Epi-no does it work?

[Justtrying]

Now that i'm 30 weeks i'm starting to dread think about the actual birth and to all of you who have already been through it I have a question. How many of you used an epi-no and did it help? Alternatively did you use perenium massage? Any helpful hints will be gratefully received. Thanks

I did some perineal massage but found it painful which made me not want to do it. I think there is also evidence that it damages tissues, causing it to swell which is counter productive for tearing.

I had heard that a balanced diet and staying hydrated was good for helping tissues to stretch.

Also, allowing your baby to come out slowing so your perinuem stretches gradual reduces your tearing risk. All fours is a good position for minimising risk of tears as are positions with your arms up (it stops your baby going too far back on your perineum I believe).

What does an epi-no do?

I just bought one (at great expense) but haven't started using it. I will let you know!!

PS. There are a few threads on here about it. Search for epi-no in the box at the top right of screen.

I'm 39 weeks today so just started using mine two weeks ago. I obviously can't attest yet to its effectiveness during labour, but it has given me an idea of what the stretching of the perineum will feel like when the time comes, and I'm hoping that will make the real experience less scary/shocking.

I use the epi-no every evening for about 10?15 minutes, then follow that with another 10 mins of perineum massage. Both the epi-no and the massage are awkward and a little uncomfortable at first, but I'm finding it's getting easier. I've also found that I get a better result if I lie on my side when using the epi-no. In a half-reclined position, I found I had to really focus on holding it in with one hand; if you lie on your side you can hold it in place more easily by closing your legs over it. Lying on my side also makes it easier to read a book or something to pass the time. :)

When I started two weeks ago, I was able to go to about 5?6cm. Now I'm at around 7?8. Really eager for baby to make her appearance, but wouldn't mind a few more days so I can see if I can get a little closer to 10cm.

So in summary, I think I'm pleased with the results so far, if only because it's taken some of the mystery out of what that one aspect of labour might feel like. I'm really hoping it will help avoid a tear, too, so I can come back with a rave review.

Spending time in the water (bath or birthing pool) and pushing very slowly once the head crowns are also supposed to help the perineum stretch more easily.

Just to add - I've started using mine. It seems to be a well-designed product and the instructions are clear. It is easy to use and not too uncomfortable. Like any exercise, you start gently and build up from there.

I tend to think that 'familiarising' yourself with your downstairs area can only help. Even if I do end up with tearing, hopefully it'll be minimised. Or at least I'll be better able to care for myself, knowing the area a bit better.

i used it for dc1 and did no massage. psychologically it really boosted my confidence. in the end i did tear, but that was because dd came out with her hand up by her head and v long and sharp finger nails. mw had thought i would be ok. so was just bad luck i think.

worked for me and boosted my confidence, too

i just bought epi-no, too. will let you know. my consultant said no proven medical benefits, but should familiarize me with the work of pelvic muscles... i figured it's worth a try... quite expensive, though, and not sold at any discount anywhere...

One just sold second hand on eBay for about £65 though, so you could potentially resell it if you got one. DH wouldn't let me bid on it!

Hi guys, I said I'd come and update so...

My beautiful baby Lola was born on Sunday. She was an enormous baby at 4.4kg (around 9 pounds 9) and I had a second degree tear. The midwife said that 'as far as second degree tears go, this isn't a bad one'.

Who knows if the Epi-No reduced the tearing but it certainly gave me confidence, and the pushing part didn't feel as scary knowing that I've already done some 'preparation' downstairs! Some of the sensations of pushing felt familiar.

It is a shame that the Epi-No is so flippin' expensive, but I would recommend it if you can afford it.

PipPipPip congrats on the birth of your DD, hope your both doing well.
Thanks for the update, must start using my Epino in earnest soon. Have tried a little but not yet 37 weeks so thought whats the rush. MW has mentioned perineum massage so i guess its time to get stretching.

Hi All,
My brother-in-law's baby came earlier. Don't leave opening of the doors of the birth canal to the last minutes, but every little helps. Your baby yo-yo's towards the doors and when the contraction eases off baby slides back into the pelvis. The time yo-yoing will be shorter the more the doors have been opened. Epi-no is a good machine get the most from it.
Lots of love Yolanta.

I used an epi-no but sadly never got to find out if it worked as I ended up having an emergency c-section. if only i had a crystal ball i wouldn't have spent all those hours practicing!!!

Hi TransatlanticCityGirl,
Are you planning for any more? Your next hopefully will deliver normally and you will be able to find out. Keep thinking positive. I hope that you still have the chance to try for more children.
Congratulations,
Yolanta.