Fit Balls ??????

[Now we're 3]

Hi Ladies

Need some advice please.

Looking to buy a fit ball in an effort to try to help baby move into optimum position for labour over my last few weeks and also to help in early stages of labour when I will still be at home (hospital will have them for when I am there).

- Can anyone please advise if I can use fit ball instead of birthing ball - or are they one and the same with just different use so different name? Don't know if they are supposed to have certain amount of pressure or not for example.
- what size would you suggest - chap in Rebel Sports suggested I get a 65cm one - based on my height and weight but again this would have been based on fitness/exercise rules rather than labour

Any info would be really appreciated.

FWIW I've 3 1/2 weeks to go and head hasn't engaged yet but is down at top of pelvis at the mo!

Cheers Meadsie

[Fleur]

Meadsie, I bought mine for $10 from Coles. It took my weight ok (& I'm quite heavy) but I found the circulation in my legs suffered, I probably could have done with a higher one. Not sure how high mine was, think I threw the box out

I think it is much the same as a bithing ball, maybe the birth ball is a bit higher?

[Lisa]

I bought a proper fit ball branded ball which is able to hold up to 300kgs and is anti burst... better to be on the safe side I figured. I couldn't tell the difference between the fit ball and a birthing ball other than the price, so I got the fit ball instead.

I am 165cms tall and it was suggested that I buy the 55cm one. I feel like I should have got a bigger sized one as it is a little uncomfortable to get up off and my knees aren't in the ideal position.
I am using it when in labour and I have been using it for the past few weeks. It is brilliant. I often use it in the shower too for the times when my BH's have been stronger than usual.

[MantaRay]

A fit ball would be fine to use as a birthing ball. I would get the one that is right for your height as it will be more comfortable if you use it later on. Bouncing on a fit ball with your crying baby in your arms or in a sling is a great way to settle them - and you can surf BB while you do it!!

[feeb]

I would ensure you get an anti burst one, a 65cm is pretty standard for most womans height.

Birth balls and fit balls are same thing just different names.

As mantaray said you can use with unsettled baby. and also once baby is older you can lie them on there tummy on ball and support them at waist and roll them forwards and backwards on ball and they love it!!

[rhyb]

Aiden now uses mine to chase round the back yard! Was great when he was starting to walk for that

[Now we're 3]

Thanks ladies thats great. Knew if I came on here I'd get the info I needed.

Guess I know what I'll be buying at the weekend now!

[Fleur]

As mantaray said you can use with unsettled baby. and also once baby is older you can lie them on there tummy on ball and support them at waist and roll them forwards and backwards on ball and they love it!!

Oh great idea! I'm going to try that today, DD2 loves being held across our arms on her tummy but she is sooo heavy after a while