Epi-No childbirth trainer - any views?

[Rhinestone]

Just wondered if anyone has used this and whether you'd recommend it. It's supposed to drastically reduce the chances of tearing or the need for an episiotomy.

I don't know anyone who has admitted to using it and don't want to go round asking!

I remember talking about these at my nct classes with DC1 a few years ago. None of us tried it. I started my mat leave at 37 weeks and thought it might be time to try the massage technique with finger which we also talked about. However, completely failed, bump was so big I simply couldn't do the technique. Gave up in fits of laughter then went into labour the next day anyway. I did have a small tear, which required one stitch. To be honest, it wasn't really a big deal, just a bit sore to sit, and whether you tear or not it is sore. My best advice was to take arnica tabs as soon as labour started, and then continue after birth, plus put a few drops of tea tree oil and lavender in the bath to aid healing. The less pleasant part was sitting in the bath and having to look at my giant now extremely wobbly tummy.....

My friend used it, she had a home birth in water and no tears and no epi.

I bought one but never got round to using it and bloody wish I had!