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Childbirth

Share experiences and get support around labour, birth and recovery.

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Original poster

Perennial massage - does it help?

20 replies

sophielouise · 14/02/2011 10:27

I wondered if anyone had tried this and found it to help with child birth? I am 38 weeks and making myself go through it in the hope that I won't tear- it's not particularly pleasant!

Anyone else experience of this? Or any tips on how to do it easily? It's quite awkward to do IYSWIM!

OP posts:

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RockinSockBunnies · 14/02/2011 10:28

I did it for quite a few weeks before I had DD and still had a second degree tear.

I really don't know if it helps or not, but I guess that at least by doing it, you feel like you might make a difference!

Original poster

sophielouise · 14/02/2011 10:37

Yes I guess it's hard to know whether it's made any difference really as there's nothing to compare it with and the research is limited.

OP posts:

PukeyMummy · 14/02/2011 13:51

I did it too.

However, DD tangled her arms around her head, so it was all to no avail - needed an episiotomy to get her out. Probably would've been okay if the little madam had decided not to cuddle her head at the critical moment!

CalmInsomniac · 15/02/2011 15:06

I did PM for weeks (DD was 2 weeks late). Still had 2 degree tear even with a water birth and it took a long time before the area where I was stitched wasn't over sensitive so I don't believe for me it reduced tearing or pain.
I still think if the midwife hadn't encouraged me to push so hard I wouldn't have torn so much

Backinthebox · 15/02/2011 18:53

Do you mean perineal, as in massaging the perineum, or perennial as in every year? Could make a difference to your Google results.....

Guacamole · 15/02/2011 18:59

I did it twice, felt utterly ridiculous... Ended up having an EmCS.
I wonder if it's one of those things invented to make us all buy special massage creams we don't need?

JessieEssex · 15/02/2011 19:42

I did it, and I didn't tear at all - just one tiny graze that I didn't even feel. Of course as others have said, who knows if it made the difference but it can't do any harm. The midwife did say I was 'very stretchy'!

CJ2010 · 17/02/2011 14:41

No It doesn't help!!

CarolinaRua · 17/02/2011 14:43

No didnt help me. Doc said I had very strong 'muscles' . After an episiotomy and ventouse, I dont think he will be saying that after dc2 is born in a couple of weeks

Bumpsadaisie · 17/02/2011 15:27

I'm going to come across as a smart arse and a pedant but I just had to giggle at the thought of a load of big pregnant ladies out in the garden massaging their perennials ... "ooh this begonia is a bit tense, I'll give it a massage!"

As to perineal massage, DH and I were going to do it but then just broke down in giggles on the first attempt and didnt bother again!

debka · 17/02/2011 15:31

Never did it, then delivered a 10lb6oz baby in one hour with no damage at all.

SydneyB · 17/02/2011 15:31

As if.

debka · 17/02/2011 15:35

IT'S TRUE!!! I did it last week!

fatsowhale · 17/02/2011 15:45

Has anyone tried one of these? I'm due in July (first baby) and thinking of giving it a go as an alternative to massaging my perennials.

www.epi-no.co.uk/

SydneyB · 17/02/2011 16:09

I know people do it. I'm just certain it makes sod all difference to a 10lb baby passing that way.

SydneyB · 17/02/2011 16:11

debka - sorry, I meant 'as if' to whether PM worked not that you delivered 10lber with no damage! Wow-ee. My 10lber certainly left some damage on the way out

lilly13 · 17/02/2011 16:31

fatsowhale, i saw on another thread a woman said this device worked for her friends. i asked my consultant and he said there is no scientific evidence that this works, and he observed some damaged tissues in some women after using this device. he said i can try this but be very careful...

fatsowhale · 17/02/2011 16:33

I saw it mentioned on one or two threads and the very positive answer seemed a little too formulaic - basically looked like someone from the company had posted it.

Thanks for this - I will probably still give it a go but will be cautious!

debka · 17/02/2011 21:19

Am just relieved that no-one's called me Bucket Fanny yet .

jurassicpark · 22/02/2011 10:15

I tried this for DD1 and tore but always wondered if I did it enough. Was thinking about trying again for DC2 (due in 7 weeks) but then found this Cochrane Report which seems to suggest that massage is a winner first time round, but not necessarily (well there is no research to say so) second time round:

www2.cochrane.org/reviews/en/ab005123.html

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