Epi-No

[angelique]

Hi everyone,

Has anyone used Epi-No and recommend it. My OB said this is the best device for stretching and preventing tearing.

How early can you start using it and can it cause an infection?

xxxoooo

[sirhokko]

hi,

you don't really need a device to stretch you (the muscles can stretch quite nicely without any help) and a great birth in an upright position or in water will aid a gentle delivery. That's the best way to avoid tearing. The worst thing you can do is birth on the bed. No amount of stretching with a plastic pumping machine can get you through bad positioning with everyone shouting PUSH and forcing your baby uphill.

Lisa

[Bathsheba]

I tend to agree... I've never manually stretched myself and have delivered 2 average sized babies without tearing. I've heard that there are some stretching devices that are actually dangerous.

[BellyBelly]

I agree with sirhokko. The reason tearing is such a big worry for women is not because of the way our bodies were built, but the way we are being made to give birth. Get upright, get into water - I know women birthing 10-11lb babies without a tear at all. They all birthed upright. Yes, you will hear the odd story of a woman tearing when upright, but it's not as common and can depend on the baby's position. Trust your body and save yourself some money in the process

[Alan]

I alo agree with what everyone else has said.
2 nights ago we ha a baby 9lb 9oz mum gave birth on hands and knees she had a small graze but no tear or stiches.