiotics. One night after a hectic day of rushing around trying to get ready for my maternity leave I woke to find I was bleeding. I quickly called my sister who is a nurse and she said that the baby will probablty coe within the next couple of days, but that I should call the hospital just to make sure everything is OK. They called me into the hospital and determined that my water had broke. I didn't even notice. I was expecting something much more dramatic. They hooked me up to an IV and my huband went back home for my suitcase full of clothes. I didn't even know I was in labor until I noticed that the pains I was getting from the doctors inducing me were similar to the pains I was already having...ONLY WORSE! They rolled in a birth ball, but I had no idea what to do with it until a nurse came in with some experience around the ward and a couple of other moms-to-be. Just sitting on the birth ball seemed to ease my discomfort tremendously. I only wish I had had some advice on how to use this thing prior to going into the hospital. The other women showed me how to sit, rock my pelvis, squat, and my husband would massage me at the same time. Then my active labor started so I kicked everyone out except for the nurse my friend and my husband. My husband was a great coach and my friend gave me foot massages. They made a great team. i have to say, long story short (ok not so short), the birth ball and some great support allowed me to give birth without painkillers. now I have an 8lb 3oz beautiful health son named Jayden!!!! yeah! |
