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Monday, October 3, 2011

Perineal Massage

Note : This is going to be a slightly "uncomfortable" topic, so may I suggest to those who have low tolerance of human anatomy, particularly in the "southern region" to please kindly leave this page ;p

I've heard about perineal massage from Suzie's blog. I followed the link back to Diah's blog and reading her experience, I'm sold. (she popped out a 4.1kg baby without the need for episiotomy).

Back during my first pregnancy, I somewhat shy away reading all the related material on the actual giving birth procedure because the more I read, the more I felt nervous, scared and all those negative feelings. This time, I'm proud to say that I am more open in reading the related material BUT I still haven't had the guts to look at the pictures/videos of people giving birth.

Okay, enough babbling...here is some info on perineal massage (copied from here)

What is perineal massage?

Perineal massage is the gentle stretching and massaging of the perineum (skin between the anus and vagina) during the last few weeks of pregnancy. This has been shown to reduce the incidence of episiotomy and perineal tears during childbirth.

Why does perineal massage work?

Perineal massage does not "lengthen" the tissues of the perineum. However, it does increase the stretch in two ways.

First, perineal massage is done with a cold pressed oil, which lubricates the tissue making it softer, more supple and improving is flexibility. This makes it easier for the tissues to stretch as the baby is born.

Second, perineal massage familiarizes the mother with the stretching sensations she will feel as the baby is born. This helps her learn to keep her perineal area relaxed during the stretching of crowning which can help prevent tears.

How do I do it?

Perineal massage can be done by the mother or her partner. The mother should be in a comfortable place, sitting or reclining in a way that gives access to the skin around the vagina. It can be done for up to 10 minutes a day during the last four weeks of pregnancy.

  • Wash hands thoroughly. Ensure there are no sharp or long nails that may scratch the mother.
  • Locate the perineum, directly below the vagina. It is the skin between the vagina and the anus. Apply some cold pressed and pure oil (such as olive oil) to this skin.
  • Place the thumbs at the base of the vagina, allowing them the slide inside the vagina (to about the first joint) moving some oil with them.
  • Using gentle but firm pressure, move the thumbs from the base of the vagina up the side walls as if you were making a "U".
  • Return the thumbs to the base of the vagina, and repeat procedure.
  • As the mother becomes more comfortable with the stretch, you may increase the amount you stretch the skin.
As for me, I've started doing the perineal massage two weeks ago and am hoping for the best (please...no more episiotomy). BUT, the thing with routine and me, we seldom see eye to eye. I've only done this massage for four times...(probably the same amount as applying anti-stretchmark cream on my tummy throughout these 9 months).

Note to self : Kalau tau je, tapi pemalas nak buat, tak guna ok!!
Self answered back : ok, ok...lepas ni tiap-tiap malam buat..

5 comments:

Suzie said...

i tak sure it works for me or not tp doc jahit cuma 10min aje so i guess it's worth using it...susah nak cari gel ni,merata pergi siap minta reserved if stok ada

apapun just usaha je kan?have a safe delivery yantie :)

pHatMuMMy said...

yup, i read somewhere that it is more beneficial for first time birth. tapi cuba je la, manala tau dapat menyelamatkan diri kali ni :)

Fieda_shairazi said...

ade gak pernah dgr.. org tu anak die 4.2.. tp tak de koyak cuz die buat Perineal Massage..tp ade cream jual kt mothercre tak silap utk msg perineal =) try la check

didi said...

saya jumpa perineal oil di Mothercare. RM36 sajee.

Thanks for the info!!

I am the opposite of you when it comes to routine: I am obsessed with it. Sampai tahap rasa macam ada CCTV kalau aku tak sapu stretch mark cream atau moisturisers . Tak pun botol2 tu mengejek aku 'Eleh, beli je lebih. Bukannya pakai pun'. Maka saya sangat berdisiplin :p

Hahahahaha

pHatMuMMy said...

Puan dot - yup, already bought mine dekat mothercare alamanda...tapi biasala, nk buat tetiap malam punyalaaaa malassss...hehe

Didi - good for you! maka rajin2la massage ye...sebab episiotomy adalah sakit yang sangat mencabar minda ;p

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