The peanut ball is a non medical labor tool that can be used with or without pain medication during labor. There are 4 different sizes 40cm, 50cm (which is the most commonly used size) 60cm for taller laboring women and the biggest is 70cm and is used only to sit or straddle on the floor.
The peanut ball has been shown to reduce labor times by about 2 hours and reduce the need for a cesarean delivery!
How does this magical thing work you may ask?! Once the location of the baby is determined in the pelvis, there are different positions with the peanut ball to help the baby descend and rotate.
If the baby is at a -3 or a -2 station, this means he/she is still in the inlet. The mother’s knees rotated outward will help for external rotation of the baby. Think of a ballet dancer in a plié.
If the baby is at a -1 or 0 station, he/she is in the mid pelvis. The peanut ball can be placed in between the mothers knees to encourage rotation and descent.
*Used with permission Photo © Premier Birth Tools LLC*
If the baby is at +1 station or lower, the peanut ball can be used in the tuck position to help the baby make his or her way through the outlet of the pelvis and into this world!
The peanut ball really is an easy and useful tool in labor with scientific evidence to back it.
Contact us today so we can support you in your labor and encourage descent/rotation with the peanut ball, amongst many other amazing and useful tools, techniques and comfort measures!
*Written By: Meg Smith, CD (DONA), CCE, HCHD*