How Can I Use A Peanut Ball During Labor?
Doulas like to say that peanut balls add a bit of magic to your labor. A peanut ball is probably one of the best tools available for your use in your labor and delivery room. This tool can help you have a smoother, quicker labor. Take a look at a few ways you can use a peanut ball during labor.
Getting Rest
We like to encourage folks to rest and relax as much as they can during this first part of labor. Many laboring folks find it far more comfortable to rest on their side. Consider popping the peanut ball between your thighs or knees to help keep your pelvis open. This will help your baby engage more deeply into your pelvis and keep your labor moving forward. If you’d like to be more upright but still semi-reclined, place the peanut ball under one knee while keeping your other leg straight. After about 30 min, switch legs. This position will allow you to continue to rest but help change the shape of your pelvis a bit. Changing the shape of your pelvis can be a great way to help your baby wiggle their way down further into your pelvis.
Fetal Positioning and Descent
The peanut ball can be used a variety of ways to help your baby get into the best position possible for birth. Typically, we recommed placing the peanut ball based on where your baby is located in your pelvis (ask your provided what station the baby is in). If your baby is a bit higher in your pelvis (-3, -2, or -1) we recommend using the peanut ball in the Flying Cowgirl position for 30 minutes. Once your baby is at 0 station, we recommend placing the peanut ball between your thighs and changing sides every 20-30 min. If your baby is at 0 station or +1 station, we recommend laying on your side and putting your knees together. Place the peanut ball between your ankles for 15-30 minutes. Using these positions can help your baby descend more easily into your pelvis and get really low before you begin pushing. These positions can all be done in both a medicated or unmedicated birth but these are great options if you have an epidural and your mobility is limited to the bed.
During Pushing
If you would like to push on all 4s (an excellent choice!), you can lean over with your forearms placed on the peanut ball. This will keep weight off of your wrists while you push and the peanut ball won’t roll away like the birth ball. Another great pushing position is to push on your side. You can place your top leg on the peanut ball while you push. This is a great option if you are tired from a long labor.
These are just a few of the ways you can use a peanut ball during labor. If you don’t see a peanut ball sitting in your room, check the tub or shower in the bathroom. Many times, this is where the peanut ball is stored. You can also ask your nurse to bring you one if your room doesn’t have one (Pro-tip, ask your nurse for their suggestion on which size peanut ball might work well for you and for what you are trying to do). If your place of birth doesn’t have peanut balls (ask when you tour the facility!), you can also do many of these positions with stacks of pillows. Alternatively, you can order a peanut ball and bring it with you to the hospital. Let a little peanut ball magic be part of your labor and birth!