Epino/Aniball for perineal massage and stretching?

[Blooms210]

Has anyone used or bought either an Epino or aniball etc to help with prep for birth? 35 weeks with my second and had a bad tear and episiotomy which resulted in ruptured stitches and lots of pain on my first so trying to avoid that this time around!

Tried perineal massage but I’m really struggling to reach around my bump to do it correctly/well so would love to hear if anyone had any feed back on any of them as they are quite expensive etc!
Thanks!

I'm 37.5 weeks and have just ordered one! I will report back!

Yes I am 38 weeks FTM and using the Aniball. I think it's more to get used to something ball shaped being in that area and being able to use pelvic floor to breath/push out. I don't think it's really about stretching but I guess you can focus on how much you can blow it up. I've got the balloon to 21cm circumference so far x

I’m 39 weeks and have been using the epi-no for a couple of weeks now. I couldn’t get on with perineal massage (although tip - you need to go in from the back!), and with the epi-no you can see exactly what progress you’re making. Who knows what will happen at the birth but midwives seem very positive about it. You can also use it to rebuild your pelvic floor after birth so it felt like a worthwhile investment!

Using now and going well so far. Got it to 7.5cm which is 24cms diameter. Will keep going!