[bright*future]

I'm just starting to do some research on this topic and I've read about all sorts of wild & wonderful things.

Massaging the perenium, evening primrose oil, squats, epi-no (can't even figure out what that is!)...

Other suggestions??

[RachealJane]

I'm considering using the epi-no device. You can request a free info pack on their website.

I had a third degree tear last time and it was horrible to heal from.

My plan is to labour in water as this helps with stretching too.

[R2B2]

Listen to your midwife when they tell you when to push and when not to push

as PP said, water birth is also excellent to help with it.

This post has been edited by R2B2: 09/02/2013, 09:44 AM

[soontobegran]

There are things you can do to help minimise the risk such as birth position and having a good birth coach but I am not so sure that too much you do antenatally will help...I did it all and still had a very large tear with my #5.

I think a lot has to do with genetics, size of baby and as I said having a good birth coach.
I never used an epi-no but anecdotally I do not think I have noticed a huge difference for the woman who did use them although I am certain some woman will have found them very positive.

[KRT]

I had an epi-no and think it helped with understanding the stretching feeling. However I ended up with forceps and an episiotomy that tore further, so there's no guarantees.

[Windingvines]

I don't know if this had anything to do with it but I spent my whole 1st labour in the shower including the birth had 20 mins pushing and slight tear (not painful at all healing wise). 3rd baby spent most of labour in the shower and retired to bed for birth 15 mins pushing no tear. Like I said though, not sure if that was the reason but worth a try right?

[ms flib]

My OB held a wet cloth to my perenium when DD1 was crowning. He also got me to push very slowly. I was lying on my side on the bed which meant he could control it better. No tears. I pushed for about 20 minutes.

DD2 was a bit faster(about 10 min) but still no tears.

I might add that I have very few stretch marks after 3 full term babies. Maybe it helps to have more "elastic" skin - perhaps it is partly genetics.

All the best

(edited for clarity)

This post has been edited by ms flib: 09/02/2013, 06:51 PM

[Furfeathersfleec...]

I didn't tear at all

I used the Epi no, though not as often or for as long as I'd have liked and never got anywhere near the max inflation. I also told the midwife I was desperate not to tear and so she used warm wet cloths on the perineum and didn't rush the pushing stage at all (took 2 hours). She did however constantly check DSs heart beat during pushing because it was taking so long, and that was agony.

[TinyTeddys]

Listen to your midwife when they tell you when to push and when not to push

This

[intrigued]

I've not had a baby myself yet (just started TCC) but where I'm from originally (Germany) everyone does the perineal massage.. Midwifes and Obs recommend it to all the pregnant ladies. They also recommend to drink raspberry leaf tea to prepare for the birth, one of the benefits is to loosen and soften the pelvic floor muscles and tissue, increase blood flow to the area etc. You must not drink it before week 37 or even later in order to avoid early contractions etc.

I've just looked at the Epi-No website as I've never heard of it, looks interesting and llike it might be worth giving it a go too! will keep this in mind for when I need it..
I guess you can never have a guarantee that you won't tear, but if you can lower your risk then that's great..
good luck :-)