As Epi-No marks its 20th anniversary in the UK, we are proud to celebrate two decades of helping women prepare for childbirth while promoting perineal health.
Epi-No Delphine Plus, the advanced perineal training device, continues to be trusted by healthcare professionals around the world as a safe and effective way to enhance birth outcomes.
A Global Success Story
Since its introduction, Epi-No has been sold in over twenty-eight countries, demonstrating widespread adoption and proven clinical efficacy. Manufactured in Germany to the highest quality standards, the device supports both clinicians and expectant mothers, embodying a global commitment to evidence-based innovations in childbirth preparation.
Clinical Evidence
Recent research from Spain has reinforced the clinical benefits of the Epi-No trainer.
The study demonstrated that women who used Epi-No experienced:
- A significant reduction in episiotomy rates, with 37% in the Epi-No group versus 55.3% in the perineal massage group and 69% in the control group
- A higher likelihood of an intact perineum (32% in the Epi-No group, compared to 8.7% in the massage group and 2.3% in controls, p < 0.001).
- Shorter second-stage labour and lower rates of instrumental deliveries (28% vs 35.9% in the massage group and 50.4% in the control, p = 0.002).
- No adverse effects on foetal outcomes, including APGAR scores or pH.
The findings underline Epi-No’s role in improving perineal elasticity, reducing trauma, and enhancing maternal confidence and satisfaction.
Complete details of the Spanish study, alongside other international research, are available at Epi-No Research & Clinical Trials.
Benefits for Women and the NHS
Integrating Epi-No Delphine Plus into antenatal care offers tangible benefits:
- Reduction in perineal trauma, including tears and episiotomies
- Improved maternal comfort, confidence, and control during labour
- Potentially shorter postpartum recovery times, reducing complications
- Support for NHS resources by decreasing injury-related interventions, hospital stays, and postpartum care
By incorporating Epi-No into routine antenatal practice, midwives and gynaecologists can improve outcomes for women while easing pressure on NHS services.
Celebrating 20 Years in the UK
Teresa Gernon, UK and Northern Ireland’s sole importer since 2005, said:
“This milestone of 20 years in the UK is a tremendous achievement for Epi-No and a testament to the trust placed in our product by women and healthcare professionals alike. Hearing women’s experiences and seeing the positive impact Epi-No has on their confidence and comfort during childbirth is incredibly rewarding.
While we hope to see a formal clinical trial conducted in the UK in the future, the international evidence, including the Spanish study, clearly demonstrates the value of Epi-No for both women and the NHS.”
Ingo Giani, Managing Director, Tecsana Munich, Germany, added:
“I can still vividly recall my first contact with Teresa in April 2005. Since then, her dedication has opened the UK market for Epi-No, leading to remarkable success and recognition. Teresa’s technical expertise and commitment make her one of our most successful sales partners worldwide.”
What do the professionals think?
Dr Marie Gowri Motha, obstetrician and world-renowned childbirth pioneer.
“The Epi-No device has been extremely useful in my practice to give pregnant mothers the sensory experience that their vagina can stretch to give birth to a baby. This helps to create new neural pathways that help muscles in the lower part of the vagina relax to give birth.
And then breathing the balloon out daily simulates birthing the baby’s head, giving mothers so much confidence”.
Charlie Barker, Founder & Managing Director of Bumps & Burpees said:
“I used the Epi-No in all 3 of my pregnancies and felt immense reassurance during the birth, knowing that I had done the right preparation, and that I knew what to expect in the crowning phase, meaning I didn’t panic. I recommend it to all my friends who are expecting, and it is a must-have in the lead-up to birth”.
Claire Mellon, London-based Consultant Obstetrician, said:
“I have been suggesting Epi-No now for over 5 years to good effect. As well as the obvious help in extending /massaging the perineum, I believe both visualising and feeling the stretch in the pelvis and perineum is very psychologically beneficial.
Dr Jurcevic, an Australian Obstetrician, said:
“I have over 21 years and 5000+ patient experiences in relation to the use of the Epi-No pelvic-trainer. I have seen it make a demonstrable difference to the perineal outcome of the patients that I look after who achieve a vagina delivery, with at least 30% reduction in tearing, both magnitude of and/or tearing at all.
I have been able to conduct the vast majority of my interventional operative deliveries using forceps or a vacuum without the need for episiotomy and often without the need for a suture. I wholeheartedly recommend this product for anyone considering a vagina birth attempt”.
Tracey Matthews from Precision Health, Twickenham, said:
“I have been teaching and recommending Epi-No now to my expecting parents for many years. It offers an alternative to support perineal stretching and birth preparation. Many of my patients return having had fantastic deliveries with either very minor or no tearing. We cannot ignore the research now that states effective pelvic floor relaxation and perineal stretching help reduce the incidence of grade 2-3 tears by up to 65%. My patients find it easier to use when they have to navigate a beautiful belly bump, which means they can get into relaxing positions to practice their birthing relaxation techniques. I always recommend Epi-No as an option to support a vaginal delivery”.
Kim Vopni, Author, Speaker, Pelvic Health Coach, Pelvienne Wellness, Canada said:
“I used the Epi-No for the births of both of my sons with great success. Because I thought everyone should know about it, I ended up becoming the Canadian importer and distributor and passionately promoted the product for 14 years. I would still be doing so had Health Canada not implemented a new medical device licensing procedure, and I do miss my connection to the company. I can not say enough about this product and I wish all women had access to one to help them prepare for birth. I am happy that many parts of the world still supply this fantastic product!”
Join the Global Movement
Epi-No’s international presence continues to grow, with clinical evidence underscoring its role in supporting safer, more comfortable childbirth. As we celebrate 20 years in the UK, we invite healthcare professionals to incorporate Epi-No Delphine Plus into their practice and witness the clinical and qualitative benefits firsthand.
For more information or to request product samples, please email teresa.gernon@epi-no.co.uk