The latest offering from the team behind "The Miracle Box" for mums and
mums to be is a 128 page handbook entitled "The Essential Exercise and
Birth Ball Handbook for Pregnancy and Beyond". Written by fitness
professional Mark Hibbitts from Newborn Fitness and Martin Beckley from
Lifestyle Experts, this book shows all new mums how th get the absolute
best from their birth ball.
The book is packed full of useful information and advice including the following:
- Top tips on using a birth ball during pregnancy.
- Pregnancy exercise safety guidelines and contraindications.
- Safe and fun ball exercises for a fit and healthy pregnancy.
- Postnatal ball exercises you can do with your baby.
- Advanced ball routines for continued fitness and toning.
- 8 super secrets for losing your baby weight fast.
The book contains over 130 high quality images and as an added bonus,
inserted into each book will be a 20 minute educational DVD "A Simple
Guide to Pelvic Floor and Core Exercise".
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The
birth ball as it is known in maternity wards is an exercise ball, and many women, once they've experienced it, wouldn't
consider going through labor without one. It's actually just a regular
exercise ball you would find in a physiotherapy department. The birthing
ball for labor is just another method of easing the discomfort of
labor. It helps keep the pelvis moving while offering support to
relieve spasms and the intensity of labor.
The birthing ball for labor becomes an important tool which can be used
in different positions during maternity and can become an important
alternative to the bed. The ball offers greater range of movement than a
chair and so allows the woman to focus on her contractions and change
positions as necessary. Being free to move can improve blood flow to the
placenta and therefore help prevent possible fetal distress. During
the last few weeks of pregnancy the exercise ball is easier to get out
of than a chair and is often more comfortable. 
To sit on the ball you should place feet about shoulder width apart,
keep your chest up, and maintain the normal curvature in your lower
back (lordosis). Find your neutral position - neither hyperextended, nor
flattened. If you feel you are going to fall off the ball simply butt
it up against a wall or for even more stability, into a corner. Just
watch for sharp objects. Letting air out of the ball with also create a
softer surface and give you a bit more stability.
I had a patient mention to me that she uses her exercise ball to
helpher new baby get to sleep. Apparently the gentle rocking motion is
just what it takes.
Share your birth ball (A.K.A. exercise ball)
tips with our readers by clicking here. |
