Which oils to use for perenial massage?

[samaraxx]

Thanks so much! I will send you my email now. : )

[love.tillie]

Hello everyone,

I found perineal massage helpful and i have just started doing it again, this is my third baby, i just use vegie oil, but i love the sound of rose oil, must get some thanks!

I also think that it is essential to really know the anatomy of your own body and to know how it all works during labour to really help with any tearing.

They say that your mouth is connected to your vagina and if your mouth is held tight in any way then your vagina will be tight as well, which in turn will cause a tear as it will be unable to stretch.

It is important to really visualise your mouth and vagina as one during labour esspecially during the second stage when you are going to push bubs out. As that is when bub has his/her head pressing down against your perineum.

One of my books tells me that when you are in the squatting position, try it! it works!, your perineum is at its most relaxed but a supported squat is even better for second stage.

Also ask your midwife to warm up your perineum with a warm face washer to help more blood flow to the area and thus assist with it stretching.

Another thing is that is helpful is to NOT PUSH (ha! if you can!) when directed to as it is usuallyto prevent a tear. Even ask if your midwife can add counter pressure on bubs head so it does not just pop out, it needs to ease out!!

Anyway i hope i have not offended anyone by writing this, i just know that the whole tearing thing is important to me and i'd love to pass on any info that may help.

It is written with love!! xxxxx Good luck ladies!! I am at 35 wks and counting!!

[Yarrawin]

Thanks for the info! I have to confess... I haven't bothered with the perenial massage at all after having started this thread. How in heck am I meant to reach?!?!?!?! I want to do it, DH doing it isn't an option (he's working two jobs, no time is a good time for it and it really isn't as simple as just making time... when he's home we're both exhausted and completely crashed out, half the time he can't even string a sentence together, poor guy!) but I just don't see how physically I can do it myself....