perineal massage

[MariaIsabella]

Is anyone doing it and when did you start?

What oil are you using? Can you use coconut oil?

I am 34 weeks next week and have heard that's when you should start but not sure! A bit scared of if to be honest xx

 

[YorksLass]

I've been on the case, so to speak, since about 34/5 weeks - was using olive oil, but then looked into it a bit more and found a wheatgerm based one that's full of vitamin a, which is supposed to be particularly good for the skin. Also found a weleda (I think that was the name of it?) oil specifically for perineal massage that was quite cheap on an offer lol - since it's going up there, I guess you don't want to take any chances, but have a look around and see what suits you - generally plant based oils should be fine, synthetics no...

 

[YorksLass]

Oh,and I found a great diagram of how to do it on Google images if that helps lol - tricky to reach around the bump, but I can manage it propped up on the bathroom floor ahaha

 

[Nickinakinoo]

Omg I'm so glad I was at home when I googled that!!

 

[Blueclass]

I tried bit can't reach. I let hubby try but I didn't like it so now not doing it. You can buy a device which iv heard is good it's called epino but with p+p it's £100. A lady I know has one and did not tear at all and it was her first x

 

[Maud]

I did it last time. Can't remember when I started but I used the Mothercare perineal massage gel. I haven't bothered this time as I found it too much of a faff.

I did tear last time, but that was much more the result of how I was told to push her out (literally in one big push, in between contractions) and I doubt any amount of massage would've prevented a tear in that situation. I'm hoping to be allowed to take things a bit more slowly this time.

 

[YorksLass]

Omg I'm so glad I was at home when I googled that!!

Ahahah!

 

[MariaIsabella]

Omg I'm so glad I was at home when I googled that!!

Haha, I know!! I am at work so will not check that out in a packed office I sit in front of two massive screens that face out to the whole office as well!! xx

 

[MariaIsabella]

Oh,and I found a great diagram of how to do it on Google images if that helps lol - tricky to reach around the bump, but I can manage it propped up on the bathroom floor ahaha

I have no idea if I will reach but will give it a go! No way I would ask my DH to do this! For me that's romance killed for ever xx

 

[MariaIsabella]

I've been on the case, so to speak, since about 34/5 weeks - was using olive oil, but then looked into it a bit more and found a wheatgerm based one that's full of vitamin a, which is supposed to be particularly good for the skin. Also found a weleda (I think that was the name of it?) oil specifically for perineal massage that was quite cheap on an offer lol - since it's going up there, I guess you don't want to take any chances, but have a look around and see what suits you - generally plant based oils should be fine, synthetics no...

Looks like Boots sell Weleda so will have a look. Thanks!

 

[Phoenix85]

Coconut oil is a good one.

I thought I'd try it the other day as it was mentioned in one of my antenatal classes... well it's so blummin stretchy anyway Don't think I need to massage it.

I only had very minor tears with my older 2 and didn't need stitches either time.

 

[YorksLass]

That's good going phoenix! I'm hoping for a water birth anyway which is supposed to help lessen tearing a little, but worry as my mother had 3 episiotomies with us o.o

 

[StephyLou]

I'm using the natural birthing company oil, is so much easier to get the OH to do it and if combined with others ventures works quite well for foreplay.

Now I know baby is back to back I'm glad I kept with it.

 

[MariaIsabella]

Thanks! Will have a go tonight ( 34 weeks tomorrow ) and see how it goes

How long time should I do it for?

How much pressure?

How many times a week?

Thanks for all replies!!

xx

 

[YorksLass]

From what I read, the suggestion seems to be 3 or 4 times a week for 5 minutes at a time, but I tend to just do it after a bath every evening for about 2 or 3 mins. Pressure wise, a general gentle massage but I end by applying a bit of pressure to stretch things out I guess - not so it's very painful or anything, but just before it gets uncomfortable! Lovely conversation this, no? Haha
I'm really paranoid about getting a bad tear though - I don't think I'm particularly... 'loose' down there lol

 

[MariaIsabella]

From what I read, the suggestion seems to be 3 or 4 times a week for 5 minutes at a time, but I tend to just do it after a bath every evening for about 2 or 3 mins. Pressure wise, a general gentle massage but I end by applying a bit of pressure to stretch things out I guess - not so it's very painful or anything, but just before it gets uncomfortable! Lovely conversation this, no? Haha
I'm really paranoid about getting a bad tear though - I don't think I'm particularly... 'loose' down there lol

Thanks! I know, lovely conversation I bought an oil from boots and the instructions has some very lovely graphic pictures as well! Better hide it a bit before our cleaner comes next week, haha xx

 

[Oxford]

My friend highly recommended the massage and the epi-no. She used both and didn't tear at all. Who knows if the massaging and epi-no helped, or if it was just due to her baby having a small head! Another £100 gone and an unpleasant task, but I think I'll take her advice anyway. I can't even say the word "tear" out loud in this context, it creeps me out so much!! Ow!

 

[MariaIsabella]

Is the Epi-no a recommended thing by midwifes? First time I heard about it this week..

Quick question, did the massage but not sure I do it right.. So hard! I bought the weleda oil from boots and since I apply the oil on fingers the oil will inevitable also go inside.. Is that bad? Should the oil only stay on the outside bits? xx