RE: [ozmidwifery] Tearing after using Epi-No? Unlikely when used accroding to instructions.

[Julie Clarke]

Dear Kelly, I can help you with some more information for the woman you are currently supporting who has had a “slight incident” with the epi-no childbirth trainer. As an educator I have had many conversations with pregnant women making good use of the epi-no during the last few weeks of their pregnancy and also during the following months as well, when using it as a pelvic floor muscle trainer/strengthener. The occasional woman has described to me a similar story though it is not that common for a woman to use the epi-no in such a way as to cause bleeding, but it seems to me she could be a bit overzealous in her use of it and inserting it too far (fully instead of 50%) and then being quite challenged by it when pushing it out – that’s one possibility – it would be worth your while asking her a few questions about her use of it and then suggesting that the next time she does it to read the instructions again first and then take it slowly, carefully and gently particularly for the first weeks use. It just takes a little bit of practice to become more familiar with it’s use that’s all. However the other thought that crossed my mind is the possibility of an infection – possibly thrush – which might weaken the area making it more prone to injury easily – worthwhile suggesting she have it checked – best to heal prior to recommencing. Kelly, this is a really worthwhile product and I have had consistently positive feedback both from birthing women as well as midwives, indeed I have had a number of midwives come through my classes who have used the epi-no themselves in preparation for birth with remarks like “well it makes sense doesn’t it – just like perineal massage – it’s wise to prepare for birth”. Personally I have noticed women become a lot more confident after they have used the epi-no sufficiently to achieve a good stretch vaginally – then they will often make comments like “I feel more confident now ‘cause I know I can do it” and “Once I realised I had made it to 7cms or 8 cms etc I was not scared anymore, instead looking forward to the birth”. Further comments I have received from women after using the epi-no and after giving birth “I could feel where the baby’s head was and because of the epi-no I knew what I was doing, I know I wouldn’t have had that insight otherwise without the practice beforehand – I knew when to push and I felt ok with the stretching and could just relax – it felt great”   Based on all the comments I have heard about the epi-no and the births I have been at where women had used it prior…. If I was pregnant again I would definitely be using it as part of my preparation that’s for sure!   With regard to pelvic floor muscle strengthening afterwards – for those who attended the ICM at Brisbane – there was research presented in the great hall from Denmark with regard to using a pelvic floor muscle training device that fitted the description of the epi-no although they didn’t actually say the name of the device used and the research concluded that this was by far the best way for women after 1 year post birth to have the strongest pelvic floor muscles. The Epi-no is also endorsed by the Continence Foundation. Current research certainly endorses the use of the epi-no – when used correctly.   Warm hug Julie     Julie Clarke Independent Childbirth and Parenting Educator HypnoBirthing (R) Practitioner ACE Grad Dip Supervisor NACE Advanced Educator and Trainer NACE National Journal Editor Transition into Parenthood Sessions 9 Withybrook Place Sylvania NSW 2224 Telephone  9544 6441 Mobile: 0401 2655 30 email: [EMAIL PROTECTED] visit Julie's website: www.transitionintoparenthood.com.au   From: owner-ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au [mailto:owner-ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au] On Behalf Of brendamanning Sent: Tuesday, 10 January 2006 11:44 PM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Tearing after using Epi-No?   Kelly,   Well, the bad news is that labour will be much more intense that what she's experienced with the epi-no!   The good news is that the vagina is very vascular & in a healthy woman heals quickly. A lot of blood can result from a quite minor laceration & it'll almost certainly be healed by her birth time. It probably won't affect her ability to birth without tearing.   I'm with Justine......those gadgets are money-making toys & dangerous to boot !   With kind regards Brenda Manning www.themidwife.com.au ----- Original Message ----- From: Kelly @ BellyBelly To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Sent: Tuesday, January 10, 2006 7:51 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Tearing after using Epi-No?   Wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a woman I am supporting due in two weeks who emailed me with this:   “I had a slight incident this morning... Was using an epi-no birth trainer (for the second time) in an effort to reduce the risk of tearing or needing an episiotomy, and although it didn't hurt when it was inside me, when i pushed it out according to the instructions, i thought that it hurt like i was tearing apart, and boy, i hope labour isn't this bad But i was right, cos i went the the toilet straight away and there was blood all over the tissues and toilet seat etc... Called my obs, who said not to worry, i've probably just torn a bit of my vagina, and it can happen during birth etc... Anyway, only bleeding a little bit now, but as i'm due VERY soon, i'm a little worried it wont heal in time and i'll tear really badly now... Does anyone know how long will it take for this to heal so i don't have to worry???” Best Regards, Kelly Zantey Creator, BellyBelly.com.au Gentle Solutions For Conception, Pregnancy, Birth & Parenthood BellyBelly Birth Support