RE: [ozmidwifery] Tearing after using Epi-No? Unlikely when used accroding to instructions.
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 thats 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 its use thats 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 doesnt it just like perineal massage its 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 babys head was and because of the epi-no I knew what I was doing, I know I wouldnt 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 thats 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 didnt 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 isthat the vagina is very vascular in ahealthy womanheals quickly. A lot of blood can result from a quite minorlaceration 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
[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
Re: [ozmidwifery] Tearing after using Epi-No?
Title: Re: [ozmidwifery] Tearing after using Epi-No? Oh Dear Dont worry from tearing from an insane gadget sold by the Obs that is really unnecessary if a woman works with her body and births actively. I guess though that with a private Ob she has the worst chance of birthing actively and naturally, using water etc Why dont simple things like being upright convince women. Far better to put faith in a rubber gadget esp when its making someone money. I would think that if this thing can be pushed that far it is quite dangerous. The Obs response that its Ok and it can happen in labour is pretty telling as well. We all know that midwifery care esp 1-2-1 and intact perineum's walk hand in hand and scissor wounds are the trademark of Obs. Sorry that thing really offends me. JC
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 isthat the vagina is very vascular in ahealthy womanheals quickly. A lot of blood can result from a quite minorlaceration 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 regardsBrenda 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 ZanteyCreator, BellyBelly.com.au Gentle Solutions For Conception, Pregnancy, Birth ParenthoodBellyBelly Birth Support
Re: [ozmidwifery] Tearing after using Epi-No?
Hi All, I absolutely agree with Justine and Brenda. Artificial tools like the 'Epi-No' merely serve to instill fear of birthing and undermine women's belief in the ability of their own bodies to birth naturally and well. I have the same opinion of perineal massage - it just focuses the womens thoughts on the possibility, even likelihood that she will tear. Women need to focus on the positive beauty of birth not obsess over whether they will tear or not. The fact is that even if she does tear a little it will heal quickly. Just my opinion... Leanne. Leanne Wynne Midwife in charge of Women's Business Mildura Aboriginal Health Service Mob 0418 371862 From: brendamanning [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Tearing after using Epi-No? Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 23:43:38 +1100 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 image001.gif -- This mailing list is sponsored by ACE Graphics. Visit http://www.acegraphics.com.au to subscribe or unsubscribe.
RE: [ozmidwifery] Tearing after using Epi-No?
Thanks Brenda Ooh I forgot I made a mistake shes due in 2 days not two weeks how long to heal you think? Best Regards, Kelly Zantey Creator, BellyBelly.com.au Gentle Solutions For Conception, Pregnancy, Birth Parenthood BellyBelly Birth Support 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 isthat the vagina is very vascular in ahealthy womanheals quickly. A lot of blood can result from a quite minorlaceration 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
RE: [ozmidwifery] Tearing after using Epi-No?
Thanks all for your thoughts and I completely agree, but how do we get that out there in the mainstream? Because my forum is mainstream (but I have secretly loaded up the site with gentle articles) and it's s busy, especially since we get lots of promotion in the major parenting mags. While I have made progress over the year in regards to active birth and it's promotion, I struggle with my own frustration over what to constantly say to the so many who have fear issues, e.g. one recently said she wanted a repeat caesar as her first birth was too distressing (didn't see details why but I think it was a fear thing) so she only wants another, (followed by lots of others pro-choice about caesars) then posted after somewhere else to say that they are scared of the caesar process... as you all well know, there are so many women like this, with complete fear of everything related to birthing, believing their Obs when they say they need 38 week inductions just because they have GD (no signs of problems) or as one woman said, in her words, in regards to the necessity of caesars, 'my pelvis is in the wrong place so I just can't give birth normally'. It requires such a meticulous thought process to reply with factual information which isn't offensive or seen as anti- anything especially a woman's choices or beliefs, so if any of you feel you can help me spread the word in a positive way then please join my forums at http://www.bellybelly.com.au/forums ! I do my head in sometimes; you make progress with one but take two steps back with someone else. I guess that's the joy of the mainstream. I really thought I would attract more gentle parenting people but in reality, it's the mainstream attracted to a site which is known for being well moderated, friendly and supportive. There are quite a few in there who are into the gentle scene, but not enough, I feel I am continually supporting and reassuring everyone and when I need it myself about all sorts of issues - be it parenting or birth - I can't really turn to any of them. I go to another forum!!! However there are some lovely gentle midwives on my forum who have joined recently and been complete lifesavers. I am proud of what I am doing, I am not in it for money, I don't get paid for what I do, but rather, I love seeing women turn around their thoughts about birthing and standing up and saying no to their Obs due to the encouragement and confidence they receive through other women, but one little person amongst so many women on a forum trying to make a difference to so many women is tough! I know we are all trying to do that, but there are so many scared women and not enough of us promoting what we believe - or rather, know about birth. Sorry for the rant... I'll shuddup now! Best Regards, Kelly Zantey Director, www.bellybelly.com.au www.toys4tikes.com.au Gentle Solutions For Conception, Pregnancy, Birth Baby Australian Little Tikes Specialists -Original Message- From: [EMAIL PROTECTED] [mailto:[EMAIL PROTECTED] On Behalf Of leanne wynne Sent: Wednesday, 11 January 2006 9:04 AM To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Tearing after using Epi-No? Hi All, I absolutely agree with Justine and Brenda. Artificial tools like the 'Epi-No' merely serve to instill fear of birthing and undermine women's belief in the ability of their own bodies to birth naturally and well. I have the same opinion of perineal massage - it just focuses the womens thoughts on the possibility, even likelihood that she will tear. Women need to focus on the positive beauty of birth not obsess over whether they will tear or not. The fact is that even if she does tear a little it will heal quickly. Just my opinion... Leanne. Leanne Wynne Midwife in charge of Women's Business Mildura Aboriginal Health Service Mob 0418 371862 From: brendamanning [EMAIL PROTECTED] Reply-To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au To: ozmidwifery@acegraphics.com.au Subject: Re: [ozmidwifery] Tearing after using Epi-No? Date: Tue, 10 Jan 2006 23:43:38 +1100 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
