How to manage pain during birth using perineal massage.
Take 10 minutes twice a day to prepare your perineum for birth. This could help to prevent tearing and reduce the duration of the second stage of labour.
Akhlaghi F, Sabeti Baygi Z, Miri M, Najaf Najafi M. Effect of Perineal Massage on the Rate of Episiotomy. J Fam Reprod Health 2019; 13(3): 160-6.Welcoming a new life into the world is a remarkable journey, and the prospect of childbirth often comes with a mix of anticipation and apprehension. Through educating ourselves I believe we can turn the fear and apprehension into empowered understanding that will ensure our birth experience is as it should be; the biggest and best moment of your life. If you’re here it means you’ve taken a step in the right direction. Please feel free to discover my other blogs in the ‘How to manage pain during birth series’ on my blog landing page.
One aspect that deserves our attention, yet is often overlooked, is the perineum—a resilient area crucial during labour and birth. In this blog post, we'll explore the wonders of perineal massage, a powerful tool to manage pain during birth, enhance your birthing experience, and potentially influence birth outcomes.
Self checks! 😱😳🤭
By the time you reach adulthood, you've likely encountered the "get a mirror down there" advice more than once – that gentle nudge to hold a mirror between your thighs and acquaint yourself with your vulva. It's a valuable starting point, no doubt, making activities like cup/tampon insertion and expressing your desires during sex more straightforward with a solid grasp of your anatomy. It could help you identify when your body is going through changes or whether something unfamiliar is something you should worry about or not. While vaginal chercks are good for a range of aspects responsible to holistic well-being, today let's take it a step further and focus on a region that often deserves more attention: the perineum.
Embarking on vaginal self-check can be an enlightening journey with unexpected benefits. The perineum, a vital area during childbirth, requires a bit of awareness.
Understanding the Perineum
The perineum, the small but mighty stretch of skin and muscles between the anus and the vagina, plays a pivotal role during childbirth. Recognising its significance is the first step towards nurturing a positive birth experience. Just as a well-conditioned athlete prepares their body for peak performance, perineal massage can be likened to training for childbirth. So you might be thinking “how do I find my perineum?” The first step is to get out that mirror, find the edge of your vagina opening and run your finger down towards your anus. The skin between the two is your perineum. It is not only skin but internal muscle tissue. Inside your body, your perineum contains structures that help you pee, poo and have intercourse. Your perineum forms a foundation that helps support your pelvic floor muscles, which hold organs like your bladder, colon and reproductive organs in place. See the diagram below to find the location of the external perineum. Please remember all vaginas are different! If yours is not represented here, it is ok!
The Benefits
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Perineal massage involves gently stretching and massaging the perineal tissues. This helps to enhance the flexibility and elasticity of the area, reducing the risk of tearing during childbirth. A supple perineum is more adaptable to the demands of labor, contributing to a smoother birthing process.
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Regular perineal massage stimulates blood flow to the perineum, promoting optimal tissue health. Enhanced circulation not only nourishes the area but also aids in better healing post-birth.
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The act of performing perineal massage establishes a connection between the birthing individual and their body. As you become familiar with the sensations and anatomy, fear and anxiety associated with the unknown diminish. This emotional preparedness can significantly impact the overall birthing experience.
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Engaging in perineal massage empowers individuals to actively participate in their own birthing process. It provides a sense of control and self-efficacy, fostering a positive mindset that can contribute to a more relaxed and efficient labor.
Perineal Massage Throughout Pregnancy
The journey of perineal care begins well before labor commences. Incorporating perineal massage into your prenatal routine allows you to gradually prepare the tissues for the birthing journey. Starting around the 34th week of pregnancy, gentle and consistent perineal massage can work wonders.
How to perform perineal massage:
To guide you through this empowering practice, I've created a comprehensive Perineal Massage Guide that you can download [here]. This guide offers step-by-step instructions, tips, and insights to make perineal massage a seamless part of your prenatal care routine.
During Labor: Making Perineal Massage a Birthing Ritual
As you approach the big day, consider incorporating perineal massage into your birthing ritual. This can be a collaborative effort with your birthing partner or a moment of self-care. The familiarity gained from prenatal perineal massage can translate into a calming routine during labor, contributing to a more positive birthing atmosphere.
Perineal massage is not just a physical practice; it's a holistic approach to childbirth preparation. Embracing this empowering ritual allows you to connect with your body, reduce anxiety, and actively participate in the beauty of birthing. Download the Perineal Massage Guide today, embark on this journey of self-care, and pave the way for a more comfortable and confident birthing experience. May your path to motherhood be filled with strength, resilience, and the gentle touch of perineal care. 🌸💖
