Perineal massage???

[cupcaketrix]

Not a pleasant topic- But I was advised at NCT that perineal massage is good for preventing tearing. Has anyone actually done this and found it helpful? I'm not too sure how I'll be physically able to reach, did anyone have a 'helping hand'?? It worries me that you have to stretch the area until you have a stinging sensation, making the whole situation both embarrassing and painful. Although I guess that will just prepare me for the actual birth!

My Christmas present from DP was a set of oils and lotions and potions from Neals Yard, specifically for pregnant women.

One of them is a massage balm for using in perineal massage, it's unscented etc.

When I explained to DP what that was, he laughed. At lot. Then I pointed out that it was highly unlikely I'd be able to reach, and that task may fall to him - not so funny now!

We'll see, I'd like to think it would help, I'm just not sure if I cam bring myself to sit there legs akimbo and let DP do it.

Not without dying of laughter anyway!!!

can

So is perineal massage just massaging the outside bit? I may have got the impression somewhere that you need to massage inside your vagina? surely that's wrong?

I was convinced I was going to do it but now at 36 weeks, there's no way I can reach there. It's beyone me how anyone can! Def won't ask DH to help...

Ecgwynn, nope, that's right, you massage and stretch the inside bit.

ecg I thought it was around the inside wall sort of bit, between your front and back passages?

I did this with both my DCs. I had the oil on the toilet, so whenever I went for a wee I massaged some oil on after, gently stretching the skin. 'Tis easy enough to do if sitting on the loo!
I just did it for a minute or two...seemed to work as had no stitches for either. DS1 9lbs 7oz and DS2 10 lbs 11oz.
However, if you want to avoid stitches I think having no epidural, being in an upright position and stopping pushing when crowning are all just as important. In my opinion anyway.

I had help and I didn't tear at all, I tried it with Dh (I couldn't reach) and it was so painful I was like how the F is a baby going to get through there? Worked a treat and it hasn't permanently stretched me... I will be doing it again this time :)

I did this at the end of both my pregnancies. from about 35 week onwards. several times a week. my DH did it for me and it did become a strange part of our sex life as i quite enjoyed the sensation

we used bio oil but any olive or almond oil is supposed to work.

and no stitches or tears with either of mine, 8lb 2 and 8lb 14.

but i agree with whoopsidaisy a good midwife to direct you, upright position and no epidural are probably just as important.

There are instructions (with a dummy model) but - be careful where you are when you follow the link - it goes straight into it... not one for work unless you aren't embarrassed in front of colleagues!!!
I'm getting DH to do it, as I can't reach. Also try and do it after a bath/ shower so skin is a bit soft already. Can't comment on whether it works, as this is my yet-to-arrive first, but the midwife did recommend trying it when I talked to her about it.
There is also some instructions and comments on effectiveness available from the John Radcliffe Hospital here.

sorry are some instructions....

Well, just watched the video and I can only repeat that I'm not able to reach in either of those positions. Maybe my arms are exceptionally short?

Here's hoping that a water birth will help me not to tear...

Thanks all! Just watched the video-with DH. He finds the whole thing grim but hilarious. I can still reach so will have to do it while I can and then offer maybe offer some er...'favours' when it's too difficult

Also thinking of a water birth to help but as they can't be guaranteed should do all I can now I suppose!

Can't do it myself, can't reach (38wks now), but DH says he's noticed he can add more pressure/stretch more than before IYSWIM, so it must be working. I can just about do the external stretchings in the bath, but nowhere near the internal ones...
We've been using these instructions that someone on our antenatal thread recommended, and sweet almond oil as the lube...