Perineal Massage?? Worth it or not?

[Rommy'sMummy]

I have been wondering about doing this - my sister swears by it. She had epesiotomies with bubs one and two an then did the massage and had no tears or cuts with bubs three and four. I asked my OB about it the other day and she had read a study by our birthing hospt that it didnt make any difference to the amount of damage done - tearing or cutting - but it did make a difference to the womens interpretation sensations of the crowning and post birth healing.

Anyone else doing it/done it? Your ideas and thoughts?

Thanks,

Rachel

[Snacks]

I thought it was too much hassle, but I tore both times. (Not badly, just average - 2nd degree.) My dr recommended it because she said it's good to prepare yourself for what it will feel like... I don't think you can prepare TBH! It feels very different after you have been in labour for a while and when you've got all those amazing hormones and endorphins floating around.
Your best bet is to practice different positions and get your support person to suggest them to you when you're birthing. Read New Active Birth. (Unfortunately I birthed semi reclined both times. The second time it was because I'd only just arrived at the hospital and the MW told me she'd examine me... But I needed to push before she got the chance to check me, LOL.
Just want to add, I was really freaked out about tearing during my first pregnancy, but in that birth I didn't feel any pain during the crowning at all - just a strange stretchy/stingy feeling. GL for it all!

[Lolli]

Hmm. I did it and it definately prepared me for the sensation, but at a completely different level to the actual amount of pain involved when bubs crowned.

If you do it, make sure you do it in all directions, iykwim- not just toward the perinium. I ended up with a pretty bad labia tear after ds's birth (although the crowning process was rushed due to ds being in distress so that probably a contributing factor as well).