make you less likely to tear or get an episiotomy

cause you to experience less stinging sensation during crowning

familiarize you with the stretching sensations of birth so you can more easily relax these muscles at birth

Massage gently!  Vigorous massage could cause bruising or swelling.

Do not massage if you have an active vaginal infection or herpes lesions.

Sit or lean back in a comfortable position.  (A warm bath or warm compresses on the perineum for 10 minutes before massage may help you relax.)

Put a water soluble lubricant (KY Jelly, olive oil, vegetable oil, Vit. E oil) on your thumbs and perineum.

     Place your thumbs 1 to 1 ½  inches inside your vagina.

Press downward towards the rectum and to the sides at the same time until a slight burning, stinging, or tingling sensation is felt

Hold the pressure for 2 minutes until the area becomes numb.

Breathe deeply and slowly and try to consciously relax the muscles.

Keep pressing down with your thumbs and slowly and gently massage back and forth over the sides of your vagina in a ‘U’ movement for 3 minutes (see figure).

Relax and repeat once.