Hi Betty,

I used the epi-no, but only got to 7cm with it before I went into labour 3 weeks early! My OB highly recommended it, and reckons it does reduce the risk of tearing. I had no tearing, and bub came out with just an hour pushing (which isn't too bad for 1st bub). OB reckoned it -can- reduce the length of the pushing stage, but it's probably not proven.. after all... who knows how long it would have been if they didn't use it! hehe.

Anyway.. my comment to my OB when Tallon was born.. was imagine how easy it would have been if i'd got to 10cm with the epi-no! LOL.

As for pelvic floor.. it only really gives you something to squeeze down on.. and gives you a reading of the pressure you're exerting. You can just as easily do it without it.