6 ways to reduce tearing

By Joanna Bounds

Tearing during birth (ouch!) is one of the biggest worries for pregnant
women, but the good news is that you can emerge from labour with
your perineum intact. Here are six ways to reduce tearing:

Perineal massage

Studies show that perineal massage reduces your chance of tearing
during birth. Just rub sunflower, olive oil, vitamin E oil or coconut oil into
the skin between your vagina and anus once or twice a day, starting
from around 34 weeks onwards. Place your (or your partner's) thumbs
shallowly into your vagina (no more than three to four centimetres) and
press the perineal floor down towards the bowel and to both sides until
you feel a slight burning or stretching sensation. Maintain the pressure
for about a minute before resting.

The Epi-no

If you can't get the hang of perineal massage (and some women can't),
try the Epi-no birthing trainer. An inflatable balloon-like device thatís
inserted into the vagina, it helps stretch the perineum in the weeks
before your due date. Giving birth to a balloon might look a bit strange,
but many women swear it helps keep their perineum intact.

Water baby

Since first making waves in the 1960s, birthing tubs are now installed in
labour wards, natural birthing suites and (temporarily) in lounge rooms
around Australia. Besides providing pain relief, a water birth can also
prevent tearing, confirms Renee Adair, director of the Australian Doula
College. "Warm water softens the perineum and relaxes the mind and
body of the woman," she says.

Warm, wet towels

Hot, wet flannels or towels pressed on to the perineum when bub
is being born can soften the skin as it stretches. "For many years
midwives have used moist, warm packs on the perineum to reduce
pain and tearing as the baby's head is born," says Hannah Dahlen,
spokeswoman for the Australian College of Midwives.

Don't lie down

Your birthing position can also play a big part in reducing tearing.
Research shows that if you're in a standing, squatting, kneeling or side-
lying position, youíre more likely to emerge with your perineum intact.
Birthing on your hands and knees is also a good position as opposed
to the traditional method of lying on your back, which reduces the size
of your pelvis and doesn't utilise the natural effect of gravity.

Keep calm and carry on

It's well documented that a good support network helps promote a
stress-free birth. But for those of you without family on hand, don't fear:
hiring a doula or learning about hypno-birthing can also keep you feel
more in control on your big day. "Having a doula can instil confidence
and how you feel during labour can affect how you give birth," says
Renee.