For many women, pregnancy can mean an end to regular treatments such as physiotherapy appointments.  Being propped up on pillows or lying sideways is not as comfortable or effective, and many women choose to put their treatment sessions on hold until after the birth.  However there is no medical reason why women shouldn’t continue to receive these treatments lying on their tummies. Only the physical constraints of pregnancy prevent this. Enter the Holo Lilo.

Salvation has arrived

The Holo Lilo is an inflatable air bed with a hole in the middle, which allows pregnant women to comfortably and safely lie on their tummies.  Designed and patented by Emma Benson of West Yorkshire UK, the Holo Lilo is the culmination of two years research and planning, followed by development of many prototypes and extensive market testing.

The product was trialled for 4 months at the Women’s Health Physiotherapy Department, Oxford Radcliffe Hospitals NHS Trust, Oxford UK.  It proved very popular with women, who welcomed the opportunity to lie prone, especially if they had normally slept in this position prenatally.

Emma has been selling the Holo Lilo world-wide since 2009 and the market continues to grow. Midwives, osteopaths, yoga teachers, physiotherapists, obstetricians, all who have seen the Holo Lilo approve of its use and are amazed nothing like this has been developed before. Many practitioners are now investing in a Holo Lilo for their practices, and recommending it to their patients.

How it works

The key feature of the Holo Lilo, the hole, has a reinforced raised rim, specifically designed to provide much needed support for the back. The product currently has no set weight limit and the 30cm (approx.) hole is a one-size-fits-all solution, with only a small number of women unable to use the Holo Lilo in the late stages of pregnancy.  In addition the head section can be deflated, enabling women to use a standard pillow.

Ease of use and storage

The Holo Lilo can be inflated or deflated in a matter of minutes using a standard air pump (purchased separately). The total weight of the deflated Holo Lilo in its box is just 1.5kg with box dimensions of 34cmx24cmx5cm.

The Holo Lilo is available nationwide from Pregnancy, Birth & Beyond’s online store or 02 98905687.

Praise for the Holo Lilo

As a pregnancy yoga teacher, I have found the Holo Lilo has helped women to relax deeply, which I believe can profoundly impact a woman’s experience of pregnancy, birth and motherhood.  At a time when women often find it difficult to find a really comfortable position, the Holo Lilo can help not just the mother find the ‘right position’, but the baby also to find the optimal birthing position.  I highly recommend this to all mummies! Gillian Shippey, Yoga Teacher, UK (www.hololilo.com)

Wow – this really, really works. I am over 8 months pregnant and experienced this for the first time last week. If felt as if I was floating in water and made me totally relaxed – so the massage had a much better impact. Definitely very highly recommended and looking forward to booking in again shortly. Leigh, 34 weeks pregnant, Australia (www.pregnancy.com.au)

The Holo Lilo saved my life. I had not slept properly in months and was in a lot of pain from my pelvis. I normally sleep on my front or side and obviously couldn’t. Since having gotten the Holo Lilo I am sleeping better and am able to walk with a lot less pain. It really has made the last couple of months bearable. Rhonwen Hyslop, Expectant Mother, UK (www.hololilo.com)