Hello Helen,
I have recommended perineal stretching/massage for
a long time (over twenty years). Along with good nutrition (zinc!) for
tissue integrity.
From my point of view, perineal stretching/massage
familiarizes women with their anatomy; helps them to conceptualise what needs to
stretch and how it can stretch - helps women to really realise how stunningly
amazing the whole area (as well as all the body!) truly is and the
ability to stretch to accomodate anything from a tampon or finger, to a penis to
a baby's head and return to normal - not a tunnel but a potential space.
Perineal stretching also gives women feedback about
the sensations they are most likely going to experience as their baby descends
and stretches the perineum. The feedback teaches them how they can
consciously (with awareness) distend their perineum, welcoming the
sensations, letting go of tension and enable it to stretch gently and
elastically as they move to adjust the pressure of the head on the perineal
area.
It has seemed like a very sensible self management
strategy from what I have observed. My observation is that the self
awareness gained from perineal stretching/massage can help put the woman in
the driver's seat of her own process and therefore is a good thing.
I have just put together a perineal stretching
information sheet for the women who come to our service. Suzi (thanks
Suzi it's great!) shared with me some information and I have utilized that and
the drawings in our information sheet. If anyone would like to utilize it,
I'm happy to share it with you. Of course, it also includes discussion
with the midwives about breath awareness, conscious letting go of tension,
movement in labour/positioning to maximise stretchabilty, nutrition in pregnancy
etc. If you want the information, email me at work [EMAIL PROTECTED]
Also, Wintergreen's Pink Kit is a great resource
for pelvic awareness.
warmly, Carolyn
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- [ozmidwifery] Perineal massage Helen and Graham