Perineal Massage: helping you prepare for birth
In the final weeks or months of your pregnancy, you’re probably busy preparing for birth. Writing a birth plan, packing your hospital bag, reading books, taking a prenatal class, visualising your ideal birth, or going to special yoga classes… A perineal massage can also be part of those preparations. This type of massage focuses on your perineum: the small area of skin and muscle between your vagina and anus. By massaging it regularly with a perineal oil, the perineum becomes more supple – which can help during childbirth. Think of it as part of your preparation.
A perineal massage in the final weeks of pregnancy can help make the tissue more flexible and reduce the risk of tearing or needing an episiotomy. Research suggests it may also lessen discomfort during childbirth. Maternity nurse Delphine Petit also emphasizes that it supports recovery after delivery. A specially formulated oil with natural ingredients like jojoba and almond oil helps improve skin elasticity. After childbirth, once you are fully healed, the oil can also help relieve sensitivity or discomfort. Hygiene is essential: always make sure your hands are clean before applying the oil to this sensitive area.
What are the benefits of perineal massage?
Let’s be honest: a perineal massage is quite different from a traditional relaxation massage. Many women don’t find it particularly pleasant at first. But it does come with some benefits. By massaging your perineum, the tissue becomes more flexible. This allows it to stretch more easily during birth, which may reduce the chance of (less) tearing. Scientific research even suggests that perineal massage can lower the risk of tearing or needing an episiotomy, as well as intimate pain during delivery. According to postpartum carer Delphine Petit-Postma, it not only helps with pain and tearing, but also supports recovery after childbirth.
It can also feel reassuring to prepare your body in such a physical way. Birth has a big impact on your intimate skin, so giving this area a little extra care beforehand can be comforting.
"According to maternity nurse Delphine Petit-Postma, it not only helps with the pain and tearing, but also with recovery after childbirth."
When should you start massaging?
You can begin from week 34 of your pregnancy. For the best results, we recommend massaging your perineal skin for about 10 minutes each day.
How to massage your perineum
At first it might feel a little awkward, but perineal massage becomes easier once you prepare yourself. Make sure your hands are clean and your nails are trimmed. Just like with a traditional massage, creating a relaxed setting can help. Light a candle. Play some music. Find a comfortable position to sit or lie down—whatever feels best for you. Then follow these steps:
- Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before you begin.
- Apply a few drops of oil to your perineal skin (externally) and massage it in.
- Insert your thumbs about 2–4 cm into your vagina.
- Gently stretch the skin downwards towards your anus.
- Then move from left to right in a U-shape.
Hold each stretch for about 2 minutes, then release. You might feel some pressure or a mild tingling, but it shouldn’t be painful. If it does feel painful, try stretching more gently—or stop massaging altogether.
Letting your partner massage your perineum
If you find perineal massage difficult to do yourself, your partner can also help. The steps remain the same, but instead of using thumbs, your partner massages with their index fingers. Communication is key here: let them know if a stretch feels too intense, or if you don’t feel anything at all. This can be a special way to prepare for birth together.
Choosing the right perineal oil
For a perineal massage, it’s best to use a specially formulated oil. Our oil (coming soon) is gynecologically tested and made with soothing ingredients of 100% natural origin, such as jojoba oil, sweet almond oil and calendula extract. These ingredients help improve skin elasticity, making the oil perfect for massaging your perineal skin.
Using perineal oil during your postpartum period
To support the recovery of your intimate skin, you can also use our oil (coming soon) in your postpartum period. This is safe once any stitches or wounds have fully healed (do not use the oil on open wounds). Gently apply the oil to your perineal skin and vulva to help relieve feelings of tightness, sensitivity, itchiness, or discomfort.
An essential tip: hygiene is key. Always make sure your hands are perfectly clean before using our product, to avoid infections in this intimate and sensitive area.
