In this document, I provide the education and techniques needed to do perineal massage in preparation for labor and delivery.  

Perineal massage is a technique used to massage the perineum while preparing for labor and delivery, reduce the risk of severe tears during delivery, as well as a method for reducing tension and pain from perineal tearing postpartum. This can be done with both direct and indirect techniques depending on your comfort level and unique situation.

During pregnancy the goal is to create a connection with the part of your body, the perineum, which will go through a phase of stretching during delivery. It might also create some more flexibility in the tissue itself, but in my experience, the importance here is training your body and nervous system to let go when pressure is applied to the perineum. Something that can be quite useful during labor. This can be done around 35 weeks gestation and if cleared with your provider.

*Do not perform perineal massage if you are experiencing severe pain, bleeding, active infection, on pelvic rest or bed rest.