𝙀𝙧𝙞𝙣 | 𝙈𝙞𝙙𝙬𝙞𝙛𝙚 · 𝙃𝙮𝙥𝙣𝙤𝙗𝙞𝙧𝙩𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙜 · 𝙋𝙧𝙚𝙣𝙖𝙩𝙖𝙡 𝙔𝙤𝙜𝙖

Most people think the point of perineal massage is simply to stretch the tissues.

And yes, that is one of the benefits. It can help improve tissue flexibility and reduce resistance.

But there’s another reason I encourage it, and I actually think it’s just as important.

That stretching, burning, slightly intense sensation you feel?

That’s very similar to the sensation of crowning as your baby’s head is close to being born.

When your body experiences an unfamiliar sensation, it’s much more likely to tense against it.

But when you’ve practised sitting with that feeling, breathing through it and consciously softening, you’re teaching your nervous system that this sensation isn’t something to fear.

You’re making the unfamiliar feel familiar.

Birth isn’t just about learning information.

It’s about preparing your mind, body and nervous system to respond in a way that supports the physiological process.

That’s what I mean when I say birth preparation is embodiment, not just education.

You don’t just suddenly know how to soften in the biggest moment of your life.

You practise it beforehand, one breath at a time 🤍

I’ve already shared a reel on exactly how to do perineal massage, when to start, and the best positions to use, so have a little scroll through my page if you want the practical how-to 💛

Follow @empoweredwitherin for evidence-informed preparation that supports your mind, body and nervous system for birth and beyond ✨

Midwife | Hypnobirthing | Pregnancy | Birth Preparation | Labour | Perineal Massage