Perineal massage is one of the most beneficial practices that a mother can engage in to prepare herself for childbirth. To begin with, it helps her get a sense of what her body is capable of. Getting in tune with her body helps the mother be more calm during childbirth – as calm as a woman in labor can be. This results in a smoother labor experience.
More than the psychological preparation, perineal massage helps make the perineum more elastic. This means that it will stretch more easily during labor. As a result, there’s a much lower probability that it will tear. And even if it does, the tear will most likely be mild and heal quickly.
Indeed, the most compelling reason for perineal massage before childbirth is that it helps prevent tearing in childbirth and reduces the severity of a vaginal tear in the unlikely event that it does occur.
So, what is the right way to go about an exercise that is of such significance?
The Basics of Perineal Massage
For perineal massage to help prevent tearing in childbirth, it has to increase the elastic limit of the perineal muscles.
Naturally, the perineum is elastic, a property that is further enhanced by special hormones released by the mother’s body during pregnancy. However, due to factors such as the size of the baby’s head and the rigidity of the mother’s perineum, vaginal tearing may occur during labor.
The probability of the tear occurring can be greatly reduced if the elasticity of the perineum is increased.
How to Increase the Elasticity of the Perineum Through Exercise
The perineum is a muscle. When it’s used, as in exercise, it improves. To exercise the perineal muscles, they should be stretched periodically in sessions that extend over a long period.
Ideally, each session should be about ten minutes long. During the session, the perineum should be stretched until the current limit is reached. The mother should stop once they start feeling pain – which usually signals damage to the body. However, some discomfort while stretching is normal. Stretching the perineum in circular, repetitive motions while staying below the pain threshold works best.
This process should then be repeated about three or four times a week. Some people choose to do it every other day, which is also okay.
The result is that, as the weeks go by, the stretching limit of the perineum is extended. This change is significant enough to make a marked difference during delivery. The perineum is better able to stretch to allow the baby to come out comfortably, without any stress to its head.
Massage Aids to Use When Exercising the Perineum
To be clear, it’s possible to use no aid at all when doing perineal massage. In fact, some mothers find this more comfortable. However, other mothers prefer to use aids like massage oils and specially made perineal massage tools.
For perineal massage to be successful, sufficient lubrication is needed. If your body can comfortably provide this lubrication, you don’t need any massage oil.
If you do need massage oil, or if you choose to use it, it’s important to use an oil that won’t cause your body harm. The vaginal area can be particularly sensitive. Using a synthetic massage oil that doesn’t agree with your skin and flesh can be intensely problematic.
Natural oils like coconut oil are usually safe.
Again, you can use your fingers to effectively massage your perineum. A good number of mothers do it that way.
However, there are those who prefer devices called perineal massagers. One of the reasons for this preference may be reach. Sometimes, depending on the size of the mother’s tummy, reaching the perineum can be a problem. In such a case, a perineal massager can come in handy.
Conclusion
The important thing to note is that the way you choose to perform your perineal exercises is up to you. An approach that works for one woman may not necessarily work for you.
In addition, people have different sensitivities. As such, preference is an important consideration when performing perineal massage.
As long as what you are doing is gradually extending the perineum’s stretching limit, and you are comfortable doing it, it is the right approach for you.
The benefits of perineal massage are clear, both for you and the baby. And there is nothing to lose by doing it. So, happy massaging!
