Perineal massages (gulp)

dlBinger61713 · May 2013

OK, I'll be honest. I hop over to everydayfamily.com as well and for their 33 week checklist, they mentioned trying perineal massages for especially FTMs. I read the instructions and I have to say I'm not sure I can perform one on myself. I'm pretty sure I don't want hubby trying it on me though. Have any of you tried it yet and if you are a STM, did you have success with it and not tearing with your first? And is it really all that uncomfortable? In the article, it says it should sting with the stretching exercises you do. At least the first few times. That doesn't sound like a walk in the park to me, but neither does tearing. Pros/Cons...or is it all bull?

ehnasto · May 2013

I'm a FTM as well but have already talked to my doctor about these. I expressed my desire and almost need to not have an episiotomy (sp?). She said doing perineal massages with food grade mineral oil starting at about 33 or 34 weeks would help decrease the chance of being cut and should decrease tearing. She says it helps and does work.

She did say it won't necessary eliminate all tearing complete but will decrease it and of course if cutting is a medical necessity then that will be done.

jynxxy · May 2013

ehnasto:
I'm a FTM as well but have already talked to my doctor about these. I expressed my desire and almost need to not have an episiotomy sp?. She said doing perineal massages with food grade mineral oil starting at about 33 or 34 weeks would help decrease the chance of being cut and should decrease tearing. She says it helps and does work. She did say it won't necessary eliminate all tearing complete but will decrease it and of course if cutting is a medical necessity then that will be done.

All of this, plus I'll add: you can buy a sex toy called the "dilator", which is helpful for reaching. I got mine on amazon for 20 on my hypnobirthing instructors recommendation. I find it does help with bring able to reach, but my hubby does a better job at the massage. I plan to continue both methods :

LeggyNic · May 2013

It's hard to say about effectiveness. Didn't do it before. Not planning on it this time.

I had a quick labor with DD1 which usually means lots of tearing. I had a 1st degree tear that only took one stitch. SIL had a 27hr labor, had been doing massage, and had a 2nd degree tear with 3 stitches.

Luthien1015 · May 2013

I'm curious about massages as well but my main problem is that I cannot comfortably reach my vagina at this stage - at least not enough to do an effective massage. And my husband won't even help me shave my legs - there's no way he's lubing up and doing this with/for me.

dlBinger61713 · May 2013

Luthien1015:
I'm curious about massages as well but my main problem is that I cannot comfortably reach my vagina at this stage - at least not enough to do an effective massage. And my husband won't even help me shave my legs - there's no way he's lubing up and doing this with/for me.

I can reach it, but not sure if I'll be stretching it in the right place. I feel dumb for even admitting that.

sheacox · May 2013

I'm not doing this... My dr Said honestly... If you are going to rip, you will probably rip no matter what.

lioness13 · May 2013

There is a lot I'm willing to do to prepare for labor but this is not one of them.

maggmagoo21 · May 2013

I'm also a FTM but am trying perineal massage. I found it's easier for me to reach myself if I have one foot propped up. It does sting a little bit but I started with just a minute or two the first few days and gradually added time to 5ish minutes each day. My H has helped with it, too. Just be sure your/your partner's nails are short and without any snags.

Good luck!!

txaggster · May 2013

My doctor recommends it...but I haven't tried it yet. I had a friend (who had this same doc for both of her deliveries) tell me that she (the dr) actually does them on the patient before you deliver if there is enough time. I'm debating on trying it...HAHA, I'm on bed rest for 1-2 weeks, so what the heck else will I have going on?!

FordFalcor · May 2013

I did nothing last time and didn't tear. The midwife was oiling and gently stretching while I pushed so I suppose that probably helped quite a bit.

iggles09 · May 2013

I'm planning on doing it however I was told not before 37 weeks as it can possibly send you into early labor.

I can still reach with a little maneuvering. I plan to use organic coconut oil. I hear olive oil is good too

KynnaBomb · May 2013

Funny story, when I was in labor with my daughter almost ten years ago, I was 19. The nurse, with no warning, sticks her fingers inside, rolling around, massage, and stretching. Of course I'm like "So, what are you doing?!" She explains she's massaging my perineal so I will be less likely to tear. Which lead to my response of "Oh sweet! Thank you, carry on!" We giggled and after delivery I only needed two tiny sutures. Bless her heart!