How to Find a Birthing Ball

A birthing ball is a physical therapy exercise ball or a Pilate's ball. In pregnancy, a birthing ball can help a woman prepare for labor. In labor it can be used to help with contractions and deal with painful back labor. If you want to use a birthing ball, you may be wondering where to get one.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Measure your height before purchasing a ball. You should be able to sit on the ball with your feet in front of you at a 90 degree angle. If you're less than 5 feet, 2 inches, you should use a 55 cm ball. If you're over 5 feet, 7 inches tall, you may be more comfortable on 75 cm ball. The majority of women will find a 65 cm ball to be perfect.
2. Check with your birthing facility. Many birthing facilities now offer birthing balls in their labor and delivery suites.
3. Talk to your childbirth educator or doula. Many doulas and childbirth educators sell birthing balls for what it cost them. If they don't sell them, they probably know where you can get one for cheap.
4. Click on websites for birthing such as BirthwithSol and Nurture Center.
5. Go to your local chain-discount stores such as Target, Wal-Mart and K-Mart. Many of these stores sell exercise balls that can easily double as birthing balls.
6. Contact your local sporting goods stores such as Sports Chalet and Sports Authority. Like the chain-discount stores, these stores sell exercise balls that can also be used as birthing balls.
7. Purchase a burst-resistant ball. Burst-resistant balls will slowly release air if they get a hole in them rather than popping.

Tips & Warnings

• Don't forget to get a good pump with your birthing ball. A hand-pump is usually the best, though foot pumps are good secondary pumps if you can't find a hand pump.