Hygiene tips and creating a relaxing environment before starting

  • Firstly, you’ll want to thoroughly wash your hands and ensure your nails are short and smooth

  • Select a quiet, warm and private space. You may wish to use extra cushions to prop you up for support

Choosing an Oil for Perineal Massage

  • Using a small amount of oil can make perineal massage much more comfortable, helping your fingers to glide over tissues

  • You’ll want to use an oil that is unscented, gentle on sensitive skin, nourishing and moisturising and suitable for intimate use. You have a couple of options when it comes to choosing an oil to use.

    1 - You can choose between natural oils

    Olive Oil

    Coconut Oil

    Jojoba Oil

    Grapeseed Oil

    Avocado Oil

    2 - Alternatively, you can choose to buy a oil specifically designed for perineal massage. Here are a few examples with links

Weleda Perineum Oil
Expert Midwife Peri Prep Oil
Mummy's Organic Perineal Oil

The Technique

  • Take a few slow breaths and allow your shoulders, jaw, bottom and pelvic floor to soften and relax

  • Take a few slow breaths and allow your shoulders, jaw, bottom and pelvic floor to soften.

  • Place one or both thumbs around 2–3cm inside the vagina.

  • Press gently downwards towards the anus and outwards to the sides. You are aiming for a stretching or tingling sensation, not pain.

  • Hold this gentle stretch for around 1–2 minutes while breathing slowly.

  • Then massage the lower part of the vaginal opening in a gentle U-shape movement, sweeping from one side, down towards the anus, and up to the other side.

  • Continue for around 2–3 minutes.

  • Keep focusing on softening and relaxing the perineum. Try not to clench against the sensation. Use your breathing to help you release.

  • Stop if it feels painful, if you feel sore afterwards, or if anything doesn’t feel right.