perineal massage with 2nd if tearing with 1st (TMI)

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HI

I really need some advice as neither mw or consultant know much about this

basically I had 3 C tear with first baby due to forceps and have healed well after having fentons procedure to remove excess scar tissue outside

i have scar tissue inside not much - pelvic floor exercises okay and no major symtoms

I am keen for a natural unassisted delivery may be a water birth and need to find out if the following is normal for the perineum

when I push down using my thumb , I can feel underneath the outer skin of the perineum by hooking my thumb underneath and can go lower down than the outer skin

probably as the fenton;s procedure closed up the area a bit tighter? I am not sure what my perineum was like before!!

Is the ultimate aim to stretch the outer skin as well of the perineum so much that it is almost stretched to the back passage?

is this to be done once a day or more often

has anyone torn with first and then done pmassage and gone on to have a natural birth

at the crowning stage did the mw help by putting oil on the perineum or did a water birth help stretch the tissues too

thanks

Yes mine can stretch like that. I have not had the procudere though, so it can just be normal I guess?

I have big babies and have managed only slight tears. I put this down 100% to the fact that they have been born in the pool.

I thinks its a great choice to help tissue soften and stretch, and also to allow you great bouyancy so your body can find the ideal birthing position without you being in discomfort xxx

I agree, good choice re wb and perineal massage.
I don't think it would do much good to be massaged with oil actually while crowning - the effects of the massage more from doing it in advance, plus if it's a waterbirth the mw might be reluctant to 'overhandle' the baby's head/your perineum. This doesn't mean you can't though - have a look at this:
www.homebirth.org.uk/waterbirthcatch.htm

Get a www.epi-no.co.uk - they are great and i know lots of people who has used them successfully with no tearing (incl. ME)

I'm a fan of perineal massage too,but don't forget,it won't help unless you stop pushing when she tells you too!Pant to stop yourself pushing.This is more important than the massage,well I think so anyway,lol!