If you weren’t aware, there are a number of things you can use to help you get through your labor quicker. My mother used a birthing stool, I’ve tried a squat bar, you can soak in the tub….
And you have probably heard of a birthing ball. It’s just this huge exercise ball that you can sit and sway on, bounding through contractions, whatever’s comfortable. But have you heard of the peanut ball for labor?
The Peanut Ball For Labor
So I didn’t know these existed until just recently. Instead of the standard round ball many people use for exercising or sitting at their desks with, this kind is shaped like a giant peanut.
So when you sit on one, your pelvis and bottom are supported in a much better way than just a standard ball. The central curve actually opens you up, relieving all that pressure that’s building down there. Kind of like when you sit on the toilet and the way the seat lets your central area hang downward, you get that natural relief on your crotch and pelvis.
When I was laboring with my first baby, the hospital had a normal birthing ball and I sat on it for a little bit. But I didn’t really like it. It provided a little relief when it came to pressure in my nethers. But I didn’t like the feeling completely because it felt like the ball was trying to push things back upwards against me. And this went against my entire desired feeling and mindset at the moment of ‘down and out.’
Then again, this ball may have been over inflated. But it makes me want to try the peanut ball next time.
Another option for its use is just between your legs as you’re side lying in bed, allowing you to rest your legs easier than trying to hold one of them up. I attempted to do this with just pillows before and it didn’t really work; not enough support.
Items For Reducing Labor Time
- Yoga Stability Peanut Ball, I would start with a medium size.
- Yoga or Exercise/Birthing Ball, for labor I would use a larger sized ball, but you can always increase or reduce the amount of air inside of it for your preference.
Here’s a great video of a nurse demonstrating how it can be used. Pay attention to what the nurse says about who the peanut ball is mainly used for. When you hear the answer, don’t worry, we’re going to talk about it.
Epidural Or Not
Medical Press discussed this year a study in the Journal of Perinatal Education that involved mothers who had received an epidural and their benefits from using the peanut ball.
- women were half as likely to end up needing a cesarean
- optimal fetal positioning
- increased pelvic diameter
- significantly shorter time in labor
Do you think that even if you didn’t receive an epidural, that you’d STILL receive these same benefits? YES!!
All of the positive benefits that are promoted by using the peanut ball apply just as well for ANY mother going through labor and delivery, no matter if you’ve elected for such pain medication or not.
Of course, this study clearly states that the women participating all received epidurals. So I CANNOT say that the statistics are directly correlated to any birth experience.
But when the hindrance of an epidural in the physiological pathway of giving birth is removed, the process can only be further enhanced by the same helpful methods—maybe even with greater benefit than this control group.
What You Can Do
So if you want to explore the possibility of having a peanut ball present during your labor, do the following:
- Ask your doctor or midwife if they or the hospital has them available–easy.
- If not, simply pick one up and try it out before hand. And if you find that you didn’t enjoy it during your labor, then you’ve got an exercise peanut ball anyway.
It does NOT hurt to try all sorts of methods during your labor. It’s hard to know exactly what will work well for you until you get in there and are going through it first hand. Example: I thought I would LOVE using the squat bar, but ended up changing my mind after awhile.
>> Get Your Peanut Ball Quick And Easy Here <<
Have any of you used one of these? Or any other type of birthing ball? I want to hear from someone first hand. Apparently, they’re newer and haven’t been around as much.
Here’s ‘bouncing’ along with your labor. 🙂
Thank you for sharing this information
I used a peanut ball in the hospital after I was given an epidural. My daughter was sunny-side up, so they had me lay on one side the entire time to help get her to flip. About 6 hours or so later, she had successfully flipped JUST in time to begin pushing (thank goodness because they said the birth can take 3x as long if baby is sunny side up). Currently I’m 39w6d and seeing signs of early labor. Will keep you posted if I have another peanut ball experience with this birth!
Hi Lindsay! Helpful nurses you had there. You’ve delivered by the time I write this. How did everything go?
I am a labor nurse and we use peanut ball on every mom that has an epidural and it definitely works. I have used them with moms that are going natural, it also works but moms tend to not tolerate the discomfort of being in that position for very long. We also have cubs (comfortable upright birth) which look like an inflatable chair. You can sit on them and use it like a birthing ball or use them in bed while in hands and knees. Which is great for rotating a baby that is in an occiput posterior position. It also helps the baby to come down the birth canal and you can use it even if you have an epidural.
