Aniball

I've seen a lot of videos on it and there are some benefits. I considered getting it during my first pregnancy but I didn't end up doing that. I was however doing a lot of perineal massages from around 33 weeks onwards (partner can do those for you as it would be hard to reach that area at the end of pregnancy). I genuinely think it really helped with the elasticity of the skin. In your birth plan, it's also good to include that you want warm compresses on your perinium as the warmth, moisture, and gentle pressure would help in you not tearing. And don't give birth lying on your back, haha, most important! I know this may not be the answer you're looking for, but I hope it helped somehow. I didn't tear at all with my first

how did you give birth position wise?

No that’s definitely helpful thank you

on my side. It's one of those positions that give you hip flexibility, and it works with gravity. My husband was next to me helping lift my leg up and to provide counter pressure as I pushed. On all 4's or squatting are also great positions. I'm happy to share more info if it helps and happy to answer any questions! I'm no expert by any means but I just love doing a lot of research about dofferent stuff haha 😅

I'm glad! Always happy to help!

love it thank you for sharing! I am only 20w but super keen to learn more so I can feel more prepped and have options - will definitely ask you once I am in the 3rd trimester :)

Sure thing! I'm 21 weeks preggo too with baby number 2 so we're at the same stage. Hope pregnancy's been treating you well!

I ve just bought one, but not tried it out yet (might give it a go tomorrow). I heard they are helpful for prep and recovery after and since I'm already having spillages from about 8 weeks in (now 22) thought it was probably worth a try, ha!

I am interested in trying one! careful not to start too soon - they say to use it from 37 weeks! https://aniball.uk/pages/how-to-use-aniball-instructions

thanks for sharing your tips! Another friend mentioned the idea of the partner applying "counter pressure" and said it was really helpful - they said they didn't get taught it in antenatal classes though, their partner just did some research. Sounds like a useful thing to know about!

to be honest most -if not everything - I genuinely learned and applied was from OBGYN, midwives, and certified doulas' youtube channels. I would watch them nonstop and it REALLY helped. Stuff like engaging baby's head into the pelvis, movements and exercises to activate labour, your rights at birth, and SO much more. Happy to give names of Youtube channels I love!

would love names of YouTube channels please! So amazing how much you educated yourself for your 1st birth

Thanks the one I've bought is just weights, no pump so may be slightly different but I will double check. Thanks for the heads up x

I hope you benefit from them as much as I did! Here's the list of my faves:

- Bridget Teyler
- Sarah Lavonne
- Diana in the Pink
- Pregnancy and Postpartum TV (lots of good workouts)
- Nurse Zabe
- Bodies after Babies (picked up some good postpartum movements that help heal diastasis recti)

And a special shoutout to Occupational Therapist Emma Hubbard's channel. SO MUCH baby information (development, behaviours, how to approach certain situations as a parent. It's such a rich channel).

There's a lot of things you can find online that you can't really get from antenatal classes. Small but important things about labour, birth, postpartum (like for example that there are foods to avoid if you intend on breastfeeding as they don't help the supply, and random stuff of that sort)

this is such an amazing list thanks so much! Can’t wait to dig in :) thanks again