Curb Walking for Labor

Have started dilating and effacing and want to give your body a little push to get things moving?

Try this simple exercise: Curb walking 

Curb walking is an exercise often used as a way to prepare the body for labor and naturally induce. The idea is that walking on the curb or using other variations can encourage the baby to move down in the pelvis and apply pressure to the cervix, which may help release oxytocin and trigger contractions. Curb walking can also promote pelvic movement and help to stretch and tone the muscles that are involved in childbirth.

If you don't have access to a safe curb to walk on, you can try other variations of the exercise, such as walking up and down stairs or wearing one high heel shoe and one flat shoe and walking inside. 

Here are some potential benefits of curb walking to induce labor:

1. Encourages baby to move down: Walking on the curb or using other variations can create a rocking motion that helps to move the baby down in the pelvis, which may stimulate the cervix and encourage labor to start.

2. Promotes better positioning: If the baby is in an unfavorable position, such as posterior or breech, curb walking may help to encourage the baby to move into a better position for delivery.

3. May help contractions become more regular: The pressure from the baby's head on the cervix can help to release oxytocin, which is the hormone that stimulates contractions. Walking on the curb or using other variations may help to make contractions more regular and stronger.

It is important to note that curb walking is not recommended for everyone and should only be done with the approval of your healthcare provider. Curb walking may not be effective for all women, and it is important to listen to your body and not overdo It.

Remember: The proper way to curb walk is UP and HIP OUT. 

Peanut Ball for Labor

A peanut ball can be a helpful tool during labor and birth. It is a peanut-shaped exercise ball that is used to help the birthing person find a comfortable and supportive position during labor. The peanut ball can be used in a variety of positions, including:

1. Sitting: The birthing person can sit on the ball with their legs wide apart, which can help to open up the pelvic area and encourage the baby to move down.

2. Side-lying: The birthing person can lie on their side with the peanut ball between their legs. This position can help to open up the pelvis and encourage the baby to move down.

3. Squatting: The birthing person can hold onto the peanut ball while squatting, which can help to open up the pelvis and encourage the baby to move down.

Using a peanut ball during labor and birth can have several benefits, including:

1. Providing comfort and support: The peanut ball can provide a supportive surface for the birthing person to lean on, which can help to reduce discomfort and fatigue during labor.

2. Encouraging labor progress: The peanut ball can help to open up the pelvis and encourage the baby to move down, which can help to speed up labor and reduce the need for medical interventions.

3. Allowing for mobility: The peanut ball can be used in a variety of positions, which can allow the birthing person to move around and find a comfortable position during labor.

If you are interested in using a peanut ball during labor and birth, talk to your healthcare provider or midwife to see if it is available at your birthing location and how it can be incorporated into your birth plan.