Moms. Have any of you tried stretching your perineum prior to birth? I am trying for a VBAC this time, and I want to be prepared. PLease let me know what method worked for you.
I didn't, but have read about it. I had my baby in CA, but I'd talked to the doctor about not having an episiotomy - he didn't believe in them either. He did a very good job of stretching it during the birth (about 7 hrs of labor - 2 hours of delivery/labor). Talk to your OB about what you want to do and see if they have specific help/suggestions, and what they can do to help during the delivery as well. Good luck!
before hand your partner can help you by using warmed olive oil on the perineum area, stretched the vaginal skin towards your anus and hips. Not to where it hurts you, but will start teaching those fibers to stretch!
Hi M.,
I have one 18 month old and I am really excited for you trying for a VBAC!
I had a no meds birth, so I though it was really important to stretch the perineum. Well, I followed the directions, and it was so uncomfortable and really icky, that I quit. Turns out it wasn't important.
My OB went to work right away stretching it when I started needing to push. She ALSO injected the area with novocain so that she could REALLY stretch it. I did have a small episiotomy, which I was originally against, but I was ready to get that baby out!
One of the best things you can do to get that area prepared is to squat. Really- we don't squat enough b/c we sit on furniture. Practice squatting a few minutes a few times each day- it will help stretch your hips, move the baby into position and naturally stretch the perineum.
Yes, we did this. Starting about the last month or two before delivery. I had a natural water birth at a birth center and was passionate about not needing an epesiotomy unless medically necessary. For me it was well worth it, I did tear a very small amount, but inside not in the perineal tissue where we did the massage. olive oil (organic) is great to use. Hope this helps!
