Perineal Massage

The perineum is the muscle and tissue that lay between the bottom part of the
vagina and the anus. During the latter part of the birth they have to open up and stretch to allow the baby’s head to slip out of the vagina. When this area is has been prepared it is soft, relaxed and in good condition for the birth Perineal Massage is essential for adding to your comfort during the birth.

We have found that women that tear are the one’s who did not do the Perineal
Massage. The better you prepare your perineal tissues for stretching, the less likely
they are to tear, or to need an episiotomy. They will stretch more easily as the baby
crowns and is born and they will also heal and tighten up much more quickly. Think of it as preparing muscles for an athletic performance or a strong yoga position. The mind gets used to this area experiencing stretching sensations so it is a
familiar sensation when it happens just before the birth.

We train and prepare for all sorts of events in life so set time aside to do this from
around 34 weeks. To do it daily for about 5 minutes will ensure the tissues are soft
and pliable, if you have had previous tearing and have scar tissue it will provide the
best chance of this being a very different, more comfortable experience.

Some ladies find it awkward to do it themselves with a big tummy, if you are one of
these then perhaps ask your partner to do it for you.

Put some vegetable based oil or nut oil blend, as described in the aromatherapy
article, in a small container. Then after a bath or shower, get yourself comfortable,
sitting on a towel on a floor or bed and propped up on pillows. It is good to do it in
front of a long mirror to start with so that you can familiarise yourself with this area.
Our Mum’s have found all sorts of ways in which to lay or sit to do this so experiment
to see what you find most comfortable, some have found laying on one’s side and
taking their hand around their back to the vagina works best.

Dip your fingers and thumb into the oil and gently insert the thumb or fingers into
the vagina approximately 2-3 inches. The idea is to stretch the perineal area so start
by pressing the perineum towards the rectum and stretch the outer walls of the
vagina by pressing out towards the sides. Gently continue this stretch till you feel a
slight burning or tingling sensation. Then maintaining a steady pressure slide the
fingers or thumb in a U shape motion along the vaginal walls then down to the
perineum and up the other side. Keep up this motion and over time you or your
partner will notice a huge difference in the elasticity of the perineum.

If you or your partner does it make sure that you or they have short clean nails and
practise your 7/11 and see how you relax as you do it.

And remember it is common for women to experience slight urinary incontinence
after childbirth so careful preparation of your pelvic floor before birth and attention
to exercising it after birth will reduce your risk of this occurring to you.