Just started perineal massage. Is it worth it?

[SunnySideUp2020]

Had first one yesterday. DH did it.
Felt weird!

Anyone has done it to prepare for birth?
What was your experience?
Do you think it helped?

I

I did it with the second and think it worked although it never occurred to me to ask DH to do it if I'm honest

I also drank a huge amount of raspberry leaf tea. She was born on 3 hours without any stitches although it could be coincidence.

I did it, but my baby was in distress and needed induction and ventouse so that meant episiotomy so pointless for me!

Sorry to hear that Fudge. Hope you're both recovered now

I didn't do it with my first, no tear.

Did it the recommended amount of times ect with my second and had a 3rd degree tear.

So I don't know.
But in my opinion, you don't lose anything by trying it

I'm currently doing it myself. I am 40 weeks on Tuesday so I am hoping it works. My thoughts were that there was no harm in trying 🤷🏼‍♀️

I briefly done it with DC1. Had 2nd degree tear but was given the option of natural healing or stitches. I chose no stitches and healed no bother.

DC2 & DC3 - done the massage regularly from about 33/34 weeks. Both were born a week later due to pre eclampsia/ placenta abruption and no tears just small grazes. Those babies were very quick deliveries and only 4.5lb/5lb so don't know if that made a difference.

I did it with both, had a 2nd degree tear both times...but who knows, it could have been worse without! I don't think I'll both this time!

I dont it before last birth and I only had minor tears and needed no stitches DS was on the bigger side too. Obv it could of went that way having not done the massage but suppose i'll never know. Defo plan to start it soon this time round.