Perineum massage!

[Beautifulfreakmua]

Hi ladies!

I just bought some perineum massage oil today as I read it can help with birth tearing and maybe help against having to get episiotomy!

It says to start at 34 weeks. Do you think I can start earlier? Who has tried it? What did you think? thanks!

[LimesMum]

Following with interest, thanks was going to post similar!

[FoxgloveStar]

I think the point of starting at 34 is that you have enough relaxin in your system that the stretching will work.

[cantbelieveImquittingcoffee]

I didn't start it until about 37 weeks, did it about 3-4 times a week but ended up needing an episiotomy so I don't really know if it helped! It wasn't that big a deal once I got my head around it though, so definitely worth a try!

[Beautifulfreakmua]

Yeah I guess that makes perfect sense! I'm having a home water birth so want to avoid all these things if possible! I'll try the massage in about 5 weeks then! When I hit 30 weeks!

[GrubbyWindows]

My midwives say not to start before 36 weeks as they don't want you doing anything that might get things going early- not that I think it would!

[Ziege]

I did the massage as well; don't remember when I started but not very early, probably not before 34 weeks. I remembere being surprised how awkward I found it to do the massage though. Belly too much in the way. But: I didn't even need stitches after the birth! Midwife thought the massage might have helped; also the water, it was a more or less unplanned water birth. Will definitely do it this pregnancy again and believe in it.

[gunting]

I did it but ended up with a second degree tear. I did have a 10lb odd baby so although it didn't really help I will never know if it saved me from anything worse!!

[MindfulBear]

I tried the massage but was too squeamish. The Epi no was easier and cane highly recommended by a number of people.

[BerryB]

I started around 30 weeks and used it every other night until the end. Didn't tear at all even though had a ventouse delivery. So would highly recommend it!

[Beautifulfreakmua]

Wow a 10lb baby!! No wonder you tore Gunting.

I think I'll just stick to when it says then but I'm going to be seeing my midwife in two days so I can ask her for advice then!

[FifiRebel]

What type of oil have you all bought? I'm nearly 30 weeks so keen to try this out soon

[BerryB]

I used this one and would recommend it
www.weleda.co.uk/mum-to-be/perineum-massage-oil-50ml/invt/606161

[lavenderdoilly]

Sorry. Made no difference to me. Lot of bad injuries.Maybe others have more positive stories.