Anyone heard of or used an Epi-No?

[Nath]

Has anyone heard of or used the following - www.epi-no.co.uk/
My midwife recommends this but I don't know anyone that has ever used one and am reluctant to spend £75 on something that may not work?
Any feedback would be helpful!
Thanks......

[goingfor3]

Massaging your perinium with olive oil will peobably help as much for a fraction of the cost. I imagine the epi-no will leave you permananlty stretched.

[katyjo]

Hi Nath, I bought one but to be honest I found it quite a pain to use and it is licensed to train your pelvic floor not to prevent stiches so the instructions are just for pelvic strenghtening.

Save your money, use wheatgerm oil and don't worry. I ended up having stiches, but I had no idea I had torn.

When are you due?
xxx

[rubles]

My midwife recommended one - but her angle was more for the pelvic floor strengthening than the perineum. It is a lot of money isn't it, but then again I also think 'what price continence?'.
Not used it myself, but I am interested in all replies to this post as I have been researching it.

There's not really going to be much of a second hand ebay market on this one is there?

[Nath]

Hi Katyjo - due on the 22nd July and am terrified of tearing, I don't know why when I think labour will hurt more!!

My midwife is selling it more on the training muscles not to tear factor and told me it was really easy to use......

It is alot of money though - although is it that easy to massage yourself?!

Hee hee Rubles - that's what my husband said, its not like we can then sell it if it doesn't work!!!
xxx

[katyjo]

Nath, don't spend too much time worrying about tearing, I did everything right and I still needed a few stiches and it wasn't sure afterwards, although make sure you keep the gas and air for the stiches.
I know I was really worried how my bits would feel afterwards and to be perfectly honest I don't notice much difference from before the birth, we started having sex again about 4 weeks after the birth.
I think its just the luck of the draw, my sister has had 3 babies, largest was nearly 10lbs and she has never had a stich! and she never did anything to prevent them at all!

Good luck Ladies
Katyjo

p.s. I think pilates is fantastic for strengthening your pelvic floor, I went to a post natal class taken by a midwife after the birth of ds and it definately mad a huge difference.

[Nath]

Thanks Katyjo - I suppose tearing is the only thing I can relate to, like cutting yourself.....labour I have no idea !!!

[katyjo]

you'll be fine, don't listen to other people's horror stories, do what the midwife tells you and take pain relief if you need it.
I was quite prepared to have all the pain relief I could, I used a tens machine in early labour and started on gas and air from being about 3cm, about an hour in as I was induced. I didn't end up needing anything else, but don't be afraid to ask for pain relief it is the only time in your life you get the opportunity to try these wonderful drugs!
I think nature is a wonderful thing and maybe my memory is hazy, but I don't actually remember pain during labour, being very uncomfortable but not pain. It is such an amazing thing, you are so proud of yourself and your new baby, that's all you think about.

I look forward to reading your birth announcement on here soon.

[Constanza]

I used Epi-no in my first pregnancy, my baby came 12 days befre the due date, so I only used it for 10 days or so. I had an epidural, and drip, and had to stiches or damage at all. Was great delivery, a bit too long, but good. I am preganant again and I will use epi-no again.
Good luck to all of us.