Q: "What things can we do to help decrease the need for an episiotomy or the likelihood of a perineal tear?"  

A: Here is a list of seven things you can do during pregnancy and while you are in labor to birth with an intact perineum.  The written list and more ideas are listed below.

 

Here is a summary of today's VLOG on YouTube:

 

My list from the VLOG:

How can pelvic floor exercises help you if you are trying to avoid an episiotomy:

           

A healthy pregnancy diet:  Eating well, including healthy fats and oils, promotes healthy, stretchable tissue

Some that we mention in class include

 

Perineal massage - talk to your care provider first – you can print THIS and THIS information and have a discussion with them

Concept behind "breathe your baby out"

Work with your breath and your contractions – only push when you have the urge to push, abdominal breaths between contractions, hold breath only as comfortable

 

More information not included in today's VLOG...I'm thinking we'll have to do a how-to for some of these...

If you have some uncomfortable perineal stretching or an episiotomy (even with awesome preparation, there are times when it happens for a healthy mom, healthy baby outcome), here are some comfort measures to ease the pain: 

 

Sitz bath twice a day with sea salt or herbs

Make an ice pack out of a diaper – slit through the middle and fill with ice.  The diaper absorbs the melting ice and supplies the coolness.

Fill a gallon bag with four maxi-pads (the non-stick kind) and soak them with witch hazel – then freeze them.  Pull out to use as needed on the perineum

 

Our midwives also introduced us to some items you can find on-line: perineal packs and some amazing herbs that will help with healing.  You can find them at http://www.everythingbirth.com/Birth-Supplies.html

 

Disclaimer: 
The material included on this site is for informational purposes only.
It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. The reader should always consult her or his healthcare provider to determine the appropriateness of the information for their own situation.  Krystyna and Bruss Bowman and Bowman House, LLC accept no liability for the content of this site, or for the consequences of any actions taken on the basis of the information provided.  This blog contains information about our classes available in Chandler, AZ and Payson, AZ and is not the official website of The Bradley Method®. The views contained on this blog do not necessarily reflect those of The Bradley Method® or the American Academy of Husband-Coached Childbirth®.