Perineal massage

[rockdoctor]

Is anyone else doing this? My midwife suggested we do it at least twice before the birth. It kind of sounds awful to me. Does anyone else praise it's benefits?

[deymm]

We did it with DS. It was awkward. I still tore.

[joeys_mom]

We did it once and I hated it. My MW said that it really isn't proven to help. We decided to skip doing it more than that. I tore a little but nothing as painful as having a c-section!

Don't feel bad if you don't do it.

[kismetbaby]

I think I won't be doing it. I have read such mixed things about it--no one can seem to decide if it helps or not. Personally I really believe that tearing has a lot more to do with A) your particular anatomy and the position/size of baby and B) how relaxed and slowly you are able to push the head out. But that's just my opinion. I think my MW does a little massage with olive oil during the actually pushing. . .if you aren't in the water at the time. I'm hoping that using the birth tub will help.

[Dmitrizmom]

not doing it - don't want to risk damaging the tissue prior to delivery. a little olive oil during crowning/pushing but not with any rubbing motion... I'm good with that.

[KayleeZoo]

Did it with my first (using almond oil). Wound up w/2nd degree tearing and sutures. Did not do it with each of my 3 subsequent kids and had no appreciable tearing or sutures.

[~Caitlyn~]

Glad I read this thread... I think I'll be skipping this little gem...