Have you ever done perineal massage?

[ilikeyoursleeves]

And do you think it has helped you during labour? I am due DS2 in about a months time and I'm pretty worried about tearing like I did with DS1 (second degree tears, took AGES as in about 8 months to heal properly).

I didn't do perineal massage last time but I'm now thinking about doing it from now (I'm 34+4). So is it worth sticking my thumb up my fanjo on a daily basis or should I find some other way to help labour?!

[bumpybecky]

it was recommended to me as I tore quite badly with dd1 (doesn't sound as bad as yours though - ouch!). I tried, erm... once. It just felt too strange! so I didn't try it again. I didn't tear second time, but was in water birthing pool.

hope it goes well for you

[LovelyTinOfSpam]

I did everything by the book last time and did try this, but with the bump and everything it was a bit tricky.

So I asked DH to help and he was (needless to say) very keen. The 3 or so times he helped me out with it just swiftly ended up with sex

Sorry that's probably not much help!

I would say, well it can't do any harm, just if you want it doing properly you probably really are best off doing it yourself

[christie00]

I did it second time around after 3rd degree tear 1st time, ended up with cs so can't say if it would have helped BUT it really made a difference to how the scarred area felt, so I'd recommend it just for that reason...

[casperthefriendlyghost]

This was one of those things I didn't do first time round that I had promised myself I would. Ended up having a 3rd degree tear although this was due to ds1 coming out with his hand on his head! I was repaired and luckily had no complications whatsoever, it healed up really well. I wanted an uncomplicated home birth second time round so thought nothing ventured nothing gained. DH did the massage for me - couldn't do it properly myself - and he said he definitely noticed the difference over time, we did it from about 36 weeks on I think. DS2 was born at home and I only had a 2nd degree tear which my fabulous midwife didn't touch - she said it was a straight tear and would heal with no problems on it's own - which it has! So, I would go for it - and it's a great way to end your day

[francesrivis]

I did it religiously before both mine, and had only 1st degree tears and no stitches with both. Could just be coincidence, who knows!

[oceana]

Yes I did with ds1 as I was petrified of tearing/episiotomies. It wasn't glamorous and I ended up getting dh to do it for me (which I've got to say I didn't find sexy but good on those who did!!). Anyway I didn't tear or need any stiches and I an convinced the massage is the reason. I am just starting it again in preparation for baby no 2! Do it, you've got nothing to lose!

[RunJHC]

I did it for 5 mins every day from about 35 weeks and then DS came early at 37+5. I didn't tear at all but who knows whether it was the massage, the size of the baby (6lb 6oz) or that I laboured in a pool for most of the time that made the difference? Anyway I figured it was worth 5 mins a day just in case it did work!

[babyphat]

i (well, dp) did every day it from 36 weeks, baby came at 37 weeks. i only had a tiny tear and no stitches and am sure it made a difference, as it was quite uncomfortable the first time we tried and got much less so as we carried on.