Damp massage for childbirth preparation
Everything is ready for the upcoming birth of your little explorer: the nursery is set up, the is ready, and the breathing exercises for labor are practiced. But did you know that you can also prepare your perineum for delivery? It's quite simple with regular perineal massages. In this article, you'll learn how such a perineal massage works and why it can be quite beneficial for childbirth preparation.
Why can a perineal massage be beneficial?
The dam (also Perineum (referred to) is the connecting bridge between the vulva and the anus, composed of skin, muscles, subcutaneous fat, and connective tissue. During a vaginal birth, the perineum is heavily stressed and stretched by the pressure exerted by your baby as the head and shoulders pass through. It is quite possible that during the birth, it may happen that Injuries to the delicate perineal tissue is necessary or an episiotomy will be needed. Regular perineal massages help to consciously prepare your body for childbirth: The dam tissue becomes softer, more elastic, and better supplied with blood . The likelihood of injuries during and pain after childbirth decreases as a result.
Another advantage of massage: If you regularly touch your perineal area before birth, you will familiar with the unusual feeling of stretching , which you will feel during childbirth. For many women, this helps build more confidence in their own body and the natural birth process.
How does the perineal massage work?
Preparation
It is completely sufficient if you start with the perineum massage from about the 36th week of pregnancy begins. It is most effective when it has its positive effect, if you dedicate at least three to four times a week, but preferably daily, for five to ten minutes Take your time. Be sure to keep your hands clean and your nails short to avoid accidentally injuring the delicate tissue. You will also need a towel to place underneath, lubricant, or a condom. pleasant oil .
If you like, you can briefly dip into the bathtub before the perineal massage: a warm bath relaxes the muscles and helps you to unwind. Optionally, you can also prepare for the massage with a bag of black tea. Let the tea bag steep in hot water for three to four minutes, squeeze it gently, and let it cool briefly before pressing it against your perineum for about five minutes. The direct heat promotes blood circulation, and the tannins in the tea make the skin less sensitive to pain.
Implementation
Make yourself as comfortable as possible for the perineum massage. Many expectant mothers find a semi-sitting position in bed with a large pillow behind their back to be the most comfortable. Perhaps you can also reach your perineum better while standing: place one foot on the edge of the bathtub or a chair. Put about a teaspoon to a tablespoon of the oil on your fingers and rub it between your fingertips to slightly warm it. Coat all the surrounding tissue of your perineum well with oil to prevent any uncomfortable friction.
1. Insert your well-oiled thumb into the vagina. With the remaining fingertips, now massage in circular movements the dam from the outside. You can imagine the dial of a clock, where you stroke from three to nine o'clock. Continue this movement about one minute lang through, gradually increasing the pressure on the outer perineum. During the first massage, a hand mirror can also be helpful to familiarize yourself with the anatomy of the perineal region.
2. Now insert the entire thumb and move it in small, circular motions to loosen the vagina.
3. Alternately press the vagina with your thumb while exhaling radiating in the different directions. As soon as you a Stretching feel, take a few deep breaths and then relax again. Repeat this exercise two to three times , where you only stretch the tissue as far as the pressure is tolerable.
4. Now, press the dam with your thumb outwardly towards the anus. Continue the Stretching again along the imaginary dial from three to nine o'clock. Focus on a steady and deep diaphragmatic breathing, which helps you to consciously feel and relax the pelvic floor.
During the perineal massage, you may indeed feel a pulling or a stretching resistance. However, it should never cause pain. If a touch becomes uncomfortable or a movement causes pain, you should reduce the intensity or stop the massage.
Even if the perineal massage feels very unfamiliar at first, you will notice that the tissue becomes more relaxed with each session and the touches become more pleasant.
In the video, LILLYDOO midwife Sissi demonstrates the perineal massage step by step.
The massage with partner
You don't have to perform the perineal massage alone. Some expectant mothers enjoy involving their partner in the massage. Especially with a large baby bump, it can be easier if your partner helps you. Choose a comfortable position where you can relax and open your legs so that your masseuse can easily access the area around the perineum. It’s best to lie on your back with bent knees and support your back with an additional pillow.
To help you both get ready for the massage, your partner can start by gently applying oil to your outer intimate area with forward and backward motions. For the actual massage, he/she carefully inserts the index finger into your vagina and begins to U-shaped movements to move from one side to the other while applying gentle pressure towards the perineum. As long as you do not experience any pain, your partner can apply the massage technique exactly as described earlier in our instructions.
A shared perineum massage with your partner can be very intimate. Some couples enjoy these intense moments during pregnancy, while others may feel more reserved and prefer the pregnant woman to perform the massage alone. Listen closely to your feelings, after all, the purpose of the perineum massage is to relax you and consciously prepare for childbirth. If you approach the massage together, be sure to communicate with your partner and ask them to take a break whenever you feel uncomfortable. Also, whether the touches are pleasant or the pressure is too strong, you should share this with your partner during the massage.
When is it better to avoid a perineal massage?
A perineal massage can be a relaxing ritual during the final weeks of pregnancy and can help with preparation for childbirth. However, there are some situations in which it is better to avoid it:
If you are prone to preterm contractions
If you have a fungal infection (thrush), an inflammation, or an infection in the intimate area, this should be treated initially
In case of varicose veins in the intimate area
If you are unsure whether a perineal massage is right for you, always ask your gynecologist or midwife for advice.
Even though regular perineal massage does not guarantee to completely prevent a perineal tear or cut, it significantly reduces the risk of birth injuries. It helps to keep the delicate tissue supple and soft before birth, which also has a positive effect on the pain after delivery.
If the idea of a perineal massage still feels a bit unfamiliar to you, try incorporating it into a well-deserved relaxation ritual during the last weeks of pregnancy: After a warm bath in a cozy atmosphere, you may soon come to appreciate the massage. :)