Epi-No

[j4ino]

Has anyone used the Epi-No?
http://www.avoidepisiotomy.com/

It is a lot of $$$ and I would like to hear reviews about it before I purchase. My midwife recommended it to help me stretch during childbirth because I have scar tissue (from an episiotomy + 4th degree tear) from delivering my first.

[wombatclay]

last time I checked it wasn't available in the US (well, you couldn't buy it yourself through the website).

Perineal massage and scar massage are both DIY options that don't cost anything. However, perineal massage gets mixed reviews in terms of preventing tears so some care providers suggest doing the massage in the 1st and 2nd trimester but not in the third or during the birth. Vit supplements, hydration, and overall stretching of the pelvic area (belly dance, tupler technique, Ending Female Pain, yoga, webster technique chiropractic, etc) might help too.

Have you checked the Vaginal Birth after 4th Degree Tear thread? It's a great resource! Good luck birthing!

[mntnmom]

It looks like one of the kegel exercisers I saw while looking, and some were probably easier to get. I don't know about preventing tears, but it should be good for general muscle tone, which is a good thing. Most of the kegel trainers said they weren't to be used during pregnancy. That might just be a liability thing though.

[sienna]

looks kind of medieval to me. :shudder: