Perineal massage

I tried it with my first and could only have my partner do it, and even then we didn’t do it that many times before I went into labour (less than 10 times). I didn’t have a tear but my son grazed me on the inside when he came out. You can tear for many reasons x

I never done it with my first and I don’t intend to it with my second, I never tore with my first at all xx

I haven't done it with any of my 5 pregnancies (had 4 vaginal deliveries). It wasn't even a thing when I had my first 3 children. I haven't torn with any of them. The most I have had has been some grazing x

It really depends on your muscles down there. Rule of thumb is you always need to stretch your muscles and be ready for hardcore exercises. Birthing a child is like running a marathon in terms of energy depletion and muscles that will be active during the process. Can you run a marathon without preparation? Some can and they’re fine, just sore afterwards, some can’t and they collapse during marathon or pull muscles. I’d say do the massage, you can do it yourself with a thumb or ask someone you trust. Just ensure it’s very clean hands (follow 20 second washing rule)

Iv tried it 3 times with a perineal massage wand and have hated it every time, only managed a couple mins. My baby is apparently big and I have decided on going full term so can only hope for the best at this stage as I’m 38+4 lol

I didn’t for my first but needed an episiotomy as I had a ventouse delivery - however, I’m doing the massage this time for sure regardless

My midwife said there was no point unless it was something me and my partner enjoyed lol

I did with my first and ended up with an episiotomy anyways 🤷🏼‍♀️

Apparently it's all a marketing ploy to sell products etc. Our body is designed to stretch whether we massage or not. I haven't done any this time around.