Perineal Massage....how the hell?

[MissTwister]

My MW and NCT have emphasised how important this is to do to avoid tearing but try as I might I really can't reach to do this at 36 weeks pregnant!

I know partners can do it but I'm just not sure about the logistics of my husband finding 10 minutes every day to put his fingers up my vagina!!!!

Has anyone managed this? Is it normal to not be able to reach or do I have a bad position!?

[redcaryellowcar]

Sorry I don't know either, I thought it something o could do once on maternity leave at 37 weeks but ds arrived at 36!

[BreeVDKamp]

I tried and couldn't do it properly myself, didn't want DH to try, and also, just ew. I did end up having a 3rd degree tear and an episiotomy, but think that's more because of the speed of my labour - 40 mins!

And don't worry, even if you tear it might be ok. 4 weeks post-birth and I'm back to normal, healed, exercising etc :)

[5YearsTime]

Yes, do it!

5 mins before bed, you give yourself a wash, he (or she) washes hands, you sit on a towel, legs akimbo, keep the oil in the bedroom with a wee tub to pour it in to. Use new oil every day. We only did it for 5 mins though.

[Cornonthecob]

Some videos here on how to do perineal massage the gentle birth method many years ago we had gowri motha show dh how to do it!! Can't say if it worked as I ended up with a c section but I did ping back after the stretching!!

[Topsy34]

Its quite tricky once you have a bump. I found sitting on the edge of the bed or loo, feet on tip toes, oil your fingers and thumbs and lean round your bump.

[MissTwister]

Thanks for all your tips, I shall definitely give it another go. I can see it not happening though.....

[sianihedgehog]

I can't reach either , OP. No way I'm asking my OH, either, we'd never have sex again!

[TimeforaDietCoke]

My DH and I had a conversation about this today! I'm planning to try this from next week but not sure how the logistics will work

[ScrambledEggAndToast]

I never did it and my son was 10lb 4oz. My friend's baby was 6lb something and ended up with stitches. No idea if she did the massage. Really not convinced that it helps.

[IdaClair]

Do you have T. rex arms? Just bend. How you wash and wipe and trim. Same. If you must. I really don't think it is necessary.

[Runningupthathill82]

I did it religiously, throughout my pregnancy. Was no help whatsoever when it came to giving birth.

I know the plural of anecdotes isn't data and all that, but I honestly think it does sod all. Aside from perhaps a placebo effect.

[juliascurr]

dp did it. A LOT. it was fun but totally pointless - episiotomy + ventouse

[MissTwister]

Thanks IdaClair that's really helpful input.

And yes I do wash but don't tend to stick both thumbs up my vagina 2 inches at the same time when I do so.

[pinkie87]

It's recently been proven not to make the slightest bit of difference! So don't bother in my opinion.

[fhdl34]

DH did mine, we had a lot of giggles although ultimately it was not needed. We did it before bed

[Lunastarfish]

I find leg on the bath tub like the tampon instructions is the easiest position and I can still touch my toes at 38 weeks!!! However, 10 minutes is soooooo long, I can only handle 5 minutes. DP did it for me once but it was just weird

[MissTwister]

Really Pinkie87, where did you read that? I hope so because then I can give up trying!