EPI-NO success stories?

[lilly13]

Could anyone share EPI-NO success stories? I have been doing the exercises for the past 2.5 weeks, but somehow cannot get past the 22 mark on the pressure monitor (about 7 cm)... It is very painful and I am starting to think that perhaps I wasted GBP90 on a balloon.... Maybe I am not doing long enough... Did it work for you? What level did you get to on the EPI-NO pressure monitor, and then did not tear during labour? How long did you do it for daily and for how many weeks? Many thanks!

I started at about 37 weeks and I think I got up to about 8.5 cm. I did find it painful. I can't remember how long I did it for each day - but I think it was the absolute minimum time they recommended. I became a lot more confident as I progressed with the exercises. In the end I did tear - but this was because DD (my first DC) came out with her hand (complete with long and sharp fingernails!) up by the side of her head. Right up until that point the MW thought I was going to be absolutely fine. Good luck!

Hi Lilly13, I used the Epi-No and felt similarly - I only got about 7cm in the exercises, also wondered if I'd wasted money, also felt that I wasn't doing it for long enough (perhaps every second day, for about 10 minutes!?)

Anyway, I gave birth to a 4.4kg (9 pounds 11 ounce) baby girl and had a second degree tear. Okay, so it was a tear but, with such an enormous baby, I think it would have been worse without the Epi-No!

Perhaps more importantly, I felt much calmer during the pushing stage knowing I'd done some 'preparation' down there. And I personally believe that being calm and taking your time during the pushing stage is invaluable.

And if it helps to reassure you, I didn't feel myself tear - there was WAY too much going on for me to even register. And the recovery was speedy :)

So my suggestion is - keep doing the exercises and don't worry about how much the Epi-No cost. It is worth it for the peace of mind.

PipPipPip

PS. Just want to say that my labour 4 weeks ago was a very exciting and positive experience. It was gruesome and painful, sure, but it went well and I am left with (almost) fond memories. Good luck, you'll be fine :)

Hi Gardamom and PipPip, thank you so much for your stories and words of encouragement!