Perineal Massage 101: The Ultimate Mini-Guide
Perineal massage is the most effective way to reduce the probability of perineal tearing during childbirth. If you’ve already decided to do it, then you’re probably looking for a guide for perineal massage.
There are different ways to go about it and you might find yourself wondering what the right way is. Should you use a vaginal dilator or are your hands just fine? Which massage oil should you use? When should you start perineal massage? Should you do it alone or with your partner? How exactly should the massage be done?
There’s no one right way to go about it and most of the variables are determined by preference. In addition, what works for one person may not be what works for you. So, it is not advisable to do something just because someone said you should do it in a perineal massage video. However, there are some basic guidelines to follow in every variable of the perineal massage process.
Before we get into the mini-guide, it is important to have one fact right: Perineal massage is most effective if it’s done consistently. So, if you are going to start doing it, it’s important that you follow through.
Since it can be hard to follow through if you’re still on the fence about whether you should do perineal massage, let’s remind ourselves why it is important.
Perineal Massage is the Right Way To Go
Perineal tearing is real. MIld to moderate cases are more common than severe cases. Perineal massage is the best way to reduce the chances of vaginal tearing. While it does not eliminate the possibility, it does greatly reduce the risk.
But even more importantly, perineal massage makes the labor process easier. Not only will your body be more prepared but you’ll also be prepared psychologically. Doing perineal massage helps you become more aware of what your body is capable of. In addition, perineal massage makes your perineal muscles more elastic, meaning that your baby will have an easier time coming out, and there won’t be undue pressure on its head. This usually happens when the baby’s head is too big.
If you’re still looking for reasons to commit to perineal massage, here’s one more: It helps reduce the chances of an episiotomy. This is where the delivering physician has to make a cut in your perineum to provide more space for the baby to come out.
In addition, perineal massage helps deal with other issues postpartum, including pain during sex as a result of tense pelvic floor muscles, incomplete bladder emptying, and pain while sitting.
Hopefully, now you’re sure that this is the right decision for you. Let’s dive into the guide for perineal massage.
Should It Be Done With Your Partner?
This is usually a matter of choice, except when your tummy has grown really big and you can’t comfortably reach the perineum for massage. In such a case, you probably don’t have a choice but to get someone to help you do it.
If, on the other hand, you can comfortably do it on your own, you can still get your partner’s help to get them more involved in the pregnancy. It can bring you two closer.
When Should Perineal Massage Start?
For best results, you should start massaging your perineum in your third trimester, towards the end of your term. You can start doing it between week 34 and 36.
Once you start, you can do it for about five minutes every time and gradually increase the duration as you continue. It is recommended to do it every other day, or three to four times a week.
Should You Use a Vaginal Dilator During Perineal Massage?
While you would be just fine performing perineal massage with your fingers, you can use a crystal wand or a specially made vaginal dilator.
If you choose to use a vaginal dilator, here is how you should go about it:
- Insert the dilator into your vagina. It should be covered in a condom and water-based lubricant. You should insert it in such a way that the balloon stays 2 cm away from the vaginal opening.
- By pumping it manually, inflate the dilator until you get to your limit i.e. when you start feeling pain or intolerable discomfort.
- Every day, inflate the balloon more than the previous day. This helps gradually increase the stretching limit of the perineal muscles.
- It helps to use a diary to record the extent of manual pumping each day. This way, you can be sure that you are increasing the extent of pumping every consecutive day. This helps get better results.
Which Massage Oil Should You Use?
Perineal massage can be done with any massage oil. You should ensure that it’s safe for your skin. This is dependent on the sensitivity of your skin as an individual. Suitable massage oils include almond oil, coconut oil, sunflower seed oil, olive oil, and grapeseed oil.
However, you can also use specially-made perineal massage oil. The advantage of this is that it’s usually extensively tested and you can be sure that it won’t have any adverse effects on you.
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