Perineum massage

[user1469992025]

I ordered a bundle of different bits from My Expert Midwife and included was an oil for perineum massage. I am just wondering if anyone has any experience of doing this or is planning to try it in there pregnancy ?

I did it. Lots of advice online and guidance. I didn't particularly enjoy it. I ended up with an episiotomy so don't know if it helped... But research suggests it's worth doing. It's a bit hard getting in a comfy position, I perched on the edge of the bed.

I am currently doing this and used the Prep Your Bits oil. I find it quite uncomfortable and don't particularly enjoy doing it if I’m honest. No one mentioned it to me except one friend who swears by it as she didn’t get a single tear. However she also didn’t get a single stretch mark and avoided jelly belly after birth so wonder if she’s just gifted being stretchy!

I would say that if it was 100% effective it would be a standard practice recommended by all midwives so it’s down to personal preference. If it makes you feel more confident and prepared for birth then go for it. If it’s causing so much stress and discomfort that you start to dread it then leave it be. I’d say more women don’t do it than do.

I do it a couple of times a week and put a towel down on the sofa after a bath or shower (remember to close your curtains!!). I find this allows me to stretch down to reach around my bump quite easily. As I say, I find it quite uncomfortable but it’s not painful. I stick a timer on my phone and a good tv show to pass the time.

I did it from quite early on. I had a very difficult birth (induction, fast birth, baby got stuck) and had no tearing at all. The doctors were surprised I didn't have quite bad tearing so I put it down to the massage! Could have just been luck who knows!