Perineum massage - I can't even...

[Lalalax3]

Do I HAVE to do this? Ok, stupid question, I know I don't have to, but should I? Really? Does it make much of a difference?

One of my friends keeps sending me links to perineum massage gel and telling me to 'get on it' but I've watched a video of how to do it on YouTube and it looks SCARY! (Yes, yes, I know giving birth is scarier but I have to do that)

Have we any 'before' and 'after' success/failure stories on here?

Not all tears are scary. Some women do have a bad experience, but plenty just have a few stitches and never think about them again.

I've had two 2nd degree teas (one labour on my back on a bed and one active and giving birth stood up), and had no problems from my stitches, not even any discomfort, and was in full working order when weathering DTD again at 8 weeks post partum. I didn't do massage.

I can't imagine massage does any harm but it's certainly not absolutely required, and tears really aren't necessarily the end of the world.

Perineal massage can be incredibly helpful. I do this as part of my profession, and the results are significant.

Gatewalker - I don't want to sound super cynical, but do you have any actual published research to back that claim up?

I've always heard it discussed as a "does no harm" activity, and there's obviously no control group here as a comparison.

I used almond oil and kept an intact perineum.

onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1016/0091-2182(86)90148-5/abstract;jsessionid=CCB4D38D01EED75B64D52D28E3F2065C.f03t01?deniedAccessCustomisedMessage=&userIsAuthenticated=false

journals.lww.com/greenjournal/Abstract/2000/03000/PREVENTING_PERINEAL_TRAUMA_DURING_CHILDBIRTH__A.30.aspx

Here are some sources, Anything. It doesn't show statistical significance for some births, but there is a significant difference in outcome for others.

However, what is significant is the use of remedial massage on post-birth tearing and trauma. So if you do tear and are left with a scar, then regular massage with a trained therapist can restore elasticity and mobility.

Interesting - thanks!

I did, and have never even had a 1st degree tear - not that one anecdote counts as evidence, mind you, but it certainly makes me unusual among my friends (who all totally laughed at me when I mentioned it originally)!

It's not the nicest idea in the world, but it's nicer than having to stick an ice pack in your drawers for days on end...

I didn't (wouldn't have been able to reach anyway!)

Second degree tear both times; first time, the stitching was far far more painful than the 9 hour drug free labour and the recovery was unbelievably agonising for four months (to be honest I blame agreeing to a student to stitch me but it was my first and I had no idea)

Second time, much faster labour but tore equally badly but I didn't feel the stitching at all and I realised you shouldn't, there is anaesthetic for a reason! Recovered very quickly with no complications.

It doesn't have to be that bad (and I certainly didn't feel the moments I tore) just make sure if you have any problems get it checked out ASAP.

I didn't know you were supposed to. If you tear, you should apparently massage as soon as you can bear to touch it, in order to stop it healing too tight. I really wish someone had told me this, because DH and I have only had sex in one position since DS was born. Expecting DC2 in november and the MV said that birth might sort it out.

I did it most days for the last few weeks and had no tears. But who knows. My midwives thought my "excellent pelvic floor" (their words!!!!) was more likely due to all the hiking/walking I do.

For the record, sex was still tight and painful for at least 6 months!!

I couldn't reach. Had tears a plenty and a substantial epesiotimy with number 1 (ventouse though, adn came out back to back). Didn't do any with number 2 either and no stitches, 1 tiny 1st degree tear I couldn't even see (thoguh I suppose maybe number 1 had already stretched me!)

I did it and would recommend doing it!

Had a 1st degree tear and graze which wasn't too bad. Healed well and wasn't too sore.

Mw said it's v common for first time mothers to be cut, so glad I wasn't, cos I was dreading that.

I had to stop doing it due to a bleed at 37 weeks, but maybe I wouldn't have had any year if I carried on with it!