Pregnancy and labor tools are self-care tools that can be used throughout pregnancy to help with balance, positioning, and creating a calm atmosphere. Once labor begins, you will find these tools invaluable.
Birth Ball
The birth ball, or exercise ball, is an essential pregnancy and labor tool. You should purchase one in early pregnancy and use it for sitting and exercise. The rolling motion will keep your hips flexible and help you maintain good posture. You have to sit up straight on a birth ball, or you will roll off. They come in sizes. If you are between sizes, go up.
- Under 5’4″ – 55 cm ball
- 5’4″ – 5’10″ – 65 cm ball
- Over 5’10” – 75 cm ball
During labor, a birth ball is part of the essential tool kit. They can be used to sit on and rest your arms over. In this photo, a doula is rubbing the mom’s hips.
Peanut
If you don’t know what a peanut is, check it out at Lamaze International. I have seen a lot of mothers benefit from a peanut during labor and birth. They offer many of the benefits of a birth ball and more, without rolling away. They are generally not used during pregnancy, so ask if your midwife or doula has one. If not, you can always use stacked up pillows and blankets.
Rebozo
Lavender Pillows
Lavender pillows are small pillows filled with dried lavender flowers. Someone gave me a lavender pillow to use for under my wrist when at the computer. The scent lasted for years, and I used it daily. A lavender pillow may be very comforting to you, as it has calming and soothing properties that can help reduce stress – and it can be popped in the microwave to provide warmth. You can either make one yourself or purchase one. They can easily be found on Etsy.
Massage Balls
Many women use tennis balls as a massage tool to apply pressure to muscles in labor that are sore and tender. They’re light weight and can be used in a couple of different ways. You can use a tennis ball by itself or place three tennis balls into a cotton tube sock and tie it off at the end.
Rice Heating Pad
I have seen rice heating pads get used all the time during labor. They are very easy, quick, and inexpensive to make, and you don’t have to worry about getting them messy at the birth. To make them, you need a long sock. Men’s tube socks work for this. And, you need uncooked rice. Fill the sock with rice. Don’t pack it tightly. You want enough room for the rice to move around and mold to your body. Also, leave enough room so that you can tie it at the end once it is filled. When you are ready to use the sock, heat it in the microwave for 1-2 minutes. Moms love the heat on their lower back during labor and, after baby is born, on their lower abdomen to help relieve afterpains.
Gel Squeeze Ball
If you have never used a gel squeeze ball, it might come in real handy during labor to help relieve anxiety and stress. You just need a couple, one for each hand.
Hand Fan
Mom’s get hot during labor and birth. I have seen everything from cardboard, notebooks, small posters, fabric, and hand fans used by a labor support person to fan a mom in labor. Give yourself and your birth team a gift – buy a hand fan, or two.
Candles
If you are home and love candles, they can bring a sense of peace and serenity to a room. Part of the calm is because the lights are dimmed or turned off when the candles are lit. The flickering lights are mesmerizing, which may help center you physically and emotionally.
LED Candles
If you are at a birth center or hospital that does not allow candles, or if you transfer to the hospital, LED candles can be just as effective as real candlelight. Low lighting and the dim light of LED candles can elicit a mood of calmness.
Music
I have listened to everything from Mozart to rock-n-roll during a birth. I even had a laboring mom and her friends sing gospel for hours during the labor process. There is no ‘right’ music for labor, but may want to select music for different moods. When you are resting, calming music may help reduce stress or help you sleep. When you are up and active, lively music may energize you or get you in a dancing mood!
Essential Oils
Using essential oils in personal inhalers, massage oil for your hands and feet, and a foot bath can be found in my guide to Creative Ways to Use Essential Oils. The guide will help you select the best application for your use during pregnancy, labor, and after baby arrives.
