Do you feel like investing in that birthing ball will only help you deliver, but is hardly an essential part of your postpartum recovery or journey to caring for your baby?
Think again!
While a birth ball can be an important tool during pregnancy and labor, supporting pelvic alignment and body rest, it's more likely to help you recover postpartum and help you soothe your baby.
Here's how birthing balls work not only for labor, but also for postpartum and to help your baby:
Stretch Gently
Even if you can't exercise in the first 6 weeks after giving birth, using your birthing ball to support your body with some gentle stretches can be great for reducing inflammation, eliminating tension and fluid, and feeling good.
Use your Extra Thick Birthing Ball to lean forward into a modified child's position and help with neck and tight trapezoid muscles.
Lie on the floor, stretch your legs by rolling your legs in and out of the ball in a tabletop position while gently engaging your abs without aggravating the rectus abdominis separation.
Sit Comfortably
The first few days postpartum can be filled with discomfort in your hips and rear. Many hormones are at work to expand your pelvic floor and allow the baby to pass. Sitting on the ball is soft and puts your body in the ergonomically correct position, which helps ease any discomfort during the first few days.
Shush your baby to calm him down
Sometimes your body aches when you walk on the floor with a crying newborn. Sitting on a pregnancy ball and bouncing softly while holding a newborn on your shoulders, or in a wrap or sling does wonders for giving you a break, and it works especially well as a calming tool.
So, don't put the prenatal yoga ball away after your baby is born - birth balls are not just for labor, they are an indispensable tool for postpartum recovery!
