Perineal massage

[Satsuma1]

Is anyone practicing or intending to practice perineal massage? When is best to start/how often/best technique? Is it of any benefit and does it reduce chances or tearing etc?

All info/advice would be appreciated!

Thanks.

The research shows that perineal massage can reduce tearing or need for episitomoy for first time mothers. Statistically there doesn't seem to be any benefit for those who've given birth before, although it shouldn't do any harm either!

There's information on how to do ithere

If you're concerned about tearing then it might be worth considering a water birth as this can help soften the tissues and help them stretch at delivery. HTH

I did this before my dd was born - still tore but maybe it would have been worse if I hadn't been massaging away? Was a bit hard to do w a massive bump. Read in one of the NCT mags a few months ago that dh should have been doing it. Hmmmmmm not b**y likely

DaisyMoo & thefunkypea,

Thanks for your advice. It sounds as if it's worth doing and I'm definately hoping for a waterbirth if the hospital has the facilities.

Satsuma1