Perineal Massage

[Teenytoona]

I haven't seen anyone mention it, and wondered if anyone else is doing it?

My midwife's encouraged us to do so, and we have a few times so far. But I have a question as to your methods while doing it. (If you don't mind, I know this can get a little too personal). TMI BEGINS: My question is, do any of you (or your partners) help you relax via a little extra stimulation? We've done it twice with and once without, and it went far easier with some extra clitoral stimulation. Which gets me to wondering, is it doing me any good? Am I going to have to do the same during the birth (in front of the MW?)? Should we not go that route, and I focus on relaxing without the extra?

Needless to say it always turns into a DTD frenzy! I didn't expect that as I was first reading the "how to" but, well, at least our methods seem to be working!

[Isfahel]

DH and I tried the perineal massage but I couldn't handle it, I am not comfortable with anything near my backside. It was just too annoying. Thankfully I pushed out a 9#er with only a tiny tear, I know it is really supposed to help but in my case it worked out ok w/o it.

[Teenytoona]

Originally Posted by Isfahel

DH and I tried the perineal massage but I couldn't handle it, I am not comfortable with anything near my backside. It was just too annoying. Thankfully I pushed out a 9#er with only a tiny tear, I know it is really supposed to help but in my case it worked out ok w/o it.

Isafhel, well hey, 9 pounds is nothign to sneeze at!

But hmm, I wonder, because the massage instructions we have have nothing to do with the backside, and all vaginal, maybe we have a different kind of massage. I'm not sure how well I'd do with the backside type massage either.
Now that I think of it, the massage type we have would be better labeled vaginal than perineal, because there's nothign in the instructions outside of it. Wierd.

[smokeylo]

My midwife said that perineal massage isn't really needed. She said getting used to the pressure might be good, but that massage isn't really required - the tissues will be stretchy on their own with good health and all. So if you don't like it, don't do it or just skip to the fun part .

[applecore]

I really don't think it's necessary, but it sounds like you're really enjoying it, so have fun! Also, perineal massage isn't something that's usually done DURING labor, but more as a preparation of the tissues. Again, I don't know if it makes any difference, and I think the tissues were designed to do that naturally. In general, our bodies were made to birth babies, and aside from being in general good health/fitness, I find it unnecessary to prepare the body for it. Although, a good orgasm in labor is really helpful for some women, and I'm sure your midwife would be fine with leaving the room if you want to try it out!

[the elyse]

i think sex itself is enough of a massaging/stretching...but if the perineal message makes for better sex, why not! i think i read in the birth partner that it usually turns into foreplay, and it should be enjoyable. more power to ya! :

[mama_nym]

I agree - totally not necessary - just skip to the fun part!

[Dea]

I was told it's not at all needed. But to make sure that you do take care of your skin, like keep it clean and not to use soap because it's drying. It was also suggested to go commando as much as possible, or wear cotton to prevent any issues.

[Jlcampbellkidz]

New research shows that this process is not helpful. It is specially not helpful durring labor. It causes more blood flow to the area and can cause the perinium to swell. Durring birth it is better to just apply warm cloths with gentle pressure and pant or blow and allow baby to come out slowly.

I have used this practice with my last two births and they were both almost 10 pounds. No tears, no stiches!

Hope this helps. I will try to find that article and post.

[LoveChild421]

clitoral stimulation is great during labor, really helps ease the pain. There was a great article in Mothering about it a long time ago....your midwife doesn't have to be looking at you the whole time, she can be in another room and just come to check on you and the babe and believe me I bet she has rubbed hers too!

but I agree with pp, there really is no evidence that perineal massage helps, there is evidence that having sex often helps prevent tearing so skip to the fun part unless now the massage is part of the fun part...

[Teenytoona]

Originally Posted by LoveChild421

clitoral stimulation is great during labor, really helps ease the pain. There was a great article in Mothering about it a long time ago....your midwife doesn't have to be looking at you the whole time, she can be in another room and just come to check on you and the babe and believe me I bet she has rubbed hers too!

but I agree with pp, there really is no evidence that perineal massage helps, there is evidence that having sex often helps prevent tearing so skip to the fun part unless now the massage is part of the fun part...

Good to know from someone who's been there!! It's really helped with the massaging we're doing (which is something like gently see how many fingers he can get in there, and work your way up).
I'm sure my MW's been around where clitoral stimulation has been done, but I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it. Of course, I'll only know when I get to that point!! Well, it's good to skip to the fun part! To be sure, we do a fair amount of that anyways!

[mom2tillie]

I am so jealous... haha, DH is in Iraq right now. With my last pregnancy we were too freaked out to have sex toward the end. This time I am sure we'll be all over each other since he is due back about two weeks before I am due! --I hate that I missed out on that good second trimester sex! =( --

More to the point, my midwife also said that perineal massage is not necessary. Drinking lots of water and eating healthfully is all she recommends to improve elasticity.

-Iris

[LoveChild421]

Originally Posted by Teenytoona

Good to know from someone who's been there!! It's really helped with the massaging we're doing (which is something like gently see how many fingers he can get in there, and work your way up).
I'm sure my MW's been around where clitoral stimulation has been done, but I wasn't sure how I'd feel about it. Of course, I'll only know when I get to that point!! Well, it's good to skip to the fun part! To be sure, we do a fair amount of that anyways!

In my experience it helped most during early labor and really got some good productive contractions going (one was so strong I swear it broke my water!).

oh and I don't think that kind of massage is harmful at all, heck thats just foreplay to me I think the kind of perineal massage that can be harmful and make tissues swell is the kind where they sweep back and forth with their fingers.