Perineal Massage

$0.00

When I coach patients on how to do perineal massage during pregnancy we always discuss two big topics. First, perineal massage has been shown to reduce the risk of grade III and IV tears of the perineum. These tears are called OASI (obstetrical anal sphincter injuries) and involve tissue damage to the anal sphincters. The second reason to do perineal massage is to practice your breathing to relax your pelvic floor. During delivery the pelvic floor muscles need to relax so the uterus and abdominal muscles can push the baby out. If you are having an unmedicated birth this process will be painful. Experiencing some painful stretch at the perineum while practicing your labor breathing and realxation of the pelvic floor muscles can have a lot of carry over in to the delivery room. Your goal during the massage is to relax, breathe down into the perineum to stretch the tissues and meditate or think about your birth mantra, song, or verse you will carry with you into the room.

When I coach patients on how to do perineal massage during pregnancy we always discuss two big topics. First, perineal massage has been shown to reduce the risk of grade III and IV tears of the perineum. These tears are called OASI (obstetrical anal sphincter injuries) and involve tissue damage to the anal sphincters. The second reason to do perineal massage is to practice your breathing to relax your pelvic floor. During delivery the pelvic floor muscles need to relax so the uterus and abdominal muscles can push the baby out. If you are having an unmedicated birth this process will be painful. Experiencing some painful stretch at the perineum while practicing your labor breathing and realxation of the pelvic floor muscles can have a lot of carry over in to the delivery room. Your goal during the massage is to relax, breathe down into the perineum to stretch the tissues and meditate or think about your birth mantra, song, or verse you will carry with you into the room.