September 2021 Birth Club
Perineal Massage - tool to do it yourself
For those who want or need to do perineal massage to minimize tearing risk, I just wanted to share this since not everyone is in pelvic floor PT to get a professional input and there is SO much out there to buy. I had looked on my own, but kept getting a ton of results and high prices. My PT has all her moms whose partners can’t or won’t do it for them purchase one of these. It’s pretty easy to use and definitely helps since my husband is both weirded out by it and is on a different schedule so pinning him down is tough. The purple one is all you need, $30. The others are just more expensive bc they are made for more deep internal PT, so not needed for our pregnancy use. Hopefully this helps somebody! She did also say you could use a toy if you have one (smaller is better), but this is the best because it emulates the motion you can make with your thumbs.
8 comments
Posted 08-17-21So helpful thank you! I awkwardly did it myself and will do it again starting at 36 weeks 1-2x daily. I truly think I saved myself from tearing by doing this, I ended up with 1 tear and 1 stitch which I didn’t even feel!- sPosted 08-17-21I bought that pelvic wand right before I hit 34 weeks because I have stiletto nails and couldn't do it with my fingers. It's an absolute life saverAdvertisement | page continues below
Posted 08-17-21I love this idea because I just don’t wanna chance it while wearing nails, and I feel like my SO would mess up and hurt me somehow. I’m gonna look into buying it this week.- BrittanyRose16 said:Can you explain how the tool works? I’m curious.So perineal massage is basically taking two thumbs (or one) and pressing against the sides of the vaginal opening to prepare and stretch that tissue. You press against the walls just slightly inserted in a sweeping motion as you press against the opening. If the back is 12:00, you would want to be doing this at 12:00, 3:00, and 9:00 (not needed towards the front). Usually your partner or physical therapist will do it. This tool helps you to do it yourself because it’s the right shape and firmness to reach down and do the stretching on your own. The goal is to prepare that tissue, like a good stretch before running, so that you are less likely to tear during birth.
Posted 08-18-21BabyBum19 said:So perineal massage is basically taking two thumbs (or one) and pressi…Thanks! I’m on pregnancy #3 and have never tried it (but I should have before)!
End of comments
Track your pregnancy on our free #1 pregnancy & baby app
