Epi-no

Sorry if info is posted elsewhere on this topic - I'm happy to be redirected.

I have decided to purchase one but they are sooo expensive. Can anyone recommend web sites australian or american (thought might be cheaper from the usa given the aus $).

so far have seen a few sites in australia for $180. found a 2ndhand one (unused) on ebay which I am bidding on.

thanks for your help

I talked to a physio who specialised in pelvic floor about these once and she recommended I not get one. Apparently they dont just stretch the perineum, they can also loosen the pelvic floor muscles. She recommended manual perineal massage using EPO or vitamin E from about 34 weeks from memory.

Birth positions, breathing etc can also help prevent tearing.

Im another who although doesnt want to rain on your parade is gonna say....dont bother! I used mine religiously and sustained all but a 4th degree tear. As tashybabe said position, massage etc can assist in preventing tearing but IMO at the end of the day, if you're gonna tear there isnt a darn thing you can do about it. Save the casha nd do something nicer with it ;)