Re: [ozmidwifery] Perineal massage

[Heartlogic]

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     ----- Original Message ----- From: Helen and Graham To: ozmidwifery Sent: Thursday, June 29, 2006 1:57 PM Subject: [ozmidwifery] Perineal massage Just wondering whether everyone is recommending perineal massage antenatally as a way of reducing the risk of tearing?  I have read research to suggest it has been effective so I have just started to tell women about it.  I also am careful to say that it may not work but there is no harm in trying.  I remember it was bandied around years ago but there wasn't any research to support it's effectiveness back then.    What are your thoughts   Helen