i have been using the Epi-No (albeit sporadically!) for the last few weeks to try and stretch my perineum in preparation for the birth. i haven't been using it for pelvic floor exercises - i get bored way too quickly and am too ill-disciplined for that!!

I haven't had my baby yet so am not sure to what extent i'll tear, but i do think that just by using the Epi-No it's given me some idea of the stretching sensation that i'll feel when the baby crowns, which hopefully will help me be more relaxed when it happens for real...

i got up to 9cms one day last week and did tear myself very slightly (just a tiny bit of blood, and didn't feel it), which was a little off-putting and i didn't use it again until today.
the fact that i got up to 9cms without any of the labour hormones flowing through my body, and after only a few minutes of stretching (rather than the more pro-longed stretching it's sure to undergo during labour), does make me feel more confident that i will not rip completely in two (my previous fear!) during the birth.

i would recommend using an Epi-No to build your confidence and ellay fears if you are particularly concerned about tearing (which i previously was).