Perineal Massage
So yup lets put this topic out there .. some of you will pull funny faces, some will outright say nope not going there … some will sort of know what it is because they’ve chatted to their friends or have come along to my pregnancy yoga classes where I talk about vaginas within minutes of being in the class …
This is important … a Cochrane review showed that perineal massage undertaken by the woman as little as once or twice a week from 35 weeks of pregnancy reduced the likelihood of perineal trauma (mainly episiotomies) and ongoing perineal pain (Cochrane.org 2013)
There is a leaflet on how to do this leaflet perineal mass
The perineum is the area of tissue between your vagina and anus and it connects with the muscles of the pelvic floor – a hammock of muscles with supports your pelvic organs, such as your bladder and bowels.
Perineal massage is a way of preparing your perineum to stretch more easily during childbirth but it also helps you to make a mental connection between your head and that part of your body. So important in Western culture where the vulva and vagina are not often talked about, meaning that many women are terrified about the prospect of the baby’s head being born. In reality, the perineum can easily accommodate a baby’s head, due to the muscles in that area being ‘concertinaed’ over each other. Combined with the powerful hormones present during birth, they stretch apart under the pressure of the baby’s head, allowing the head to be eased out. As the baby’s head crowns, an intense stinging sensation can be felt (unhelpfully known as The Ring of Fire) which firstly lets you know that your baby is about to be born and secondly actually helps protect the perineum because it encourages you to bring your legs closer together to reduce any extra stretch on the area. The rocking of the baby’s head on the perineum as it crowns, creates more Oxytocin which is essential for the release of the placenta and bonding between you and your baby.
You can start perineal massage anytime from 34 weeks of your pregnancy and antenatal perineal massage can also help with your recovery after birth.
I’m going to share a couple of ways to do this however I am a great believer that you really don’t need any lubricant or oil however I shall share both ways.
Here’s how to do it:
Comfortable Positions:
Be in a place where you feel safe, secure, calm and where you won’t be interrupted
Propped up with pillows on a bed or sofa with your knees bent out and supported Resting your back in the bath with one leg on the side, then change legs
Standing under a warm shower with one leg on a stool, then change legs
Technique:
Use a small amount of unscented, organic oil such as olive oil, grape seed, or K-Y Jelly or look at The Birthlight way below which doesn’t use anything.
- Don’t use synthetic oil such as baby oil or Vaseline.
- Make sure your hands are clean before you begin.
- You might find it easier to use a mirror for the first few tries.
- Place one or both thumbs on and just within the back wall of your vagina, resting one or both forefingers on your buttocks.
- Pressing down a little towards your rectum, gently massage by moving your thumb(s) and forefinger(s) together upwards and outwards then back again, in a rhythmic ‘U’ shaped movement.
- You’re aiming to massage the area inside your vagina, rather than the skin on the outside – although you might feel a stretching sensation on the skin on the outside.
- Focus on relaxing your perineum as much as possible during the massage.
- It can last as long you wish, but aim for around five minutes at a time.
- For benefit, every or every other day is recommended.
- Do not do the perineal massage if you have a vaginal infection or thrush, upon advice from your care provider or if you experiencing pain.
- If you do tear or require stitches make sure you drink lots of water to dilute your urine to prevent it being too acidic.
- When you wee, it can help to pour warm water over your perineum as you do so, or maybe even wee when you’re in the shower or in the bath.
- Avoid wearing period sanitary towels that are plastic backed (stick to the actual maternity pads instead) as they can make the area sweat.
- There are many soothing products on the market you can buy to help aid your recovery, or you can even keep some maternity pads in the freezer so they are cool and soothing when held against the area.
***** The Birthlight Way ******
- Find a comfortable relaxed position