Perenial Massage

[Shaz]

Sorry Girls - got to ask about this delicate subject.

Does massaging oil into your bits really really help stop tearing???

 

[Princess_Puddles]

No its just a theory

 

[littlebump]

I didn't tear and we DID start perineal massage at about 35 weeks.

I think it certainly helped.

Also at points during the pushing phase, the MW placed a warm sanitary towel over my perineum - I'm sure that helped too - perhaps put that in your birth plan!

LBxx

 

[Shaz]

I suppose it's worth giving it a go - you never know!

 

[Lyndsey]

But whats the best thing to use? I think I read somewhere about almond oil... does any one know what is recomended???

 

[budge]

ive never done it but its meant to help. Doing pelvic floor exercises is meant to help though.

Your best bet is to just listen to the midwife when you are pushing the baby out.
Push when she says and pant when she says. That way you will be less likely to tear.

 

[angelfairy]

Hi Shaz,

not sure if the perenial massage works as this is my first baby, though at this stage I am willing to try anything I can to stop tearing. Have been massaging for the last week using a base almond oil from body shop. It isn't the most comfortable thing to start with but it does get easier.

You might want to ask your other half to help you if you have probs doing it yourself!

Happy massaging

Xxx

 

[Jaidy]

The thought of it makes me cringe!!

 

[cab'o'holic]

I used the almond oil last time and i tore I asked the midwife if it was better to be cut and she said no I was almost in tear at the thought of that again

 

[Sassyminx]

i think its the only thing i dread about havin this baby, with bethany i tore internally as well as externally and had 15 stitches and had to have them 2nd time round as the old scar tore again, but josh was born really fast

dread the thought of being stitched again it hurt more than the bloody labour

 

[littlebump]

But whats the best thing to use? I think I read somewhere about almond oil... does any one know what is recomended???

We used almond oil.

 

[littlebump]

The thought of it makes me cringe!!

It's nowhere near as bad as it sounds!! & it's sure to be nicer than tearing!!!

LBxx

 

[gingerpig]

I asked the MW's about this at our ante-natal classes. They said there were no studies done to prove that it does help, but that in their opinion pelvic floor exercises do. They didn't seem to want to discuss it. and as none of the other women there showed any interest, I left it at that. May give it a go though, depends how brave I'm feeling.....

 

[Jaidy]

i think its the only thing i dread about havin this baby, with bethany i tore internally as well as externally and had 15 stitches and had to have them 2nd time round as the old scar tore again, but josh was born really fast

dread the thought of being stitched again it hurt more than the bloody labour

Apparantly the stitching after shouldnt be painful, just uncomfortable, the MW said at antenatal classes that they should give you local anaesthetic down there or give you gas and air depending on what you prefer/what they think is best.

 

[Eveadel]

I only tried once massaging and it felt abit weird so didnt bother again.

My midwife who I had during labour kept applying oils to me during my labour and I only had a little tear which didnt need stiching. Only found this out after as my husband and mum told me.

 

[Melanie]

I massaged religiously from 35 weeks but i still had to have an episiotomy