Perineal Massage

[Anonymous]

Does anyone know if this helps for a 2nd birth. I have read the studies that show the positive results associated with a 1st birth - but have not seen anything related to 2nd births.

I tore a little during my 1st - not enough for a stitch. I am due w #2 in late March and was wondering if it is something that I should start.

Thanks!

[Anonymous]

I'm bumping this up because I have the same question! I had a 3rd degree tear with my first and it was weeks before I could even sit down without pain, so I'll do whatever anybody tells me might help to avoid it this time around.

[jloukiss]

I'm pregnant with my first and asked my midwife about this. She said that there is evidence that it helps with a 1st birth, but not a 2nd.

Good luck!!

[Anonymous]

Hey Ladies,

I am a prenatal massage specialist and I have a book written by my instructor, Elaine Stillerman, that has a section on perineal massage.

The perineal massage itself is good to do when you're pregnant, no matter which number child you are on! Basically think of it this way. If you are a runner, you learn that stretching is a vital part to your running success, whether it's your first time running or your 40th. Same goes for your perineum.

Here is an exerpt from Elaine's book entitled: Mother Massage: A Handbook for Relieving the Discomforts of Pregnancy.

"The purpose of perineal massage is increased relaxation and elasticity of the pelvic floor and improved changes of intact perineal delivery, lessening the changes of an episiotomy. It helps to promote rapid healing and tissue recovery after birthing. The massage also teaches the mother how to identify the muscles that should relax during delivery. The massage will increase blood and lymphatic flow, strectch the perineal muscle fibers, and increase elasticity. It will nourish the perineum and optimize tissue integrity."

She recommends to start during your 34th week of pregnancy for at least 5 minutes per day until delivery time. Use oil that is warmed and right in vitamin E, such as wheat germ oil, or break a vitamin E capsule into vegetable oil.

If you would like more information regarding perineal massage, please contact me at [e-mail].

Good luck to you ladies! AND CONGRATULATIONS!

Sonia Shultis, LMT
Certified Prenatal/Postpartum Massage Specialist
Mommy Massage Studio
www.mommymassagestudio.com

[Anonymous]

Hey Ladies,

I am a prenatal massage specialist and I have a book written by my instructor, Elaine Stillerman, that has a section on perineal massage.

The perineal massage itself is good to do when you're pregnant, no matter which number child you are on! Basically think of it this way. If you are a runner, you learn that stretching is a vital part to your running success, whether it's your first time running or your 40th. Same goes for your perineum.

Here is an excerpt from Elaine's book entitled: Mother Massage: A Handbook for Relieving the Discomforts of Pregnancy.

"The purpose of perineal massage is increased relaxation and elasticity of the pelvic floor and improved changes of intact perineal delivery, lessening the changes of an episiotomy. It helps to promote rapid healing and tissue recovery after birthing. The massage also teaches the mother how to identify the muscles that should relax during delivery. The massage will increase blood and lymphatic flow, stretch the perineal muscle fibers, and increase elasticity. It will nourish the perineum and optimize tissue integrity."

She recommends to start during your 34th week of pregnancy for at least 5 minutes per day until delivery time. Use oil that is warmed and right in vitamin E, such as wheat germ oil, or break a vitamin E capsule into vegetable oil.

If you would like more information regarding perineal massage, please contact me at [e-mail]

Good luck to you ladies! AND CONGRATULATIONS!

Sonia Shultis, LMT
Certified Prenatal/Postpartum Massage Specialist
Mommy Massage Studio
www.mommymassagestudio.com