by Aria Boutet

Nurse Claudia, Doula Aria Boutet and the Birth Ball

Thanks to the donation of Trina PaStarr, a doula and Dar a Luz volunteer from Minnesota, and the effort of Silvia, a birth ball was used for the very first time at La Ceiba hospital yesterday. With the consent of staff, the laboring woman was able to straddle the birth ball and sway during contractions. She remained on the birth ball for about an hour and a half, during which time she dilated from 5 cm to 7 or 8. This first time mom’s labor progressed more rapidly than usual at this hospital, where women are normally confined to bed.

The head nurse, Teresa Nunez, is interested in the birth ball and would like us to demonstrate its use to her with another laboring woman. We hope that one day birth balls, as well as freedom to move around, become part of standard care at La Ceiba Hospital.

Thanks to Trina PaStarr for her donation!