Fantastic! Thank you for sharing Candy! I love hearing positive support from nurses like you. It’s so comforting. 🙂
I’m 39+5 with my second baby, and I used the peanut ball with my first when I was transferred from a birthing center to a hospital due to my labor stalling. After an epidural to relax, and lying on my side with the peanut ball I was able to successfully birth a 10lb 14oz baby vaginally! (My husbands genes give us big babies) The peanut ball allowed for the last bit of pinched cervix to dilate when I was lying on my side with it between my knees. Unfortunately due to the size of my babies I’ll be induced Sunday. I’ve made sure the hospital has peanut balls and I’m hoping to labor naturally this time.
I’m so glad to hear your story, Lindsey! I think that even though you’re being induced, you’ve reached what I consider full term past 39 weeks. So your baby’s growth is excellent. Also, if you were able to do a 10 pound baby vaginally before, I have no reason to think that you couldn’t do it again! 🙂
I guess since it’s passed Sunday now, you already have your baby! Let us know how everything went and how the peanut ball worked for you. Congratulations! 😉
I am 39 weeks pregnant and have been sitting on my peanut ball since I saw an article on the benefits of use during birth at, approximately 18 weeks. I almost purchased a ball, and so glad I procrastinated on the purchase.
There is something in the balance of the peanut ball, stability that can only be provided by it’s shape–the regular birth ball just cannot compete!
I look forward to testing it out in my labour and I hope it pays off!
That’s so GREAT, Kat! I wasn’t ever satisfied with the feeling of a regular birthing ball either. I’m glad that the peanut version is working well for you.
And you’re almost there…what number of baby is this for you? That’s so exciting; you’re almost done! Be sure to come back and let me know how everything went for you, or if you need any extra help at the last minute. You can do it and will be great at it. Best!
I never heard about this peanut ball but it seems to be something that can help lots of women through their labor, thanks for sharing your knowlege!
That’s why I wanted to get it out there so mothers knew more abut their options. Thanks for your comment, Vera!
Hi Sarah,
This is the first time I am hearing about a peanut ball. I read some where that exercise ball can assist with labor too. Do they work the same way?
Great sharing Sarah!
Yes, standard exercise balls work well too. But you can’t put them between your legs like a peanut ball. Some women like to rock on them or kinda lean forward on them when they squat or are on their knees in bed. Good question, Cathy!
Great looking site and interesting article! I am happy that my wife was able to do a natural birth as well when our son was born. She powered through it like a champ! She was very committed and for that I am very proud!
That’s wonderful, Ryan! I know that your wife and son will greatly benefit from her birthing naturally. If another comes along, I would love to hear from her or even her story as well. Thanks for your comment.
So I’m assuming (correct me if I’m wrong) that they use these in hospitals too? Or is it just for home birthing?
Correct. But not every hospital may have them on hand. Check beforehand to know if you need to bring your own. Birthing centers are more likely to have them, but I have never birthed in one. Good question, Kinya.
Wow, I’m forwarding this to my niece before she will need to deliver! Totally didn’t get the titel untill I saw the picture lol.
Kind regards,
Martine
I know! Makes you think of a tiny pillow that’s small like a peanut right?
Let your niece know that I’m here to help her with her baby’s birth. Thanks Martine!
The peanut ball looks very interesting. Looks like something that can help lots of women through their labor. Sound like a more comfortable computer seat for us guys to use after the baby is born. Great post!
Sure. Those chairs and couches in hospital rooms are TERRIBLY uncomfortable. My husband had a horribly time trying to sleep on one the first time, then decided he was going home the next time because it was impossibly to get comfortable.
Thanks for you comment, Adam!
So you can’t loose buying a peanut ball! If you don’t like it during the childbirth you can still use it to get in shape after giving birth…
Marie
Exactly. An investment for more than one purpose.
I had never even heard of the peanut ball before, the benefits seem interesting.
Anything to reduce labor and delivery time for a mother is GREAT! Thanks Adam.
I really needed this when I had my kids. I had to use pillows. I also love your site, it is very relaxing to look at and read.
Thanks June. Feel free to share any motherly wisdom you’ve gained with the rest of us all. I love hearing everyone’s perspective. Best!