Perineal massage

[Bonnie11]

Hi ladies,

Lovely topic! I didn't do this last time around (ended up with an early section before I got round to starting!) have heard good things though, recently from my friend who had a 10lb12 baby with no tears and just a slight graze!

Any tips? I'm planning on using sweet almond/coconut oil rather than buying specialised stuff. I'm already wondering how I will fit both arms round my bump.. Do you do it by putting your leg up on the toilet as if you were using a tampon?

Any tips greatfully received!

 

[Talia12]

I meant to try it with ds and never did (had an episiotomy and still tore), I actually have a bottle of plain almond oil I got from Superdrug so I might try it this time. Don't know about techniques but I'll give it a google! I do remember reading that you're meant to sort of pull down with your fingers just hooked inside until you start to feel a slight burn. To be honest that's what put me off trying with ds haha but I should suck it up this time and try!

 

[Zephram]

I've been told by my midwife that I should try this in the last few weeks before my due date, but she hasn't gone through how to do it yet. I had an EMCS with my first and a VBAC with my second that ended in forceps, an episiotomy and a third degree tear! I'm seriously getting freaked out that I'll end up with a worse tear this time and am hoping perineal massage will help with avoiding this. I've actually debated discussing the merits of a planned c section with my midwife next time to avoid it, even though I found the c section recovery much worse than the episiotomy/tear recovery. I'm worried about permanent damage to my pelvic floor from another bad tear as I think I recovered pretty well last time, but there's no guarantee I would if it happened again.

 

[nordicpixie83]

Usng your oil of choice , pop your thumb or whatever Is easiest , just Inside . Your perineum is very stretchy and it shouldn't be painful , although a slight stretching feeling is what your aiming for . Any way with your thumb go back and forth in a C shape . With just enough pressure , pushing out and down , so that it's not uncomfortable. Then in firm circular motions massage the outside . Good luck

 

[Reiko_ctu]

My midwife told me that the studies show this is effective for first time
Births but subsequent births not very helpful. She told me not to worry about spending too much time on it with my second. I did tear but slightly and it healed super easily.

 

[Zephram]

My midwife told me that the studies show this is effective for first time
Births but subsequent births not very helpful. She told me not to worry about spending too much time on it with my second. I did tear but slightly and it healed super easily.

Oh really? That's interesting if it's true. I'll ask my midwife if she has heard this. Have you got any sources you could share? (Not doubting you, just want to be armed with info when I talk to my midwife again.)

 

[Reiko_ctu]

My midwife told me that the studies show this is effective for first time
Births but subsequent births not very helpful. She told me not to worry about spending too much time on it with my second. I did tear but slightly and it healed super easily.

Oh really? That's interesting if it's true. I'll ask my midwife if she has heard this. Have you got any sources you could share? (Not doubting you, just want to be armed with info when I talk to my midwife again.)

No I don't!! I wonder if you just googled research on it if something with stats would come up. I just trusted my midwife because I liked what she was saying XD but of course everyone has their own soapbox and I'm sure there are midwives who really encourage it too!!

 

[Bonnie11]

I have heard the same thing Reiko, I never ended up with a vaginal birth first time though so am assuming it's as good as a first time birth for me! 😬

I don't think there's any harm giving it a go either way. Am just wondering how I'm going to fit my arms round my bump, it's already really high and I've got another month or so to go before I start massaging 😂

 

[nordicpixie83]

I have heard the same thing Reiko, I never ended up with a vaginal birth first time though so am assuming it's as good as a first time birth for me! 😬

I don't think there's any harm giving it a go either way. Am just wondering how I'm going to fit my arms round my bump, it's already really high and I've got another month or so to go before I start massaging 😂

Start now while you can reach . Then get dh involved at a later date , it can lead to some baby eviction