Yes! Massaging of the perineum can be done during pregnancy, by the woman or by a willing partner. This teaches the woman to respond to pressure in her vagina by relaxing the pelvic floor. Googling "perineal massage" comes up with several how-to guides. The book Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn by Penny Simkin also discusses it on p. 203-205.
Also, in Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, Ina May says "I've never seen a tear in a woman who was kissing her way through the pushing phase of labor or touching herself as her baby emerged." (p. 251) Ina May advocates kissing throughout labor if the woman and her partner feel comfortable doing so, because it helps to open up the vagina, as well as to release more oxytocin (a hormone that helps to reduce pain). Ina May and other midwives also say how it is helpful for women to gently touch their baby's head and/or their vagina as the baby is crowning - this helps the woman to know how hard to push in order not to tear, and also allows the woman to catch her baby if she wants to. Also, water birth is helpful in preventing tears b/c the water provides counter pressure against the stretching of the perineum by the baby's emerging head.
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Date: 2008-10-29 06:57 pm (UTC)Also, in Ina May's Guide to Childbirth, Ina May says "I've never seen a tear in a woman who was kissing her way through the pushing phase of labor or touching herself as her baby emerged." (p. 251) Ina May advocates kissing throughout labor if the woman and her partner feel comfortable doing so, because it helps to open up the vagina, as well as to release more oxytocin (a hormone that helps to reduce pain). Ina May and other midwives also say how it is helpful for women to gently touch their baby's head and/or their vagina as the baby is crowning - this helps the woman to know how hard to push in order not to tear, and also allows the woman to catch her baby if she wants to. Also, water birth is helpful in preventing tears b/c the water provides counter pressure against the stretching of the perineum by the baby's emerging head.