Perineal massage

[Zamaz]

What are people's thoughts on this? Are you doing it?
Gave it a go on Sunday for the first time and it was a bit awkward and not very comfortable (I assume that's the point) so am trying to decide whether to persist!
(God, the things pregnancy has you doing )

[Meowandchoppychops]

Was wondering this myself. Not tried it yet but read a description of how to do it. Don't know anyone who bothered.

[Whatevva]

It is no risk and worth a go. Try vit E oil (wheatgerm?)

[Shakey15000]

I think it would be worth doing, will do no harm and may prevent a tear. It might be awkward/a pain to do it but the benefit might be better long term.

[Focusfocus]

I've been using the Epi No and DH doing my perineal massage every alternate day.

Pros-

Familiarised with sense of fullness (epi no) and stretching (perineal massage)
Taken aback at how much the perineum can stretch (epi no) and spring right back
Familiarised either the huge physical difference breathing makes when perineum stretches - big sigh out with epi no or PM creates a ton of space down there

Cons

Very hard to find time. Doing it after a shower helps.
Boring as hell.
Couldn't have msnaged the PM without DH doing it for me. Epi no. Is fine on me own.

Will report back with results when I know!

[ammature]

What's Epi no?

[GoodnightDarthVader]

£90!!!!!

I'm planning to do the massage, but can see it getting boring I'm already bored of kegels

[CityDweller]

I did it with DC1 pregnancy. I didn't tear during birth, but also had a water birth which I think helps on that front. Have only done it once this pregnancy and am 40 weeks. Much harder this time to find the time and privacy with a toddler and working full time, etc. I'm also somewhat lazily hoping that the perineum will 'know what to do' this time around