Stress balls

[SammyRo]

So, I've been reading Juju Sundin's birth skills book, and have just finished the chapter on stress balls. It sounds really good, so I think I might give them a go during labour.
Has anyone used them? How did you find them?

Also, the ones in the book actually look like juggling balls? Where did you get them from if you used them? Were they sort of bean-bag type filling or squashy foam?

[Beautitude]

I got mine from clark rubber, i actually found them difficult to find so if you cant find some let me know and ill lend you mine. Mine were squishy foam. I completely forgot about them during labour so never actually used them so cant tell you how it went.

[Rivlas]

You can make your own using rice.
Place about half a cup of rice into a sandwich bag. Twist then turn left over part over the circle.
Cut the top of a balloon and put over sandwich bag.
With another balloon, different colour, cut the top off again then put some slits in the balloon the put over the ball. The slits are there for decoration of the under balloon.
Hope this makes sense

[SammyRo]

I got mine from clark rubber, i actually found them difficult to find so if you cant find some let me know and ill lend you mine. Mine were squishy foam. I completely forgot about them during labour so never actually used them so cant tell you how it went.

You've changed your name!! lol! I'll have a look round, if not, I might take you up on your offer!

[AliB]

Hi gals

Have heard so many people swear on the stress balls!

I read the Juju book and did the course and when we practiced with the ball during a pain control exercise I was definitely hooked!

In term of buying balls, or making your own, my advice is as follows...

I didn't want to buy the balls from JuJus website as $48 seemed ridiculously steep, so I ordered a set of 3 juggling balls on ebay for $8 or so. However as soon as I got them out and banged them together, I could see a problem - my knuckles banged together. I then compared them with a friend who had bought hers from Jujuj and realised that Jujus are much bigger and a bit softer. So I bought some of Jujus last week! Incidentally she also threw in a few other random balls (squeezy, touchy etc).

OK I just got my balls out - the juggling balls measure about 5cm across (ie diameter) while the Juju balls are 7cm. The extra 2cm all around makes a big difference.

[HollyC]

Hmm, so anyone have any idea where to buy the balls other than from Juju? I'm hoping to need them quite soon, so don't have time to order them from Juju. And $45 sounds like a bit much too.

[AliB]

Holly I'd searched on other threads over the months and followed up other tips eg tree of life, unicef, etc. They had felt balls but i could tell they were too small. As mentioned in my PP the juggling ball i ordered were also too small. And I couldn't be bothered making my own (although it does sound easy!)

FYI Juju posted the balls the same day I ordered them, you could always email her to check she can do so before putting in your order. Of course if the $ is putting you off I seriously think home made is the best option. Minimum diameter 7cm is my suggestion.

[Daydream Believer]

toy shop - they come in a set of 3 as juggling balls for about $5, that what I used to bash together on the way to hospy, you can also get the squishy stress balls there for $1 or $2