Epi-No or Perinneal massage??

[LuckyOwl28]

I'm 28 weeks and feel like I should start thinking about preparing myself down there for the birth. Considering the other half wont touch me with a 10ft pole at the moment i'm worried my poor bits are going to be so unprepared.

Has anyone used an epi-no? They seem expensive but heard good things about them.

Perinneal massage is obviously much cheaper but I very much doubt I can rope the husband into that and can't see it being very easy solo.

Any thoughts and advice appreciated!

[LikeCandy]

Hi Lucky I'm also 28w with DC1 and have been looking into how best to reduce chances of tearing during labour. A lot of what I have read suggests having an active labour in an optimal position (squat/all fours/on left side with leg up supported) and pushing gently with m/w guidance seems to help the most.
To be honest I would would worry about the after effects of perineal massage or similar, because I don't want to be permanently looser!
I'll be interested to read people's replies to your question

[LuckyOwl28]

Ooo really what's your due date? Mine's 8th April. I'm planning a waterbirth too which apparently helps with lubrication so I may be OK. Suppose it's just one of those things you never know how things are going to tear turn out.

The Epi-No works on the basis of you contracting your pelvic muscles so apparently won't leave you like a wizards sleeve afterwards. No that is not a direct quite from the website lol. It's supposed to train your muscles to keep them in better shape afterwards too which sounds more appealing.

I've found it hard to find a substantial amount of reviews based on actual experience although the ones I have read were all very positive. Think i'll ask my midwife on Tuesday x

[learnermummy]

Not heard of an epi-no but have done perineal massage twice before and think it definitely does help. It's not pleasant though! And it doesn't make you permanently loose! Will be doing it again this time once I can face it!

[MyFriendGoo]

I'm intending to do perineal massage solo, so be interested to hear other's experiences! If it's like any other muscle in the body then teaching it to be more flexible won't make it any looser when its at rest - just give the muscle a greater range of comfortable movement when needed iyswim.

[LikeCandy]

Lucky I'm due 3rd April, the midwife led until I will be going to has 2 active birthing rooms with pools, fingers crossed they're not in demand when I go in!

I found this leaflet about perineal massage and recommends it from 35 weeks, looks a bit vicious but if it benefits (thanks learnermummy) I might have to give it a go!

[smiler389]

That leaflet is brill. Def gonna try and do it....makes sense!

[LaurenCaddy]

I'm due March 18th and (fingers crossed) will be having a water birth.

I've been using Perineal massage oil for the last few days. But not doing the actual massage act til the correct time, (i'm 31 weeks currently). My mother swears by it, (7 kids and not 1 tear!) So for me it was a Mum Knows Best, and i went onto the NCT website and bought some!

Its like Raspberry Leaf Tea, might as well try it. Anything that might help me get through the labour without lots of drugs would be idea for me. I know there's no such thing as a perfect birth, but anything that says can help towards it, i'm there trying it!

[vallinnapod]

I used an Epi-No and attempt some perineal massage. Had a very quick, water birth with no tearing....!

[Woodifer]

If you practised touching your toes, you legs won't become weak or loose, you are just more likely to be able to touch your toes without straining a muscle. Similarly with stretching your perineal muscles (by massage or epino) you don't get wizards sleeve fanjo, but a more flexible one.

[learnermummy]

You don't need a special oil to do it - just olive oil would do. Might be a bit tricky to do to yourself though. Glad to hear I don't need to start for a few weeks though!

[Woodifer]

I used almond oil with DC1

I couldn't reach from front with thumbs (must have t-rex arms), so I reached around the back (like when wiping after loo) and used my fingers.

I ended up with back to back baby, got urge to push before fully dilated because of baby position, needed epidural to stop me pushing, then needed drip to augment contractions - then distresed baby - leading to ventouse and the standard accompanying episiotomy - but I didn't have any other tears (don't know if the PM was beneficial or not really), prob give it another go this time.

[learnermummy]

Just got round to googling the epi-no and actually think it looks quite good, seems to get good reviews too. Might consider it although pricey.