perineum massage- who's doing it?

[beforesunrise]

after a pretty nasty 2nd degree tear first time round and stitches complications, i now have a complete phobia of tearing/episiotomy/stitches. all the mws i ahve seen are evangelical about perineum massage as a way to prevent/reduce severity of tearing... trouble is i jsut can't go there, if i try to feel my perineum i just panic because it feels so flimsy and weird... i wish someone would tell me how it's supposed to feel and that mine is normal and maybe i could do it...

anyway, is evryone doing it? any tips?

Hmm, I see your point but we were advised at AN classes not to have too many sweeps (if we go overdue) as it risks infection so can't help but think that this is the same thing.

I did ! Used Zita West's "down under oil" here, but you can also use a suitable pure oil like sweet almond oil. The link gives you some tips on how to do it! Usually did after bath, in bed, on my own!

Don't know if it helps but I had stitches first time round (no massage!) and then even though dc2 and dc3 both 2 lbs heavier than dc1 got away with no tears with dc2 and small tear (couple of stitches) with dc3.

I'm sure I heard that it's only helpful for your first delivery. There is generally less trauma after the first as everything is stretched.

I don't think perineal massage is the same as a sweep

a sweep involves your cervix, perineal massage is just manipulating the area between your vagina and your anus

Hi beforesunrise, I am doing it. It does get easier I promise and I felt the same as you. Best done after a shower, in the warm and in complete privacy. Just make sure your nails are short and you are relaxed as possible.

I did it before my first, and still had a third degree tear, on top of an episiotomy which had to be stitched up by a surgeon.

With my second I had a tiny tear and a few stitches, even though I had done nothing to prepare (except carry around dd1 who was only 14 months when dd2 was born)

I too was terrified at the thought of tearing again, but found a fantastic and sympathetic MW to go through my notes with me, and help me with a birth plan for dd2. She did say a water birth can reduce the chances of tearing badly. (I had one planned but ended up being induced, due to meconium in my waters - all the best laid plans!)