How To Protect Your Perineum During Birth
One of the most common fears I hear from clients is “I am afraid of tearing during birth”. If this is your concern too, you are definitely not alone! Here is an idea to sum up how to help you meet these goals:
Create a calm internal and external environment where you are creating SPACE for baby to move down rather than using FORCE.
Here are a few simple tips that can help you create space, not use force and thus reduce your risk for tearing. These are tips pulled from Evidence Based Birth and can be helpful to discuss them with your Midwife, Doula or OB and practice BEFORE go time.
Wait to push until you have a strong urge. And you should direct how and when you push, not someone in the room yelling “PUSH”
Attempt to move baby down between contractions. The uterus is doing the hard work of moving baby down and we don’t need to add a lot of extra force on top of that. So, a gentler recommendation might be to move baby’s head down between contractions.
Be patient during crowning. It may be advised to stay here 5-10 contractions. If the perineum turns “white” or ”blanches” the tissue is too taut and it might be best to slow down!
Positioning. How you use gravity, positioning your spine, pelvis and hips can make BIG a difference
Avoid instrumentation if possible. This means episiotomy, vacuum and forceps as these things will increase your risk for tearing.
Warm compress. Using this between pushes can reduce the risk of moderate tearing.
Consider starting perineal massage at around 34-36 weeks pregnant and when cleared by provider
Breathe well! Remember SPACE not FORCE
Did you find these tips helpful? Which will you try? Comment below, I’d love to hear from you!
All women’s bodies are unique. If you would like to know more about how the above relates to your specific condition, email me here. Please also follow us on Instagram or join our private Facebook Group for a ton of free support on common women’s health concerns.