What is Perineal Massage? Does Prevent Tearing in Birth?
Please enjoy my punny sense of humor with the stretching cat, and tune in to learn more about perineal massage. During Ep 02, I mentioned that perineal massage deserved its own episode, and here is the follow up to that. Listen to learn about perineal massage and other ways to manage your perineum during pregnancy and the pushing stage of labor.
In this episode I:
Describe what perineal massage is and why some people recommend it
Go into detail about tearing during childbirth (which is what perineal massage is designed to minimize), including who is at higher risk
Describe episiotomy and it's association with tearing
Share other alternatives to handling the second stage of labor (pushing) and reduce tearing
Listen for what conversations you should be having with your OB or midwife if you're pregnant and thinking about the pushing phase of labor
If you’re a Black woman giving birth in the hospital, I have a course for you! This course will be especially helpful if this episode resonates with you. We have activities to plan your doctor's appointments, your birth, and your early postpartum time.
I am a currently practicing doula- labor, postpartum & childbirth education. If you'd like to hire me or my team, we’re at dcmetromaternity.com.
Subscribe so you can get the next episode, and we’ll talk soon!
References mentioned in the show:
Episode 2 of Musings of a Black Doula- https://www.musingsofblackdoula.com/episodes/do-natural-induction-methods-start-labor
A visual of vaginal tears- https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/labor-and-delivery/multimedia/vaginal-tears/sls-20077129?s=4
A Perineal Massage How to- https://www.mamanatural.com/perineal-massage/