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Perineal Massage Guide If you re reading this then you potentially know that pushing a watermelon sized human can take a toll on your vagina more A perineal massage is a gentle way to help prepare the tissue area between the vagina and rectum for childbirth overall soften the blow

GET TO KNOW YOURSELF Perineum tissue area between your vaginal opening and your anus Vagina Perineum Vulva Rectum WHEN TO START MASSAGING Consult your healthcare provider regarding when you should start massage and how often you should do it No matter how often you choose to do it your total massage time shouldn t exceed 5 minutes a session Starting at weeks 34 36 of pregnancy you can begin prepping the tissue around the perineum to encourage a smoother final stretch during birth Frequency around 3 4 times a week Duration no more than 3 5 minutes WARNING PRECAUTIONS Consult your healthcare provider regarding when you should could start performing the massage and how often you should do it Do not perform a perineal massage if you have a vaginal infection yeast infection thrush genital herpes or any other vaginal infections Speak with your healthcare provider if you experience pain discomfort burning itching The Frida Mom Stretch Prep Balm is not a lubricant for use when trying to conceive Stop use and consult a healthcare provider if extreme pain or irritation occurs Avoid contact on broken skin For external use only Keep out of reach of children

BEFORE YOU START Check in before you start Consult your healthcare provider regarding when you should could start performing the massage and how often you should do it Wash prep your hands Wash thoroughly using a mild soap trim your nails Filing your nails into a short oval shape helps reduce the chance of scratching yourself Get into position Find a position that allows you to comfortably safely reach your perineum Such as lying down on your back sitting against a wall with your knees bent towards your chest squatting against a wall or even standing up in the bathroom with one leg propped on the bathtub toilet Additional support At the beginning you might want to use a mirror to get familiar with yourself ensure you re massaging the proper area pillows partners are welcome too Get in the mood A 10 minute bath or warm compress may help relax and loosen up the muscles that surround your perineum Dim the lights light a candle take some deep calming breaths to get in the right mindset RECOMMENDED POSITIONS Lying in bed propped up on pillows knees bent Squatting against the wall

LET S GET STARTED Tip Take a warm bath beforehand to relax the muscles yourself Step 1 Wash your hands using a mild soap and make sure your nails are trimmed Step 2 Get into a position that you feel comfortable in and allows you to reach your perineum Find an area that is clean and private and where you re safe from falls Step 3 Apply a pea sized amount of Stretch Prep Balm and massage onto your fingers and apply it to the perineum to soften the surrounding tissue Step 4 Start by using your fingers or thumbs to massage no more than an inch past the inner edge of the perineum and the lower vaginal wall Massage from the side of the vaginal opening down to the bottom of the opening You can use either or both thumbs your index or middle fingers or two fingers on each hand Step 5 Gently maintain a steady pressure massage upwards along the sides of the vaginal wall in a U type motion Your total massage time shouldn t exceed 5 minutes a session