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Perineum support during crowning

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Category: Pregnant
Forum Name: Pregnancy
Forum Description: Pregnant! Wanting to chat to other mums-to-be (or dads-to-be)? Share your thoughts, experiences, and ideas... This is that place!
URL: https://www.ohbaby.co.nz/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=33139
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Topic: Perineum support during crowning
Posted By: Treen
Subject: Perineum support during crowning
Date Posted: 28 April 2010 at 10:04am
Hi girls,

Doing as much research I possibly can for my upcoming labour, I have come across a number of stories involving perineum support. The most popular seems to involve a hot flannel whilst other include an oil as lubricant and some just the support of a hand. The idea is that it reduces the risk of tearing.

Is this something that all MWs do or do I have to ask? Could she possibly say no? Also, what sort of oil should I use? Almond oil? Evening primrose? Or just plain old KY? Or is it supplied?

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Replies:
Posted By: TheKelly
Date Posted: 28 April 2010 at 10:41am
I think you'll have to ask , make a mention of it when you do a birthplan .
I never did it , but in hindsight , the idea of a warm soft flannel there is quite nice
And unless there was some really really good reason , your body , your labor , she shouldn't say no

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http://lilypie.com">


Posted By: High9
Date Posted: 28 April 2010 at 10:41am
I think you would have to ask your mw and I doubt she'd say no; if she did you could always ask one of your support crew to do it?

Mine had her hand there and I think she was massaging as well but I still tore, just a little bit though. I think you would probably need your own oil and I've heard vaseline is good.

HTH...

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http://lilypie.com">


Posted By: AandCsmum
Date Posted: 28 April 2010 at 11:21am
I think & TBH I can't really remember but I'm pretty sure MW had her hand there & I think a warm cloth as well???? Just as what she does to support your perineum.

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Kel
http://lilypie.com">

A = 01.02.04   &   C = 16.01.09   &   G = 30.03.12


Posted By: Kellz
Date Posted: 28 April 2010 at 11:54am
MW suggested it to me. She used hot cloths and it was great. No tears this time, despite having lots of scar tissue down there from 3 rows of stitches after having #1.


Posted By: Caro07
Date Posted: 28 April 2010 at 1:58pm
My MW did it without me needing to ask. She massaged and used hot flannels as DS was crowning. Not sure about oils. I did need an episiotomy though in order to get DS out.

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Caroline, SAHM to 2 boys, S (4 years old) and J (2 years old)


Posted By: Raspberryjam
Date Posted: 28 April 2010 at 2:38pm
Good thread Treen! Im definately interested in the best way to deal with this

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Posted By: MrsMojo
Date Posted: 28 April 2010 at 3:26pm

I asked both my midwives to do the hot cloth on my perineum during crowning when we were writing my birth plan.  The first said she always did it anyway and the second was happy to do it.

Out of interest my son's head circumference was in the 85th percentile at birth, I am petite and both of my kids were born with hands up by their heads but I didn't tear either time.  The midwife who delivered my son was surprised when she came to check how many stitches I'd need and found that I hadn't torn.  I credit my pristine vagina to hot cloth on the perineum and "breathing" the baby out once they start crowning.



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Posted By: SpecialK
Date Posted: 29 April 2010 at 8:34am
My labour midwife did it, I didn't even think to ask. I had a tear and needed an epi but it was still really nice to have the hot flannel there and it was great pain relief.

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http://lilypie.com"> http://lilypie.com">



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