One of the Gyno's I work with suggests 34-35weeks also. I did do it with both my kids and I didn't tear. Weather it helped I don't know. Maybe I wouldn't have torn anyway but if/when I have another I will be doing it again also. I didn't use any oil I did mine whilst I was in the bath so the water might have acted abit like a lubricate and to soften the peri whilst doing it. I have heard people say olive oil is the best and there is another oil with Vitamin E in it but I don't know the name of it. Can't hurt anyway.
I did it with my last pg, can't remember when I started, but probably 6-7 weeks before DS was born. At the time just about everyone recommended it, from the Ob down to my acupuncturist. I used almond oil.
During DS's birth, I did ask the midwife to use a warm compress on my perineum around the time prior to DS crowning. Not sure what did/didn't work but all I ended up with was a very minor tear which required a stitch or two (I only pushed for 30 mins, so not sure if that can have an impact on the perineum's ability to stretch??). Can I add the small tear caused me no probs after the birth - I didn't feel it, and didn't need panadol or pain relief, so it must've been minor.
All in all, I reckon perineum massage is worth the time and effort. At the very least, it can't hurt to do it.
i too am interested in this thread. how often do i need to be massaging the perineum?
I feel weird doing it, but ill give it a shot if it helps me to not tear during labour...lol
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