A massage that you can start doing beginning at 34 weeks is called a perineum massage. It really helps to ease the pain during labor, avoid any sort of tearing and helps your baby’s head come out faster. Sounds like a great deal to me! I definitely did this one when I was preparing for birth and trying to avoid a tear. Ouch that tearing sure hurt as I experienced tearing with my first baby. I think it really helped to give me a fast labor as well as not tear for my 3rd baby. You might be wondering if it is at a ll possible to avoid tearing during your labor or even a surgical procedure called an episiotomy, which is a cut to help aid in delivery. Yes! This is where its important to do the perineum massage.
Why does it help?
It really is interesting to think about a woman’s body and how it changes to prepare for a baby and eventually stretch enough where a baby comes out of something the size of a lemon. Doing a perineum massage definitely helps to soften the skin and makes the skin more flexible, causing the baby’s exit to be more smoothly.
What should you use?
Using some organic oils such as:
-Jojoba Oil
-Olive Oil
-Sweet Almond Oil
Keep these oils in a dry and cool place away from any heat in order to avoid burn injuries to your perineum.
Where is the perineum?
It is a bridge muscle that is between the vagina and the anus. Since it is so close to where the baby exits during birth as well as added pressure on the area, it is more prone to being torn. It is also more likely to have a tear if you are having your first baby vaginally.
If there is a tearing, then its important to know the different levels of the tear. Some tears can heal on their own with no interventions needed, however there are some that need to be stitched followed by a longer healing time.
How do you massage it?
Put a small amount of oil, once a day, directly to the perineum and massage gently. Avoid going anywhere near the urethra since you want to avoid getting any sort of infection. On top of the massage you can also gently stretch the vagina, by using two fingers just inside the vagina and gently stretch the walls of the vagina by slowly moving your fingers back and forth.
You can also use a warm wash cloth in order to soften the area before you do the massage by putting the wash cloth over your vagina for about 10 min. If that is too long for you then try taking a bath beforehand.
What to be mindful of?
Always wash your hands before doing the massage and before stretching your vagina. If you already have an infection, you will have to wait until the infection is cleared up before doing any massages.
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Much love,
Krystina
