Anyone used the Epi-No

[deetor]

Hello everyone,
I have tried to use the epi-no a couple of times... Only problem is when i insert the epi-no as instructed its fine, but once i start to inflate the epi-no it pops back out of my vag .. SO the only way to hold it in their is if i hold it up with my hand for 10 minutes... Is this correct? What can i be doing wrong? i got to 6cm yesterday, and i thought i cant possibly be doing this right...im all confused and i really want to use it... anytips to what i could be doing wrong????/


Thanks

[deetor]

Has anyone used the Epi-No?????

[SamiH]

Aww hun - I dont even know what an Epi-No is

Hope someone pops in who can help you

[dust]

i havent used it. i looked into it with baby #2.. and from what i remember i think DH was keen on assisting me had i bought one or perhaps it even suggested someone helping? i think 6cm is awesome for your first try.. im not sure exactly on gradual the stretching was meant to be...
good luck with it!

[deetor]

Aww hun - I dont even know what an Epi-No is

Hope someone pops in who can help you

The Epi No is a pelvic floor training device. it has a balloon at one end and a hand held pump at the other. The idea is that you use it daily from 37 weeks onwards to train your pelvic floor/ perinieum. i.e you put the balloon into your vagina and pump it up a little then push it out yourself...increasing the size of the balloon each day untill you can comfortably get to 10cm.
They say that the Epi No is clinically proven to reduce the incidence of perineal tears and decrease the length of second stage. In addition it gets you used to the sensation of stretching/pushing. Aparently it can also be used postnatally to improve your pelvic floor integrity.

[koru]

I haven't but my doula reckons perineal massage is more effective and you need nothing more than your fingers and some olive oil!
She sent me some links on how to do it but I'm at owrk at the mo and the sites are blocked - will have a look when I'm at home and post them

[Melbournemumma]

HAHAHAHA, I also bought an Epi-no and apart from forgetting to use it for 2 weeks I had EXACTLY the same problem!!!! I couldn't be bothered sitting there holding it in for 10 minutes so good on you for at least doing that

[deetor]

HAHAHAHA, I also bought an Epi-no and apart from forgetting to use it for 2 weeks I had EXACTLY the same problem!!!! I couldn't be bothered sitting there holding it in for 10 minutes so good on you for at least doing that

I emailed the midwives, on the Epi-no website and this is the response i got. Not sure how much of it is true....Hhhmmmm



Some women do have the same difficulty as you. This is because you have lovely firm vaginal tone.
I have two suggestions for you.
The first you have already worked out for your self, which is to hold the balloon in. You can also try different positions such as semi sitting or sitting on the edge of the bed.
The other suggestion is to pump the balloon up, push it out over and over again for the exercise session. This will have the same benefit as keeping it inflated for the whole exercise session.

so there you go.... I hope the firm vaginal part is true, i mean i have been doing a whole heap of pilates and yoga during pregnancy... We will just have to wait and see... I am still persisting with it though and doing my stretches every night...

Now i just want my bubs to hurry up...