How did you prevent tearing during pushing?

[Frangipani Lou]

We did lots of perineal massage for about 4 weeks before birth. I think it's recommended to massage scars to soften them and reduce the risk of retearing in the same place. I can't remember the breath I used- probably something I learnt in Calmbirth class.

[megs]

Same as Taurean. I've birthed 4 times, 2 of those babies were 4kg, with no tears. My tip is to pant whilst crowning and listen to your OB.

[Nelle]

Consider asking to be coached, get your birth support partner to tell your midwives/ob that you want to be coached through pushing. My first two I just did a big heave-ho to get it over with and had second degree tears, my third was my biggest by far, presented with her hand against her face, but I didn't tear at all, and I was coached through that delivery.

Some people prefer to be left alone to birth by instinct, and that is usually me, but I really appreciated having someone give me some clues on how to slow down a little and ease the baby out more than I would naturally.

[AliBaby]

My first two I just did a big heave-ho to get it over with and had second degree tears.

This is exactly what happened to me with DD's birth. I just wanted it over and done with so did the big heave-ho!

I am going to be having a student midwife with me so I might talk to her about it and getting her to coach me through and slow me down.

Nelle- so good to hear that with coaching and a hand beside her head, you still managed not to tear.

Thanks for all the advice ladies.