Does anyone recommeded this? Does it really help to avoid tearing or cutting?Thanks
2007-04-20 12:41:22 · 7 answers · asked by Bens Mommy 2 in Pregnancy & Parenting ➔ Pregnancy
Never been proven. Sorry to say that just because some people here did it before delivery proves nothing. My wife drank Mountain Dew before ending up with a c-section, does that mean drinking Mountain Dew causes c-sections?
No.
For all we know, they may have had no problems anyway, regardless of perineal massage.
2007-04-20 12:52:57 · answer #1 · answered by Mika M 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
YES!!!
Starting around 34 weeks, you could try massaging your perineum (the area around your vagina). Daily perineal massage may increase the area's stretching ability, leading to less need for an episiotomy and fewer natural tears.
Try this technique yourself, with clean hands and trimmed nails, or have your partner do it for you. If you're going solo, have a large mirror handy so you can see what you're doing and to help familiarize yourself with your perineal area.
* Sit in a semi-reclined position in a warm, comfortable area, spreading your legs apart. Lubricate your fingers, thumbs, and perineal area with vitamin E oil (from punctured vitamin E capsules), pure vegetable oil, or personal lubricant. Don't use baby oil, mineral oil, or petroleum jelly.
• Place your thumbs about 1 to 1 1/2 inches (to or just past your first knuckle) inside your vagina and spread your legs. Press down toward the rectum and toward the sides at the same time. Gently and firmly continue stretching until you feel a slight burn or tingling.
• Hold this stretch for about two minutes — until the tingling starts to subside.
• Now slowly and gently massage the lower part of the vagina back and forth, hooking your thumbs onto the sides of your vagina and gently pulling the tissue forward, as your baby's head will do during delivery. Keep this up for three to four minutes.
• Finally, massage the tissue between the thumb and forefinger back and forth for about a minute.
• Be gentle because a vigorous touch could cause bruising or swelling. During the massage, avoid pressure on the urethra (urinary opening) as this can lead to irritation or infection.
Of course, perineal massage isn't for everyone and it may not help in every case. The most important thing you can do is to choose a midwife or doctor who's experienced and comfortable delivering babies without doing episiotomies. In general, midwives tend to perform this surgery less often than physicians. Regardless of the type of practitioner you choose, discuss your wishes and expectations with that person before the birth.
2007-04-20 12:45:11 · answer #2 · answered by Julie J 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes! Do them in the weeks prior to your delivery. You can use something like avocado oil or some other natural oil which will not irritate your skin. Make sure you are doing them correctly. You will need to pull gently, but not hurt yourself. Even just increasing the bloodflow to the area and doing gentle stretches will help.
I did them, but not as much as I wanted to, because I ended up giving birth at 35 weeks. I was REALLY, REALLY terrified of tearing.
Luckily, I had a really great midwife who knew how to ease the baby out without me tearing. I ended up only needing one stitch. My pushing stage took a long time, which actually may be better, because you are stretching over a longer period of time. I have heard that if a baby comes fast, you might tear more.
Talk to your doc or midwife about your concerns. Most of them know about how to ease the baby out without cutting you, but some will just cut, unless you inform them of your desires.
Good luck!
2007-04-20 12:46:04 · answer #3 · answered by purplebinky 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It helped me with my last child. I had no pain meds and was cut with the prior two babies. The massage helped me and allowed me to deliver without having a tear or cut. It also made it so that my recovery was faster and less painful. If you try it, you can't loose. The worst that can happen is that there needs to be a cut.
2007-04-20 12:45:55 · answer #4 · answered by teachingpk2008 3 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Yes it really helps. Worked wonders for me! 9lb 12 oz baby no tears. The midwife was really happy for me and attributed it to the massaging before and during labor.
2007-04-20 12:44:58 · answer #5 · answered by Carla R 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
We tried it and it didn't seem to help. I still ripped really bad.
2007-04-20 12:43:41 · answer #6 · answered by Aaliyah & Natalie's Mommy 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I never heard that before, possibly it would.
2007-04-20 12:44:04 · answer #7 · answered by Kyral 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