We used perineal massage and a device called an Epi-No with our first baby, and just the Epi-No with the second. DW had grazes both times, but nothing major.
The way we were taught perineal massage, for the woman to do on her own, was to insert a thumb into the vagina, and then press down and spread out the tissues aruond the bottom of the entrance to the vagina, stretching the perineum. You can also use a natural massage oil, like sweet almond oil.
Attempted to do it but found it uncomfortable and difficult to do. One of those weird things where I wasn't comfy asking DH to try either because I didn't want to make him feel bad if he did it wrong and hurt me. I tore but I think that was a lot to do with vacuum assisted birth, so he came out faster than he would have so my body wasn't stretching slowly.
Just wanted to say that apparently I tore both times, but honestly I would never have known if they hadn't told me. No pain after, and no problems after.Didn't do massage, but did ALOT of pelvic floor. Never had leaking!!! xo
I did it for my first. About 10 min from 36ish weeks onwards every night. I used olive oil I think. Birth was good, a tiny tear that didn't need any stitches. The massage helped me know what feeling to expect when Caty's head was crowning which was helpful.
No massage for #2 and no tears (waterbirth probably helped!).
I second webbmeg's praise of pelvic floors. I'd say they're more important than massage too.
I didn't tear at all - just a couple of little grazes. My bub had a 35cm head circumference. I think that my pelvic floor exercises helped because I was able to push when I was told and hold when I was told. I was also bathed with some warm solution 'down there' as he crowned. I was also on my side as I birthed and my stage 2 was only just over 30 minutes.
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