EpiNo or perineal massage? Any experiences?

[Fabulosososo]

I'd like to try to reduced the risk of tearing. Has anyone tried the epiNo or perineal massage? Do they work? Is there any actual research into these methods? Or is it all just anecdotal?

Also anyone know when you need to start perineal massage and where u can get the oil from?

[Dixiechick17]

I started the perineal massage from 36 weeks, it was hard to do because my bump was huge at that point, I had a small tear so it didn't stop that I'm afraid, but it was barely noticeable and I had no pain or stinging from the stitches afterwards.

[pinguina16]

Cochrane review says perineal massage is beneficial for 1st time mums-to-be.

www.cochrane.org/CD005123/PREG_antenatal-perineal-massage-for-reducing-perineal-trauma

Would be interested to see if anyone has evidence on epi-no and also if particular perineal massage techniques are better than others.

[Lovemylittlebear]

Did the massage for birth 1. No tear but needed episiotomy. Birth 2 no massage and had stage 2 year. No idea whether it made the difference or was a coincidence as I pushed 2 out myself and didn't listen when was supposed to stop pushing I don't think. Don't think I could hack massaging this time round as my foof has had enough lol. But it was fine first time round

[vallinnapod]

I used the Epi No with my first and second pregnancies and no tears either time. #3 due in 6 weeks and will def use it again. Friend of mine had the same positive experience. One of those you never really know what would have happened without but I'm not prepared to risk it

Found the Epi No 'logistically' easier than perineal massage in terms of getting a good angle

[NameChange30]

Place marking!
First pregnancy, so no advice to offer I'm afraid, but following with interest.

[lcoc2015]

I used epi no on both pregnancies. Both times 2nd degree tears (first preg was ventouse though). There is nothing in their testing to suggest higher possibility of SROM but both times my waters went before due date. I wonder sometimes was i being a bit agressive in trying to get to 10 inches (only ever got to 7ish).

[Fabulosososo]

vallinapod I've just been looking up how to do perineal massage and I agree with you. I think perineal massage must be pretty hard to do when you have a big bump! Not sure I will manage it.

Thanks for your posts everyone. I'm watching with interest. I read that the epiNo is meant to make women feel more comfortable at the pushing stage as they have already experienced a similar sensation. I wonder if that's true? It also seems to stretch like the perineal massage so wonder if it might offer some of the same benefits. Doesn't seem to be much research on the epiNo though.

[Cakescakescakes]

Did the massage regularly 1st pregnancy and ended with 3rd degree tear so didn't bother second time round!

[kiki22]

I done the massage second time round as I have scarring that still caused paid from the first baby ended up with a CS so not sure if it would have stopped tearing BUT its somehow helped my 4 year old scar heal further I no longer get pain from it.

[Fabulosososo]

Icoc2015 there is a way of inducing used for vbacs that involves using a balloon to dilate you to 10cm. There's a thread on here about it at the moment. When I read that thread I did think it sounded a bit like the epiNo. I wonder if enough research has been done into it.

[goldenpineapple]

Just had my first baby and practiced perineal massage from 36 weeks a few nights a week. Ended up with two first degree tears, midwife said they're basically grazes, no stitches needed, tiny bit stingy when peeing. He was born in water which I think helped too. Would defo do it again next time, it helped psychologically prepare if nothing else!!

[milkshakeandmonstermunch]

I needed an episiotomy with DD1 because she was back-to-back and got her chin stuck. I didn't fancy that recovery again.

I tried perineal massage this time and had DD2 5 days ago. I still had a small 2nd degree tear but it isn't nearly as bad. I don't know if the massage helped or not. Also, as pps have said, it was fairly tricky with a huge bump plus DH's offers to help were met with

[DrWhy]

Did the massage from 37 weeks and had a water birth, hypnobirthing so no deliberate pushing and I still had a 2nd degree tear because he was born with his arm up next to his face. No idea whether it would have helped otherwise.

[AGapInTheMarket]

Found this article earlier today, might be of some use.
theconversation.com/what-we-know-about-perineal-tearing-and-how-to-reduce-it-during-childbirth-63212

[lcoc2015]

Fabulosososo is that the foley ballooon that they actually insert into your cervix to winch it open (ouchey!) . I find it suspicious that it happened with both of mine esp as large babies are common in my family and both dds were 7.5 lbs or so. I als did not go into labour myself after waters breaking which also mkes me a little suspiciou and had to be induced both times due to risk of infection 24 hrs after waters breaking.

[CostaAddict]

I did perineal massage for both of my labours. Started at 36 weeks for DS1 & 34 weeks for DS2. I used the mothercare perfect delivery gel. Both births no tears just slight graze. I'm not sure if it was luck or the massage but I'm relieved I didn't have to have stitches and my recovery after was fantastic.

[TigerLily666]

Found perineal massage useless (and started early). Needed episiotomy and still tore a bit too! May have been something to do with fact that DC came out with arm up by head (like superman according to DH) and insisted on coming out with wrong shoulder first too.

[Fabulosososo]

icoc yes I think it's be filet balloon I was thinking of. I don't know anything about it just saw a thread and thought it sounded a bit like the EpiNo. I wonder why're foley breaks your waters and starts labour whereas the EpiNo isn't meant to.

[Fabulosososo]

Those who did perineal massage- which instructions did you follow? I read the ones on babycentre.com but I found it a bit hard to follow. There does seem to be some Evidence perineal massage works so I think it's worth a go

[OldTownNew]

I didn't do anything and have had two babies (one 8lb10 and one 7lb3) without even a graze.... I really think it's down to luck of the draw but can't hurt trying

[Catdogcat]

I did perineal massage with an oil I bought from boots, I started at 34.5 weeks but knew I was being induced at 37 weeks. I started doing it myself then got DH to do it the last week which was hilarious.

I had no tears or episiotomy and just a tiny graze which healed in no time.

I don't know if the massage helped but I'll definitely do it when I'm pregnant next time.

[Catdogcat]

Also the oil I bought came with instructions which I followed.

[Slippersandacuppa]

I did it for all four of mine. Not sure how much difference it made but I didn't tear with the first so made sure I did it with the others! I think I had a slight graze with one of them but nothing significant. I did wonder how much it helped though (usually as I was doing it - not particularly easy) and how much of it was down to skin elasticity and midwife's skills.

[lcoc2015]

Fabulousoso the foley balloon is much more invasive i think and designed to start labour. The epi no is supposed to sit just inside your vagina so really replicates the feeling of crowning. Its not anywhere near your cervix really but i wonder did i use mine a bit to far up. I would still recommend it though if you are anxious about tearing which i was as it makes you feel more prepared. To be fair i only got a second degree tear with a ventouse delivery which would usually require an episiotomy.

[YellowPirate]

Wish I'd done it. I'm currently recovering from a 2nd degree tear....i've no idea if it would have worked but it couldn't hurt!