Dam massage: How to do it right! – So that the perineum does not tear during childbirth, a perineal massage should be part of your birth preparation. It would help if you had a massage oil and the proper technique. Here you can find out more about the preventive effect and the process of a perineal massage.
Table of Contents
what is the Dam massage
The perineum is the muscle amongst the vagina and the anus. During delivery, this is highly stressed by pressure and stretching. Small tears in and around the vagina naturally develop in many women during childbirth. You can prevent this with a perineal massage.
How does perineal Dam massage work?
You can start massaging the perineum regularly six weeks before the expected date of birth. This can make the birth process easier for you and reduce the likelihood of a perineal tear or episiotomy. With a targeted massage, you make the perineum soft and elastic. This will make it easier for your baby’s head to slide through later. It is best to get yourself a massage oil. Sound is an oil composed of St. John’s wort oil and wheat oil. Essential oils such as rose oil and clary sage are also often added. Your midwife can undoubtedly give you precise mixing instructions.
Before the massage, you should wash your hands thoroughly to prevent germs into the vagina. Please take a little oil and spread it on your fingers. At first, you should only use two, later three or four fingers. You then insert this about 3 cm into the vagina. Then you grab your perineum and massage in a U-shape for two to three minutes with a bit of pressure in the direction of the anus. It is best to repeat this every day until the birth. You will quickly notice that the perineum becomes supple and laxer. After the massage, you should dab off the excess oil. Of course, your partner can also do the massage.
Perineal massage prevents perineal tears and episiotomy
The perineal massage prevents a severe perineal tear and requires an episiotomy.
Unfortunately, a quarter of all births still involve a perineal tear. You can prevent this with a perineal massager. This accelerates wound healing and reduces the associated symptoms. You can learn more about how to proceed in such a case in our article “Perineal Tear.”
Nowadays, episiotomy is only done if your baby is no longer feeling well or if the perineum threatens to tear uncontrollably. It is consider appropriate in some cases to facilitate a complicated labor process, such as in the case of a breech delivery or births with forceps.
Conclusion
Relieve pain, alleviate tension, increase relaxation, and recover and prepare for physical activities.