3rd degree tear 1st time.... no tear next time, what helped you?

[daisyartichoke]

I had a 3rd degree tear last time :( after very quick labour and this baby is due next wednesday, I am planning another home birth, I have a really good midwife who is on call 24/7 and have been doing that perineal massage, does anyone have any other ideas for not tearing??

I know it sounds weird, but I read somewhere that when you do the massage, you can add olive oil, and that helps soften everything up. I`m 22 weeks with 1st baby, and was thinking of trying it- you never know.
By the way, do you have any links to or books about perinial massage?
Thanks