Hello.
I’m Nina.
I have assisted over 400 women to birth their babies.
I have birthed two babies vaginally and experienced tearing and repair.
I was so frustrated by the apathy around tearing and lack of a custom-made solution to deliver the evidence that I have built one!
Globally, perineal trauma rates are rising and are linked to significant maternal psychological and physiological morbidity. The wider impact on families, relationships, economic and social wellbeing is well recognised. Perineal trauma is also a leading cause of medical litigation.
By the 19th century, the field of obstetrics underwent significant change with the advent of anaesthesia and surgical interventions. However, a growing movement began to recognize the emotional and physical aspects of birthing. In the late 20th century, as women began advocating for their birthing choices, there was a revival of interest in natural childbirth.
In 2016 Consultant Urogynecologist Abdul Sultan and his team roll out an international bundle to tackle the growing number of 3rd and 4th degree tears in the UK and beyond. This is known as the OASI care bundle.
Nina is working as a midwife at this time, assisting women to birth their babies. She starts to question why we have a good body of evidence for the use of warm compresses but doesn’t see this being commonly used in practice.
2024 Peripear is born! The first purpose built device to prevent perineal tearing which packages existing clinical evidence and efficiency for the benefit of all. Created by a midwife, with an amazing team, to be comfortable, efficient and empowering.
Ever wonder why they always needed hot water and towels when someone was giving birth in old movies?
Ready for a little history lesson?
Using a warm compress or cloth on the area between the vulva and anus – the perineum- when a baby is being born is traditional in many cultures.
Historical records show us that this has been the case for over two thousand years.
Way back in ancient Greece around 180BC Soranus of Ephesus first recorded the use of cloth warmed in hot water to ease pain and help the mother’s tissues stretch around the babies head during birth. Evidence from many cultures around the world record midwives using these techniques as part of their art.
As society progressed into the Renaissance, the rise of medical knowledge brought both advancements and challenges. The focus on understanding human anatomy and the mechanics of childbirth evolved, but the intimate knowledge held by midwives was often overshadowed by emerging obstetric practices.