Perineal Massage Oil...What type of oil would you recommend?

[sapo2000]

Hello everyone! I am in my third trimester and I would like to try the perineal massage. Which type of oil would you recommend? Many thanks in advance.

I was told Wheatgerm oil is the best as it has a high amount of vitamin E.

I was told almond oil

Our NCT lady told us any oil - olive oil from the kitchen is fine. I had been given a My Expert Midwife set as a gift with some perineal oil in and it gave me the worst thrush of my life. So i don't recommend that one!!

@BertieBotts

I was told Wheatgerm oil is the best as it has a high amount of vitamin E.

Thank you!

@MissLC

I was told almond oil

Me too. But pure almost oil tends to cause itchiness in my skin

@GuidingSpirit

Our NCT lady told us any oil - olive oil from the kitchen is fine. I had been given a My Expert Midwife set as a gift with some perineal oil in and it gave me the worst thrush of my life. So i don't recommend that one!!

Yeah, I almost that oil as well...but then I read the composition and I thought it would not be a good idea. Would Vaseline work?

To be perfectly honest I don't think it makes any difference at all. But if I was going to do it then I'd do one with the Vitamin E content, you might as well give it the best go you can?

The gynaecologist told me to use Vaseline. This was after birth when I'd had a tear and an episiotomy. She also gave me just a packet of generic lube so you can use that too.

Wouldn't bother. I massaged religiously with sweet almond oil and had a 4th degree tear. Waste of time.

You’re just going to end up making yourself sore and sensitive. Just don’t bother. What will be will be.

I thought there was evidence it worked?

I did it every other day over last few weeks and didn't tear perineum. I did get a horrific tear much further up internally by the cervix but pretty sure nothing could have prevented that

I wouldn't bother if it's likely to cause you any irritation.

I didn't do it with either of mine. 3rd degree tear with first, not a scratch with the second 🤷🏼‍♀️

I think birth position and being in water was the key factor for me.

@miltonj

The gynaecologist told me to use Vaseline. This was after birth when I'd had a tear and an episiotomy. She also gave me just a packet of generic lube so you can use that too.

Thank you! Good to know

@Twizbe

I wouldn't bother if it's likely to cause you any irritation.

I didn't do it with either of mine. 3rd degree tear with first, not a scratch with the second 🤷🏼‍♀️

I think birth position and being in water was the key factor for me.

Thanks. I wish I could do a water birth. Not available in my hospital though.

@nellly

I thought there was evidence it worked?

I did it every other day over last few weeks and didn't tear perineum. I did get a horrific tear much further up internally by the cervix but pretty sure nothing could have prevented that

In my home country, no one speaks about this, only in the UK. But I guess this is because there is more research done in the UK. Thank you.

There is evidence perineal massage (done properly) reduces the chances of significant tearing but only for first time mums. Birthing in water can reduce the overall chances of tearing a little but if tearing occurs it might increase the severity due to water logged skin and the inability of the midwife to intervene. Kneeling forwards is a good position to reduce tearing. Laying on back or squatting are not great.

@EvilEdna1

There is evidence perineal massage (done properly) reduces the chances of significant tearing but only for first time mums. Birthing in water can reduce the overall chances of tearing a little but if tearing occurs it might increase the severity due to water logged skin and the inability of the midwife to intervene. Kneeling forwards is a good position to reduce tearing. Laying on back or squatting are not great.

Thank you. Indeed. An excellent midwife I've met said that the best position is vertical with the knees relatively close to each other the feet open to the side.

Thank you. Indeed. An excellent midwife I've met said that the best position is vertical with the knees relatively close to each other the feet open to the side. @sapo2000

Interesting. This is how I delivered my first. Midwife put the bed up to the highest height and I stood up, leaning on the bed. No tearing at all. Having my second next year so will have to try this again. I was afraid to stay in the water as a friend blamed her third degree tear on this.

I did do perineal massage too I should mention.

I did lots of massaging and then ended up with an EMCS. All that effort and a stretched vag for nothing

I gave birth in the water, in a position that's meant to reduce tearing and I did perineal massage multiple times a day from 13 weeks pregnant... guess what I still tore! I'm not saying don't do it, just don't pin your hopes on it.

@AllTheCakes same and I yelled to my husband what a waste of time”all that perenial massage was” it was when they were weighing her and putting on the nappy

@QueenLagertha

Thank you. Indeed. An excellent midwife I've met said that the best position is vertical with the knees relatively close to each other the feet open to the side. *@sapo2000*

Interesting. This is how I delivered my first. Midwife put the bed up to the highest height and I stood up, leaning on the bed. No tearing at all. Having my second next year so will have to try this again. I was afraid to stay in the water as a friend blamed her third degree tear on this.

I did do perineal massage too I should mention.

Good to know! Let's see how it goes with me.