Pregnant? Worried about Perineal tears? Great Tips for you.

Great Tips you can use to reduce perineal tears

When pregnant your body begins to get ready for the birth of your baby, hormones (progesterone and relaxin) are softening your ligaments, muscles, perineum and pelvic floor, so they can stretch.

Studies have shown that over 85% of ladies who have a normal birth suffer from perineal tears as their baby is born.

Preventing Perineal trauma
My experience

As an experienced midwife I have found that women are embarrassed to discuss the subject of tearing and this creates another anxiety in pregnancy. Over the years, I have found that pregnant ladies are keen to learn how to decrease tears. They are always  willing to  give massage ‘a go’ in this sensitive area. Having confidence in their bodies as baby is born is always a big bonus. Knowledge is power. Less fear – Relax – Natural Birth

It is important to have confidence and trust in the massage oil that you will use to massage this sensitive area down below. Use products that only include natural vegetable oils with no essential oils and are blended to absorb into this area, allows that extra stretch as baby is born.

  • Silicone-Free Moisturisers

    Perineal Massage Oil 100% Natural Oils 50ml Bottle

    £19.95
    Go to product

The advantages of perineum massage

  1. By getting to know your body you can have more confidence to deliver your baby. Yay!
  2. Massage increases the blood flow to the perineum allowing more stretch and less pain, during the birth of your baby. Amazing!
  3. Helps you to focus on letting your perineum open up. This enables you to have a controlled delivery.  You in control!
  4. If you have practised your pelvic floor exercises and breathing exercises, this will also help at the birth. More Relaxed!
  5. Tears to the perineum are less likely [1]. Big Smile!
  6.  Your perineum is less likely to be painful three months after the birth [2.] Fantastic. Relief!
  7. Trying this gives  peace of mind for both you and your baby. Simple!

TIP:

  1.  Perineal trauma is caused by tensing through a contraction. Breathing excerise and preparation of the perineum, using perineum massage will help give you the confidence to relax.
  2. Doing the massage often enough, 3 or more times per week, and for long enough, 5-10minutes at a time, is as important as the oil you use.

“Antenatal perineal massage reduces the likelihood of perineal trauma (mainly episiotomies) and the reporting of ongoing perineal pain and is generally well accepted by women. As such, women should be made aware of the likely benefit of perineal massage and provided with information on how to massage.” Beckham, M. M., Garrett, A. J 

 

Award winning perineum massage oil

Always Use

A good quality blended oil when you are pregnant. Remember  you need to look after yourself and your baby so massage oils should contain NO mineral oils & any other Nasties, as oils used on the skin absorb into the skin to increase elasticity. This is particularly important when massaging the perineum. Try it – you have nothing to loose and with a good Down Below Perineum Massage Oil from Motherlylove and a ‘How to massage the perineum Pdf’, plus the knowledge – you have nothing to loose.

Summary

  1. Massage the Perineum during pregnancy.
  2. Start from 34 weeks with a good quality natural oil and massage 3-4 times a week. Simple!
  3. Massage for 5-10minutes at a time. This is really important to get the cells to record the stretch memory.
  4. Decreased risk of episiotomy.
  5. Decreased risk of tears requiring stitches.
  6. Happy Mum and Baby after the birth.
  7. Use any left over oil to use as a hand massage, as good quality oils are beneficial for all parts of your body. You need the best now. And Relax – Enjoy your baby.
The Science

Beckham, M. M., Garrett, A. J conclusions: Antenatal perineal massage reduces the likelihood of perineal trauma (mainly episiotomies) and the reporting of ongoing perineal pain and is generally well accepted by women. As such, women should be made aware of the likely benefit of perineal massage and provided with information on how to massage.

References
Swollen ankles in pregnancy
Uncategorized 05 Mar

Easing swollen ankles in pregnancy

by Warrick Bastard
Pregnancy can be an exciting time however, it is rarely without challenges. From pregnancy sickness to backache, pregnancy can at times be downright uncomfortable. Just when you think you have…
Read more
Go to post
Breathing exercises
Tips & Advice 17 Aug

6 Benefits of Breathing Exercises

by The Honest Midwife
Breathing Exercises: 5 Benefits of using breathing techniques for mother and her unborn baby, plus 1 breathing exercises in labour. These will give emotional support during pregnancy.
Read more
Go to post
Mothering Sunday Grandma with Grandchildren
Blog 26 Mar

The History of Mothering Sunday (Mother’s Day) and “going a-mothering!”

by The Honest Midwife
Giving thanks to the incredible women in your life on a day of thanks and appreciation is just the best. Mothering Sunday and Mother’s Day both have different origins; although…
Read more
Go to post
About the Author

About the Author, Jan Bastard

BSc. (Hons) complementary therapy/aromatherapy, RN, RM, Anaesthetic Diploma, IAIM.

For over forty years, and over two continents, Jan has worked tirelessly to help mothers have a positive birthing experience. She is also a mother and grandmother.