Has anyone tried an aniball?

[zscaler]

If so, did you think it helped?

Following as wondering the same. I'm not to confident in their claims and would rather have independent reviews x

Also following. Think I will invest in one as I think it will mentally prepare me at the very least. I dont think they are too popular in the UK

I haven't tried it, but always put me off about them is that when you are actually in labour your body dilates naturally. You DO get bigger down there when it's time to push. There's no need to get a device to stretch anything, as your body does that naturally when the time comes. Also the notion that it helps you practise doesn't make sense, as when you are on the final stage of labour is your body who tells you to push, you can't help it! Believe me, I was trying to hold off until the doctor was ready as I was having a complicated delivery and it was impossible.
My advice would be to not waste your money. What I did do is insert the primrose oil capsules a few weeks before birth and only had two stitches, which apparently was really good for a first time mum. No idea if it was just luck though.
I wish you a safe delivery, OP. It will be fine!

I ended up having a c section in the end (after a 40 hour labour!) because baby was stuck at an awkward angle in my pelvis, so I didn't ever get to test out whether it helped with tearing/pushing, but in the lead up to the birth I was able to 'birth' the Aniball with a 31/32cm circumference (after a few weeks of daily use to help the muscles loosen very gradually), and it gave me so much more confidence that I'd be able to manage to birth the baby's head without tearing (usually around 35cm circumference). A good friend of mine also used the Aniball daily from week 37 and gave birth vaginally with no tearing at all. It was a little tricky to insert at first and you need to take time to find a comfortable position, but I found it easier to do myself than perineal massage - you just need to persevere with it and try to relax as much as possible. You can also use it after the birth to help with pelvic floor strengthening exercises. I would absolutely recommend it.