Perineal Massage- Question

[ChicaMomma]

I have read about PM and believe it does work, based on the evidence and figures i've read. Fine. I'm happy to do it, i know what to do, bring it on.

HOWEVER, nobody can tell me why i shouldn't start at week 20. I even emailed EPI-NO (www.epi-no.co.uk/) and her 1 line answer was ''You should not start the perineal stretching until week 36''..I've googled it to death and everything says ''Dont start until week 34''..

Can someone please tell me why they say to only start at 34/36? is it because it's a waste of time to start earlier, of is it actually based on something more medical?

Probably the former rather than the latter. The midwife said not to bother but I'm going to give it a try anyway as it can't do any harm. Tried it for the first time on Sunday and it's bloody tricky!

I did it and had no tears -started at week 34!

I don't think you'd get any additional benefits starting that early.

It doesn't really stretch you, as such - it just helps make the area a bit more pliable and helps you practice breathing through the "burn" to get a bit of extra give.

If it doesnt actually do any harm i think i'll start now- surely it's a case of the earlier the better, from a practice POV if nothing else. Also, when the bump is small, it's gotta be easier.
I tried it the other night too Cariad- it's not as easy as you'd think alright!

My midwife says start around 34 weeks, I started around that time on my first and had no tears. Will be doing it again this time. If you get your partner to do it it's easier...

Just after a bath or in the bath is good time as the skin is softer...

Thanks imisssleep (great name) makes sense..
Think i'd favour doing it myself in some ways- it's not the most romantic task really is it? but i suppose would be so much easier!