Trauma to the perineum during birth can be in the form of a spontaneous perineal tear or an episiotomy. The chance of having a perineal tear range from 30-85% and is more common in a woman having her first baby.

Perineal massage involves stretching the vaginal tissues towards the end of pregnancy to relax and improve circulation to the tissues, increase elasticity and desensitise women to the burning sensation and pain during labour and enabling easier pushing for the woman. Therefore, reducing trauma to the perineum and vagina and decreasing the episiotomy rate in women having their first baby.

So why and how is perineal massage performed?

Does your baby wake up more at night that during the day?

This is so normal, but frustrating right - here are some things that you can do to help baby learn the difference between night and day…