Peanut Ball Training
What is a Peanut Ball?
A Peanut ball is a bit like a peanut-shaped exercise ball, and it has a special role in the birthing process. Moms-to-be often use it during labor to help open up the pelvis and make things more comfortable. The peanut ball provides support and can be placed between the legs to encourage a better birthing position. It’s like having a labor buddy that helps with the twists and turns of childbirth.
What does Peanut Ball do?
- Pelvis Opening: Placing the peanut ball between a laboring woman’s legs helps open the pelvis outlet.
- Facilitates Descent: It aids the baby’s descent into the pelvis, promoting a smoother birthing process.
- Mid-Pelvic Rotation: The peanut ball encourages the baby to rotate in the mid-pelvis, optimizing the birthing position.
- Shortens Labor: By supporting these movements, it may contribute to shorter and faster labor experiences.
- Reduces Cesarean Rates: One of peanut ball’s notable benefits is the potential to lower Cesarean rates, making it a valuable tool during labor.
How does a Peanut Ball Work?
Peanut balls, while not exactly new, are gaining attention in the birthing world. They’re versatile, suitable for use with or without an epidural.
During labor, placing the peanut ball between a woman’s legs serves a purpose. It opens the pelvis outlet, promoting relaxation. More significantly, it aids the descent of the baby into the pelvis, facilitates rotation in the mid-pelvis, resulting in a potentially shorter and faster labor.
A significant benefit is their potential to reduce Cesarean births. It’s a practical tool with tangible outcomes in the birthing process. If you have more questions or need details, feel free to ask.
Peanut Ball Training
Peanut Ball training is not only for doulas. Parents also benefit from learning how to effectively use a peanut ball.
During your 2 1/2 hour class with Heather, you and your partner will learn several peanut ball positions. Heather will show you how to use these positions both prior and during your labor. You can apply this knowledge that you acquire during the prenatal period and use these positions to increase comfort and open up your pelvis. The class also covers information about your baby’s station and contraindications.
Are you a Doula?
Heather also offers courses for doulas and birthworkers.
For Parents
$75 per couple
Dates: TBD
Time: 6-8:30pm
Duration: 2.5 Hours
Max Class Size: 10 people
Materials (Included): Reminder handout
Materials (optional purchase): Laminated cards
Skills Covered:
- Learn the top 7 positions for laboring with or without an epidural.
- Contraindications
- Size Matters! What size(s) are right for you?
- What’s babies station? And why should I want to know?
- Which positions for each stage of labor?
- Which position can I do prenatally to help baby engage into the pelvis?
Peanut Ball Laminated Cards
This a set of 5 charts that includes pictures representing 7 different positions using the peanut ball along with a short description of each. The charts are printed on 8×10 cardstock. Images on the chart demonstrate positions with and without the epidural.
Charts also include clear instructions about cleaning, covering, and choosing the correct size for you.
Although purchase of the laminated cards is not required for your peanut ball training, they can be a reference during labor.
Please purchase prior to training if you would like to use these charts during your class with Heather.
Peanut Ball Gallery
© 2024 San Diego County Midwives
San Diego County Midwives have either authored or reviewed and approved the content on this website.
Disclaimer of Medical Advice: All users of this website are responsible for their own medical care, treatment, and oversight. All of the content provided on the website is for informational purposes only and does not constitute the providing of medical advice. It is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
Privacy Policy | Terms of Use | Sitemap | Accessibility Statement