Perineal massage

I had all the intentions of doing it, but never could bring myself to do it😂, and I ended up being fine

My husband offered to help with this and I freaked out so never ended up doing it! I had an episiotomy anyway so it wouldn’t have helped 😂

Im supposed to do it as well but I never feel like it lol

@Sophy honestly that makes me feel better not even sure I’m doing it right tbh!

@Gemma 😂😂 I think I would too tbh

@Liana same I have to mentally prepare myself last thing I want is to go in there at 36 weeks pregnant I feel swollen enough as it is

My friends sister did it and she ended up getting a 3rd degree tear, so I don't think it really makes that much of a difference

I did it, and still got almost 4th degree tear

I got the oil and my partner did it for me. Might not have had anything to do with it but I pushed baby out in 10 minutes and only had two grazes each side, the midwifes said instantly did i do perineal massage because I delivered like I had done x

I never did it as me and my partner found the sound of it a little weird😂 but I never tore or anything so I personally wouldn’t stress about it

I cringe too I don’t think I’m gonna do it lol. I’ve heard other things like dates and okra water helps but who knows

I have the oil… but no idea if I’ll go for it 😅 heard conflicting stuff about whether or not it hurts. My friends have told me that as soon as baby is coming out - you have to take it as slow as possible to try and avoid tearing so the skin has time to stretch. I can’t imagine that’s easy 😅😅

@Harriet ahh Noo sorry to hear that 😫😫

@Georgia oh really? Hmm maybe I’ll persevere lol

@Lauren sound? Now I definitely think I’m doing it wrong lool 😅

@Michelle glad I’m not the only one! Yes I’ve heard about dates actually xx

@Manon yeah I have some too it’s all such a process 😫

I did it with both pregnancies and I didn’t tear and had normal vaginal births. When I say I did it, I mean my husband did as I couldn’t reach 😂. It’s not very pleasant but I think it’s worth a go

I did it and my husband helped too sometimes. To be fair it’s not exactly pleasant so you’re probably doing it right 😂 I still teared but that could be due to the fact that baby become breech the very last moment before I gave birth 😅

i tried having my bf do it but it was uncomfortable so we gave up. i don’t think it’s really necessary tbh

I did it, i split like ripped jeans lol. I believe tearing has more to do with birthing position, baby position, baby size, and how relaxed or fear/tense mom is.

I *hated* doing this. I did it religiously and then ended up having an episiotomy 🙃 but no additional tearing and the stitches healed really quickly, so I’m telling myself that’s because of all the prep I did (though no idea if I’m right or not)

I did it and it felt WEIRD I did not like the sensation at all. I couldn't relax and I just wanted it to stop so didn't really do any. Didn't need it in the end anyways as I had an unplanned c section

Thanks ladies, glad I’m not the only one who doesn’t like it 😂 sounds pretty universally uncomfortable for everyone. I’ll keep trying but won’t stress too much into it xx

I was told not to use the tool, only thumbs

My husband helped me out with this as I was terrified of tearing…persevered with it but ended up with a 3b tear and had to go theatre to be stitched up 🙈

I also have my husband do it. We'll see if it helped in any way. But yeah it's massively uncomfortable. We basically pretend like I'm in labour while he does so we can both practice our rolls 🤣 me breathing and him saying encouraging things to me 😂

@Ivy oh really? The only reason I brought it is because I have longish biab nails so can’t exactly trim them and don’t wanna catch myself 😷

@Meagan haha at least it’s good practise! Xx

Did it during my pregnancy (myself in the shower!) and didn’t tear ! It wasn’t particularly uncomfortable ☺️

@Emma I did get my daughter out in 4 pushes though less than 10 mins!

@Emma oh god realised I should of clarified😂 I meant like the thought of it😂