Atlanta’s R&B sweetheart, Summer Walker, is getting ready to give birth to her second child. The singer announced her pregnancy in June with now ex-boyfriend, LVRD Pharoh and even said that she is looking forward to this pregnancy. “I’m very very excited because it’s going to be different from how it was before,” she said in her announcement. “It’s really peaceful, really happy, lots of help, lots of love.”

Since the announcement she has been sharing her journey with her followers. As her delivery date is approaching we’ve been seeing different prenatal techniques and contraptions she has to help aid her pregnancy along. The most recent item that has had fans scratching their heads, was a labor sling.

 

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In the comments of her post, Summer Walker addressed all the questions people have been dropping. “I took a pic in a sling that’s all,” she says. “side note prego ladies should order this off Amazon, takes all the pressure of your back , I been uncomfortable as hell till this got built.” That wasn’t enough of an explanation for people looking for answers, however. One user commented “what is it for?? I’m interested…I have 8 weeks left in my pregnancy 💙.” Well don’t worry @_jaidee_226, we’ve got all the answers for you.

What Is A Labor Sling?

A labor sling is a soft ribbon of cloth that hangs from an ‘O’ ring in the ceiling of a birth room. Some people (like Summer Walker) get ones that are attached to a stand that you can build yourself. The sling supports an expecting mother in an upright position during labor.

Upright labor may sound like a foreign concept to some since hospitals traditionally position laboring mothers on their backs, but it’s actually recommended. Upright laboring positions assists with shorter labors and less pain. Many women also feel more in control while in an upright laboring position. All of these factors reduce the need for an epidural as well as reducing your chances of having an unplanned c-section.

There are many ways you can take part of a labor sling. There is always the option to go to your local birthing center and request a labor sling. If you were looking to bring one into your home, it can be very hard to find on Amazon but many health centers sell them. Many expecting mothers also hire in home doulas. If you decide to go that route, you can always request your doula bring one. Please speak to a medical professional when making decisions that could impact your labor process.