Can't reach!

[Redling]

Trying to start perineal massage and I'm having a bother reaching there! Can get one hand down there (and that's uncomfortable on the bump with leaning forward) but no way can I get two to use both thumbs. Do you think one handed will work? I suppose it's all in the stretching.

I have been wondering about the logistics of this too - should be starting it in 3 weeks or so! My hypnobirth teacher recommended either standing by a chair/side of the bath with one leg up on it and leaning forward, or lying down on the floor (pillow to prop your back up) legs a kimbo...grace & elegance got nothing to do with it...Anyway, me know how you get on and good luck! :)

Having the exact same problem! Managed it yesterday in the bathroom with one foot on the side of the bath, but still just with one hand. It seems an impossibility to me, but now I've experienced it there's no way on earth I get get DH to do it for me. Hoping this is better than nothing...?

I doubt DH would do it, he wouldn't want to stretch that hard, it's not exactly pleasurable! I'm going to give it a go with leg on the bath and just give it some welly with one hand! Maybe every day to be safe!

When are you supposed to start doing this?

From 34-35 weeks, I'm a bit late as I am currently 35+5. My SiL gave birth a few weeks ago and had a 2nd degree tear and episiotomy, so she said as she never did it I should give anything a go to avoid that happening! Also hoping for a Water birth which can limit tearing. I'm on mat leave now anyway so drinking rasberry leaf tea, massaging my perineum and listening to hypnobirthing CD may as well occupy me until this baby comes out! Watch me scream for an epidural when the time comes!