Epi-no and tips for birth preparation

daiseydooda

Has anyone heard of this or know of anyone who has used it? I am looking into ways to reduce my chance of tearing during delivery. I have heard of perineal massage but not sure if that works either. How are you ladies preparing your body for birth?

BzeetyD

I've heard laboring in the tub can help a lot for this issue. Not a waterbirth, but sitting in water before the pushing stage.

ally510

I didn't do anything to prep with my first. I was induced so labor began escalating pretty quickly. I told my OB that if he thought any tearing might occur, to please do an episiotomy, which he did. The recovery sucked because it's just such a sensitive area, however, I'm sure it would have been far worse if I tore. Even if you prepare, there is still the potential to tear. Thus, my advice would be to tell your OB in advance that you're concerned about tearing so that he/she is prepared to do an episiotomy to prevent it.

Good luck!

tryingyetagain

I didn't do anything to really prepare, but the nurse with me while I was laboring did a perineal massage (I guess that's what it was), where she was up in there stretching things out in preparation for delivery. It was not fun, but I'm convinced it kept my tearing minimal. I didn't need an episiotomy or any stitches, even though I pushed for almost three hours and DS had a big head!

daiseydooda

tryingyetagain said:

I didn't do anything to really prepare, but the nurse with me while I was laboring did a perineal massage (I guess that's what it was), where she was up in there stretching things out in preparation for delivery. It was not fun, but I'm convinced it kept my tearing minimal. I didn't need an episiotomy or any stitches, even though I pushed for almost three hours and DS had a big head!

I wonder if my OB will do perineal massage I know midwifes do that.

tryingyetagain

daiseydooda said:

I didn't do anything to really prepare, but the nurse with me while I was laboring did a perineal massage (I guess that's what it was), where she was up in there stretching things out in preparation for delivery. It was not fun, but I'm convinced it kept my tearing minimal. I didn't need an episiotomy or any stitches, even though I pushed for almost three hours and DS had a big head!

I wonder if my OB will do perineal massage I know midwifes do that.

I would ask.  I'm not sure if that is standard practice at hospitals during delivery, if the nurse I had was just awesome!

BzeetyD

I asked my OB about her preferences between tearing and an epi - she thought generally tearing was better but said, if it looked like it would be (her words) "hamburger" after the baby came out, she'd suggest an epi.

I am cool with her judgement.

adriprints

A friend of a friend swore by the Epi-NO and said it helped prep her for birth.  I think it's an interesting device if you want feedback on your kegels.  The inflating part of it is only for the last few weeks before labor, and then you can use it again 6wks after birth to repair your pelvic floor... according to testimonials.  I've personally not used it, but it's a lot cheaper here in Germany than stateside so I'm considering it.  I would like to actually hear from someone who's personally used it, though.