The Miracle Ball Method for Pregnancy: Relieve Back Pain, Ease Labor, Reduce Stress, Regain a Flat Belly

by Elaine Petrone

Every year, four million women experience the joy of pregnancy—along with backaches, indigestion, sore feet, and difficulty sleeping. And after baby arrives, that persistent postpartum belly. Now proven relief is here. From Elaine Petrone, author of The Miracle Ball Method , with over 1.1 million copies in print, comes The Miracle Ball Method for Pregnancy , a program designed to help women deal with the pains, stress, and physical changes of pregnancy, and then help them regain a flat belly afterward.

Elaine Petrone, a former dancer who created the original Miracle Ball Method to heal herself after suffering a career-ending injury, developed The Miracle Ball Method for Pregnancy after her own high-risk pregnancy with twins. A complete kit containing two squishy miracle balls and a fully illustrated instruction book, the Miracle Ball Method works because it’s the muscles relax and become supple enough to allow the body to realign and reshape. The program starts with how to breathe properly, and why focusing on exhalation strengthens the diaphragm and relieves anxiety and fatigue. There are movements for specific problem areas—Neck on the Ball, the Rib Cage Side Stretch—and whole-body moves like Standing Body Hang Over. There are also variations to use in later months, when it’s no longer advised to lie flat on your back. The final exercises help reshape the body after birth, plus address labor, breastfeeding, and carrying a new baby around, now on the outside.

Genres: Nonfiction

288 pages, Paperback

First published April 15, 2011

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received this book for free through goodreads first reads. I did not try every exercise or stretch in this book, however I did read them all. I like the balls because they relieve some of the pressure that accumulates in the body. The book says to take a deep breath and when letting it out, to release it into the balls. I personally think that is nonsense, however the stretches are legitimate and they do relieve pressure and make tension leave your body. It is nice for knee and back pain especially. Also, my daughter likes to grab the balls and bounce them, so it's fun for the whole family.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fun and easy way to exercise! The two smaller balls instead of one big large one makes this a unique system that relaxes you and relives pain. I would reccomend!

[Sara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so I have never been pregnant, and probably won't be any time in the near future. But I sit in a desk all day working on a computer, so when I won this I though, eh, give it a try. Its AMAZING!!! Love it!! All you do is put your weight on these squishy purple balls (wherever it hurts) and it eases the pain. I tried it after a long day at work, and after a little while of laying on the floor with the ball under my lower back, I felt so much better!!! And when I was finished, I stood straighter! Also tried it under my shoulder (I'm an avid crocheter) and it completely got the knots out!! Love, love, love it!!!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. The smaller workout balls were great and a lot easier to store than the larger workout ball. I think this helped a lot with my back pain and would recommend this to anyone who suffers from back pain, not just pregnant back pain either. The book had a lot of helpful tips and a lot of useful information.

[Laura · Rating 4 out of 5]

No, I'm not pregnant, but I do have back problems from giving birth and thought this book might help. The book is a series of exercises and body movements combined with breathing exercises that actually do help with back pain, and muscle tension. I will certainly use the information the rest of my life; lots of helpful information.

[Brittany · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this from goodreads.com First Reads giveaways. I entered this contest in anticipation of getting it for a friend and luckily I got it! She has already started to use it and says that "It IS definitely a MIRACLE!!" She was able to sleep through the night after an afternoon of trying out several of the exercises. I might just have to get it back from her IF I ever become pregnant :)

[Stephanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting how those two little balls, placed in the right places, can make a difference. Think this will help. Thanks for the opportunity to check this out!

Won from a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.

[s · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this kit. It really does help to stretch out my back at the end of the day. I've let my husband try it and he even gets a good stretch out of it.
This would make a great gift for any expectant mother.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great way to relieve back pain. It is easy to follow and feels so great!! A must for any pregnant lady with back aches! Thank you good reads first reads!

[Shannon · Rating 4 out of 5]

I sit at a computer all day and this works great to get the aches and pains out. Very simple and easy.
Since I had very similar pain when I was pregnant, I can't see how this wouldn't work.