Anyone trying perineal massage? How's it going?

[BearMama]

Today is only my second attempt. Probably a bit late at 38 weeks but hey...
The first attempt caused some whimpering. This time I was braver, thinking "Good God if you cant cope with a little stinging down there, labour is going to seem very daunting indeed"

So I went for it.
Had to lie back on the sofa to do it, which made Bean throw some very interesting shapes indeed.

Not sure if I was doing it right, but it was quite uncomfortable which I longer mind as I plan to do it every day from now on.

Anyone else tried it? Am I wasting my time at this late stage?

I am 38 weeks too and have only just otten round to doing it properly. I just cant reach very well, and DH keeps saying he will, but I think it freaks him out a bit. I dont find it painful, just dull, and I dont seem to be making things any...stretchier. You?

I'm 38 weeks too (or should that be three ) I've managed to get DH to do it for me 3 times which he has found icky and I have found uncomfortable but TBH when I do it I just wimp out from doing it properly so need him to do it for it to feel like it's working, i.e. stinging. I'm trying to think of incentives for him to keep going so any advice gratefully received...

My view is that anything we can do at this late stage is better than nothing so I'll just keep persevering until LO decides to make his appearance and then if I tear I can blame it on DH for not being keen enough and if I don't tear then be grateful that a half-hearted approach to it seemed to work anyway!

By the way bearmama, if you're 38 weeks then you should take a look at the Due March 2008 thread here. We talk lots but we're quite nice to newcomers

Im only 28 weeks but i have read the "instructions" on how to do it and it kinda grosses me out... worries me as well as i tore really badly with my last baby (3rd degree tear) so I want to do everything in my power to prevent this from happenning again but it can still be very uncomfortable down there and quite frakly Im a wimp!

I've been doing it for a few days, it doesn't seem to be doing much but at least I am paying attention to my poor neglected loola. My problem is I'm not sure how long you're meant to do it for - is it meant to be a five minute jobby each day or are you meant to take your time over it?

hi lucy... do you find it hurts or is it just a little uncomfortable. Im being a right chicken here!

does anyone have a good site that 'explains' how to do it? there is one in my pregnancy book but i am being really thick

im 34 weeks this week and thinking that i should start

just google it theres loads on there for you to choose from. x

ok cool, i think i may wait till i get home, at work atm

X

I did it with both my last babies and do it now (33 weeks). It is DEFINATELY worth doing girls. You need to get right inside and stretch out and back to feel the same stinging sesnation that you get when the head is crowning - if you have given birth before, you will know what I mean. It shoudl feel uncomfy - and hold it for at least 5 seconds.

first time I didn't do it right, only did the outside and I didn't tear at all on outside. Midwife was amazed as I had a 3rd degree internally. Second time - a slight graze only.

Use wheatgerm oil as that has lots of Vitamin E or something, make sure its all clean down there - after a bath or shower is ideal and you will be more relaxed too.

Hi Everyone, Just caught up with this. DP will not do it as he says he would (and I'm paraphrasing) have an "inappropriate response".
I COULD try and persuade him but I can just about manage on my own. Am going to do it again later. I noticed it was SLIGHTLY easier the second time, but more stingy too, which I took as a sign I was doing it right.
Am using unscented base massage oil from Boots.
Away to the "Due March 2008" thread now. (Thanks, HolidaysQueen)

Oh and HQ, I would say the best incentive to get your DH to continue would be to say that the less you tear, the quicker you'll heal, the quicker normal service can be resumed.
take the long view, as it were...[

One of the ladies on my due april 08 thread did it with both her previous pg's, she's quite a slim thing and her babies were a good weight, no tears either time.
I'll link her here she can tell you all about it.

Thanks VS, all help appreciated. X

Hi

Yes, i have done it both times. As VS says, i am a bit little (size 6/8 non pg, 5'9) and have had no tears. Babies 8lb.

use oil, insert your thumb(back to front iyswim?) a couple of centimetres, pull back and down. hold until you feel the stinging, hold, hold, breathe, release. Then repeat! Do for a few mins each day or when you remember

Ah scorpio1 you give me such hope! Thanks!

charlotte - no it doesn't hurt but it is a bit uncomfy (mainly because of the position). I was a tad forceful the first time and made myself bleed a little so you may want to take it slowly. Interesting to hear about the stinging - not sure what that feels like as this is my first but next time I will watch out for it...

Dont want to state the obvious but make sure your nails are as short/smooth as poss! Test on delicate surface first to make sure.